Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Miles Rationis]

I just found out some major bullshit.

I stayed on for another year to earn more than I was my first year, which I am doing, 2.1. (First Year 2.0)

This was under the assumption that other people in their first year would be making 2.0, right?

It's their first year after all. I put in a whole year before them and save Mr. Kim over 3.0 million won for stayng on. But what do I find out? They are also making 2.1 and they in their first year. What the *beep* kind of bullshit is this? I am debating what I should do. Should I just be quiet about it and let it fester or raise the issue because it is unjust bullshit. I should be making 2.2, period, not the same as people in their first year. Fucking bs...so I truly stayed on for nothing and no reason. It is just such a headache and problem dealing with my *beep* boss and I have no garantee of winning.

Any advice....?

[VanIslander]

I have two immediate reactions:

(1) Things people will do for a 100 bucks.

(2) A misplaced sense of injustice: raises are NOT standard in this industry, you got the raise in pay you wanted but thought it symbolized more than it does.

Didn't you know that many newbies got 2.2 million on their first contract last year? The reason is supply and demand (salary reflects economics) as the labour market dictated a higher offer was needed as the March 2006 influx to public schools tapped into the hagwons for teachers. I saw over a hundred job ads for 2.2 mill then and i chose a job which gave fridays off for 2.5 (though I have a CELTA, my experience wasn't so much what they were looking for).

What was your alternative? If it was to leave Korea then simply leave. The fact is that you gave your word and signed a contract, why, because you were looking for and think you got respect for your work from your employer? Seriously, you gotta re-think what your paycheque represents in your employment situation.

This is not a practical problem, it's a matter of perspective. Your employer did nothing wrong.

[Zyzyfer]

Insane! Stick it to the man!

[nobbyken]

I got 2.1 at Gepik on my first (last) year: because I got 100 hours of TEFL training.
Maybe they have similar?

100k a month is about 1,300 won a day.
How much resentment is that worth? ( The devil want's you to be bitter and angry)
Nothing to get too upset about.
Just spend 1.5K less than them each day, and you will be better financial position.

[Miles Rationis]

[crazy tigger]

If the money is an issue then look around, I started on 2.3 as a newbie with no celta. If thedirector was desperate then they would have been in a good position to negotiate, maybe you should have negotiated harder? Shown your director all the job adds for 2.2+ and asked for at leastthe same.

[Miles Rationis]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Many Koreans seem to have no idea how insulting this looks. If anything, they'll probably think that you'll work better 'in harmony' if you're all getting the same salary.

[matthews_world]

Shoulda come on this board earlier.

It's pretty much all on you. You didn't ask the right questions.

It's kinda funny, actually.

[twg]

A hagwon owner will do anything to keep their profit margin. Lowballing you on the salary is one of the most common tactics they use.

[Unposter]

Yeah OP, there is a lot of good advice here.

It is up to you if you want to make an issue of it or not, and I would say you probably do because you brought it up.

But just remember that your boss might not want to hear what you have to say. He might say something like you signed a contract and a contract is a contract. They signed a contract and it is their contract and it is non of your business.

My guess, unless your boss, is quite enlightened, you are going to have to be prepared to play hardball to get any concession, which might ruin your relationship with your boss or even get you fired or your boss look for your first mistake and take issue with you over it.

You may want to think of a compromise. Like some other compensation such as first choice of what and when you teach or something else that is important to you.

But, by all means, talk directly to him about her feelings about the situation. It is usually better to be out in the open than to stew about things.

Good luck!

[buymybook]

Should you be asking your co-workers how much they make?

[Miles Rationis]

[aarontendo]

hope to Odin?

By Odin's beard that's simply madness!

[Miles Rationis]