Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Howard Roark]

As some of you already know, I have that coveted company set-up. One on one execs, 8am-3pm. It is a great job. Getting paid (quite well) to do next to nothing isn't an opportunity that comes by often.

So, call me crazy...but I really miss my old job teaching kids. Last year I worked at a great hagwan. Apartment and pay were average, but the kids loved me, there were other teachers and staff to talk to during prep hours, sleeping in, staying up late, games, gifts and food from parents, hugs from students screaming your name...gosh I miss it.

I went back to that hagwan for a visit last week. It made me kind of sad. But it was great to see all the students smiling and running after me! Sometimes I wish I had never left there.

So, anyone else have an old school they miss, or wish they could go back to? Would you take a pay cut to go back?

[katydid]

I sometimes wish I could teach the little ones again. I just think they have a lot more personality and a spark that you certainly can not get with uni students or adults.
Kids are fun, but I like my work schedule though. I'm not sure if I would ever go back to a hagwan just cause I like working only 20 hours a week and having a decent bit of vacation too.
But I understand what you mean. At a hagwan, it's easier to talk with your co-workers. You're mainly crowded into one room, and it's also easier to make Korean friends through your co-workers or their friends.

[kangnamdragon]

Maybe you are crazy....I'd take the higher salary and the office job over the hagwon.

[William Beckerson]

Kiddy hagwon work allows me to not have to wear a tie. Or as I like to call it:
"That stupid fucking Satan's yoke piece of shit fabric that I have no idea why it would become manditory clothing, nor can I understand the mental *beep*-up who thinks they're conductive to getting your fucking job done."

But maybe that's just me.

[BTM]

[rapier]

verdict: Not crazy.
I've taught the full range of Koreans- and the kids are generally more fun. So long as you're working at a well organised hagwon, teaching the little ones can be a blast. Some of those kids are so cute and sweet, they just make your day when they ask to help you or carry your books..
By contrast the adults can be interesting but there is often far more in the way of fussiness and politics going on, especially in group teaching. They have all sorts of different expectations and are easilly upset or dissapointed. Plus theres all those invitations to drink soju etc to deal with. Tricky. One on one with execs could well be drawn out and draining.
Sounds like you need a raucous game of blindfold/touch again.

[Medic]

Know what you mean. You could look around for some part time work with young kids. I don't get anywhere near the satisfaction from my university students that I do from my part time work with the littlees. I also work part time at a Uchiwon(kindergarden), and it makes my day to teach them. They're like sponges willing to soak up anything you can give them, and that is just so very satisfying.