Korean Job Discussion Forums

[potin14p]

I have a dilemma! I currently earn 2.3m, and I love my job. Management is okay, my colleagues are great, and I am used to the split shifts. I also live 5 mins away from work.

HOWEVER, (and its a big however), a big chuck of my pay (w600,000) disappears every month on rent, and the school is not prepared to negotiate on the measly rental allowance.

Should i leave this job, and try find another one where I pay no rent, or much less rent? What if a new job turns out to be crap?
Should I stay with this job, and try get out of my 12 month lease, and move to a cheaper place?

What do you think? Any constructive advice is appreciated.

[anyangoldboy]

Get out of your lease. Sometime the landlord is pretty understanding. Either that or start doing some privates to make up for the difference

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Where do you work-Direct English or something similar?

[atomic42]

2.3 for a split shift and 600 in rent each month? You can do far better by asking around and getting a decent schedule, included flat with a good location.

Run, don't walk. You're being used and abused with that salary and those those hours and conditions.

[Optimus Prime]

You're making 1.7 and doing splits? Are you illegal? Phillipine? I haven't met a person since I've been here for 2 years that makes as little as you do.

[jajdude]

It's good you love your job. More $$ would be nice. The school doesn't provide housing or allowance? How many more months in your contract?

I'd be a bit hesitant to leave a job I loved just for more money, possibly ending up in a job I hate. Even careful people wind up with lousy deals sometimes.

[cbclark4]

Your pay breaks down to 10625KRW per hour based on a 40hr work week.

In USD that is about $10.62/hr.

Good luck on your next job.

[Funky Chunk]

I think I'd keep an eye out for better options. It's a risk giving up a job you enjoy, but there are other good jobs available. As for your colleagues, you don't have to stop socializing with them just because you no longer work with them, especially if you find new employment in or near your current area.

[potin14p]

all true. I hate that after rent, my pay is so so so low. I'm supposed to be saving money, and yet is really difficult. but i'm worried about ending up in a bad job. I am only 3 months into my contract , so i'll wait another 3 so that I don't have to pay back my airfare. then i'll try find another job.
the other problem is my lease, its for 12 months. I can break the lease, but I run the risk of having to pay rent if they don't get another tenant.

as for staying at this job, and finding a cheaper apartment, I'd have to cover the key money and the deposit, and thats financially impossible.

[The Perfect Cup of Coffee]

[Boodleheimer]

can't you talk with your employer about it? i can't believe they're not giving you any housing allowance. after 3 months, i should think you have proved yourself a good employee (if, of course, you are).

[cbclark4]

[potin14p]

the school I work for is a huge big company. I am sure they're well aware the housing allowance they offer is a pittance. And I'm equally as sure that they're not going to change their policy. They must employ over 50 or 60 teachers , multiply that by a reasonable W400,000 a month, = less money for the director.
Other employees have suggested that making a fuss will do nothing at all, in fact it might get me fired. When I DO leave (which I am determined to do) I will however make it clear exactly why I am leaving.

[Boodleheimer]

[twg]

600,000 a month?

Unless you're in one of the rich areas of town, or in a fancy apartment, they're ripping you off and pocketing the difference.