Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kiddirts · Joined: 25 Jul 2003

My same boss who wanted to pay me 1.3 when he couldn't fill my schedule with enough classes to total 120 hours (we eventually settled for 2.0) got mad when my class was over and I left at 6:30 when he originally wanted me to stay and tutor until 7:30...but hey, I was up to 128 hours on the 31st...he has me work 30 hours a week, but when you work weekends, monthly hours sometimes total 130...and according to my contract, I'm supposed to get 30,000 won overtime for anything past 120...getting that extra money would be like drawing water from a stone, So I left instead of sitting around working for an hour that I wouldn't get paid for. When I told him it was "f-ed up" and to go shove the job, he lightened up...then he said, in February when there's 28 days, do you want me to pay you 2.6? In the contract it says "minimum monthly payment regardless of the amount of hours worked is 2.6" Just thought I'd share...any comments?

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

2.6 minimum? Wow! Actually geting that? Well ........ Korea......

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

This is not directed at the original poster; only to those if the shoe fits. Come on now; no one can use you unless you let them. One of the problems in korea is the low salaries and teaching many classes a day. Yet, no one forces anyone to agree to such stupid terms! Why teachers are signing bad contracts is beyond reason! And they went to college?!?!
When one factors in the exchange rate, the wages are low, period. Unless you come from a country where your currency is weaker than the korean Won. But still.... 2.6 is fair. That's what, 2 grand U.S.? Housing? The school loses no money. Housing is paid in full up front and the money is returned to the person who put up the money at the end of the housing contract.
Universities are about the best gig around in korea. 15-20 classes a week, if that, 8-16 weeks paid vacation, starting around 2.0. I know a few teachers who teach 12 hours a week! 4 months paid vacation!
But hokwons? Nothing wrong with hokwons, it's the hokwon owner that's the problem. I suppose though that if one is happy with their school, wages and hours then who can tell them different? But until we all stop signing bad contracts, it won't get better. If you do sign a contract and it turns out bad, suck it up and finish the year. Do your best, give the idiot hokwon owner no reason to complain about you and make sure that everyone knows the school name and the owners name when you leave. If the school can't get teachers, their business WILL fold! That's revenge!
In the mean time, make connections, "hobnob," and open doors for a better position. That's the ONLY way in korea to land a decent position. It's who you know. You know someone who knows someone who knows someone. Trying to get along at your school and keep the boss happy is fine and dandy but you can bet one thing, that boss/school owner WILL NOT remember you when times go bad!

Squid · Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Location: Sunny Anyang

It sounds like you have an all-round Mickey Mouse contract. First a post on a clause you renegotiated, now this.
If I were you I'd sit down with the Wongjangnim sometime you have a spare hour and go through exactly what you think the contract says, then let him have his say. Clause by clause. You'd need a native K-speaker with you.
Get it sorted.

Squid

endofthewor1d · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Location: the end of the wor1d.

FUBAR · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: The Y.C.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

You're getting 2.6, for 120 hours, and still complaining and refusing to help out with an extra hour. Get a grip, and stop being so greedy. Be grateful for what you have. I know of some people on 1.7, 120 hours, and unpaid preparation time!!! Count your blessings, and get a good attitude.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

I thought he was getting 2.0. Which makes his job a fairly average deal with an obnoxious boss. Welcome to Korea, kiddrts.

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

What, in real terms, is the difference between 2.2 and 2.6 if you are an established EFL adult teacher? Your hakwon that pays 2.2 is the reputable one, and the hakwon that pays 2.6 is likely the guy who promises everything to get you to sign and doesn't deliver. The fact is that you are better off going with a lower paying established hakwon and having the security, while you operate in the biggest EFL Market in the world per capita. Your hakwon wages are neither here nor there, you should concern yourself with the working hours (allowing yourself enough free time), and the status of the people you are teaching. If you are a good teacher and hard working, Korea is there for the taking. Stay away from the independant mom and pop hakwon. You are the one the owner is going to squeeze when things start to go badly.

Kiddirts · Joined: 25 Jul 2003

The 2.6 is fine and dandy...BUT...
I have to work Saturdays...(2pm-8 pm)
I have NO PAID VACATIONS...
I have to WORK ALL HOLIDAYS...
I get NO SEVERANCE PAY at the end...
I GET NO RETURN TICKET...

all of the above works into the fact that my monthly pay is a bit higher, but at what cost?

Kyrei · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Why did you sign such a contract inthe first place? It sounds hellish.

Kyrei