Korean Job Discussion Forums

steven g · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Location: seoul

I have been based in suwon in my first teaching post in korea - am very happy, got good korean co-workers, work average or 26 hours a week with earliest start 2.30 pm, teach great kids and have a massive apartment paid for with two fellow teachers. am not wholly here for the money, but judging by other posts o this board, are me and my fellow ex-pat teachers getting low pay with 1.8 million a month - personally i think i;ve got a really good deal ! Rolling Eyes

another old hand vet · Joined: 23 Jan 2003

If I understand you correctly, you are sharing an apartment with 2 other foreigners and you're getting 1.8. You stated 26 hours for your workweek, but I don't understand if that's 26 classes or just the amount of time you work.

My advice: SAVE YOUR MONEY !!!!!!!!

What you might think is fine today might not be so fine tomorrow.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2003 6:50 pm Post subject:

Yea, I'd think you've got a good deal too, but there's plenty of people who are more than willing to tell you you're getting scammed.

My take is that the difference between 1.8 and 2.0 is enough to consider negotiating over, but not enough to pass up a great job over. You can buy a laptop with the extra money, but I wouldn't go nuts to ensure I got it.

Also, being in your first year, 1.8 seems great, yes it does.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

1.8 is not bad if you are only teaching 26 hours a week. I am teaching 30 for the same money. If it's a good job then count your blessings. Those are definately not easy to come by. My job ranges from really horrible to OK at times, leaning more to the bad side. I get a free house to myself, but the utilities can be expensive. Heating oil has gotten a might costly, so if you are sharing a place and you get along with your room-mates you are way ahead of the game.
By the sound of your post, it seems that you have only just started there. It will be interesting to hear what you think of the place after a few months.
Good luck
Some dumb redneck

IconsFanatic · Joined: 19 Jan 2003

1.8 and a great working environment would beat 2.0 and dealing with crap each and every day.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

I would say if you are happy with your 'owner' and like the hours you keep, and your housemates are cool, then you have it good. Life isn't all about money. That said, what might upset this good balance you have going for you? When you think this through, such as a new housemate or or any change in your working hours, then you will know your answer.

Captain Obvious 2.0 · Joined: 09 Jan 2003

What's your value as a teacher?

If you're packing the classroom with students, everyone is happy, and the parents are saying you're the best teacher in the world, ask for a very large raise.

Basically it comes down to money. If the other two teachers making 1.8 have 5 students per class while you, being the super teacher, have 8 students per class and everyone loves you, then you should ask for 60% more. If you average 10 students per class, 100% more.

For one class I had 21 students while the school average was 6, you would be correct if you assumed I made thick coin. Though we did divide the class in half eventually to make two classes.

So what do you think you're worth?

Rand Al Thor · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Locked in an epic struggle

Don't listen to Captain Obvious 2.0...

If you do you may be out of a job and honestly money isn't everything. I'm quite happy with my job even though the pay is low. I have great conditions, respect from administration, and quality teaching. I have no BS to deal with. peace of mind counts much more than money.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Well, for me I guess I'm worth 1.8. If and when I become a super teacher I suppose I can demand more. Compaired to Mexico, ($300/month), 1.8 is rollin in the dough! Yeeehawww!!!!!!!!!
Happy trails to ya.
Some dumb redneck

Zyzyfer · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2003 4:58 am Post subject:

Squaffy · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: All over the place

My contract is for 2.0M, 30hrs/wk, Pvt appt., airline ticket paid for and in hand now. I'm very happy with the deal. Just hope the Director is as good as the help and advice already shown. Cool

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

I agree with most posters. Money does not buy happiness, although if you add it up, it is alot of money.

200,000x12= 2,400,000 Won lost in a year.

But aside the money, if you're enjoying it, good on you!

Arthur Fonzerelli · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Location: Suwon

1.8 is not that bad for a first year teacher living in Suwon (cost of living may be a tad bit lower than Seoul)....

Work hard, learn your new trade well and ask for more money next year.

You'll be proud to know you deserve the raise...

The Fonz

tomek1 · Joined: 19 Jan 2008

1.8 is pretty low. Depends what you want.

Bryan · Joined: 29 Oct 2007