Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dp3000]

I just accepted an offer to work at a hagwon.

I have 2 years previous experience in a different hagwon but no certs/MA education.

They offered me 2.5 million, plus 6 weeks paid vacation (2 of which I can choose dates for). M-F 4-10:30. 120 classes a month. 25,000 OT. And they will let me choose the location of my apartment.

Wanting to avoid the nightmare of applying for a new visa, I accepted the offer on the spot so I can begin the transfer process.

Now I'm having 2nd thoughts, figuring I should have bargained for 2.6 or 2.7. My previous salary was 2.4.

Should I have asked for more money, or is this a fair deal?

[Kimchieluver]

All things considered it sounds reasonable. 100,000 is the standard rate for re-contracting. You should have tried to negotiate a little higher (one should always try to negotiate for higher), but hindsight is 20/20. 6 weeks vacation (paid) is a sweet deal. The classes are a bit high, but livable. All in all, if you like the place, I would say it is a good deal.

[Otherside]

Sounds like a sweet deal.
6 weeks vacation is really generous - ESPECIALLY for a hagwon.
4-10:30pm isn't too bad, only 6.5 hours at work, but a 10:30 finish is a bit late (though i'd personally prefer these hours to a regular 9-5). The number of classes seem high but not excessive.
Salary seems pretty fair/generous.

Compare this to the ton of jobs on the job board which are looking for an experienced North American female teacher with an education degree - and offer 2.2 and 10 days vacation.

[Mi Yum mi]

Don't bother working Ot with an OT rate like that. If yo like the schoola nd you have a good history it sounds good for a hagwon. 6 weeks is sweet at a hagwon.

[dp3000]

I'm actually switching hagwons so I'm not exactly sure what I'm getting involved in.

I've seen the curriculum and was impressed. The director seemed very nice and accommodating to my situation (I can't start until June).

But I can't help but feel like I jumped the gun by committing without thinking on it. I haven't actually signed a contract - the deal is in principal only. The contract will be drawn up next week.

Do you think it is too late now to ask for 2.6? Or would that be bad business? Can I say, "I've had time to think about it, and although I appreciate your offer, I don't think I can work that many hours for anything less than 2.6. "

I'm worried that once I get there the hours will be more like 3-11 instead of 4-1030. Would it be appropriate for me to say that I've thought about it and if in fact the hours are more (not just classes but hours there), I would need a higher base salary?

This is really the first time I've negotiated a contract here and I don't want to get off on the wrong foot, but I don't want to sell myself short with my level of experience.

Can I go back and renegotiate something I already agreed to but didn't sign and not lose face or is too late?

Thanks for the feedback.

[Dome Vans]

Dp3000, if you've not signed the contract then there's nothing to worry about. At the moment it's a verbal agreement. The pay might be high and the other aspects might slot in as well and sound pretty sweet, but wait until you get the contract and post it here and get someone to look over it.

The school might promise these but to have it in a written binding contract is another thing all together. Schools have been known to lure people in with a few lies here and there. It will also have your working day in black and white for you as well.

Wait and see.