Korean Job Discussion Forums

americannomad · Joined: 09 May 2008

I have been teaching at a private school part-time since March. I like the school. I am treated well. They are very accomodating. But, my hours vary week to week. My contract states I will teach "up to" 18 hours per week. I am only paid for what I teach. One week, they will cancel classes on different days due to school trips, field trips etc. I usually don't find out in advance. It is getting frustrating going out to the school for what I think will be the start of my day only to find out 3 classes are cancelled and I now have 2 hours to wait. My income is flucuating a lot.

I also do not have a "school calendar". It appears that, other than the recognized National holidays, the school doesn't know when they will be closed for additional days.

Is this the "norm"? I have discussed this with the school. I am left with the impression that nothing will change.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 10:36 pm Post subject:

No, it's not the norm... you should be on salary. Rolling Eyes

Is it a 'private' public school, or a hogwan?

skconqueror · Joined: 31 Jul 2005

Do you have an E-2 visa through this school?

mountainous · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Location: Los Angeles

It is extremely common for hakwons to screw teachers over, particularly when it comes to salary..there is almost always a dispute over money. Hakwon bosses are creative when it comes to making excuses for refusing to pay salary.

Your hakwon is wasting your time...one option is to call the hakwon before you leave your apartment. Ask the hakwon if classes are ON for the day. It sounds like a crappy job, just being honest, good luck.

americannomad · Joined: 09 May 2008

It is a private elementary school. I am paid by the class (40 minutes). If the classes get cancelled, no money! It is getting a little frustrating.

americannomad · Joined: 09 May 2008

I do have an E-2 Visa. Because I am part-time, it was my responsibilty to cover all the expenses related to it (Visa cost, helath check, and criminal records check).

I will admit, I was naive about this whole situation.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 11:02 pm Post subject:

So... probably no pension or national health insurance coverage (as well as being 'paid by the hour').

You're being used!

Is it an 'after school' program?

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

You must have signed a god-awful contract.

You should be on salary. There should be no way you're being penalized for your institution canceling classes for extracurricular activities.

That being said...the key phrase I'm noticing in your original post.....you are working part-time at this institution...is that correct??

This is not full-time employment...and this particular employer did not sponsor your visa...is that correct??

If the above statements are true...and please, correct me if my assumptions aren't accurate...then you may in fact be subject to these situations with your employer.

I don't mean to sound holier than thou with this follow up statement...nonetheless...here it goes....you are also working illegally.

Again...please correct me if my assumptions are wrong...you may have in fact had this second employer added to your ARC through legal means, and in that case, the situation as well as my responses would be different...but if you did not...you are working illegally.

Do you really expect an employer who is knowingly employing you under an illegal pretense to be reputable enough to offer you consistency?

Anyhow....good luck!!

americannomad · Joined: 09 May 2008

BINGO! No National Health Insurance (although that wasn't an issue for me as I am covered via a private plan). No paid national Holidays, no paid sick time.

As for subs, they are paid by the school. I just have to secure the sub.

americannomad · Joined: 09 May 2008

I am working part-time. That is what I was contracted for. This is my only job. I paid all visa fees, and the school is listed on my Visa as the sponor.

I am not sure I see what would be illegal about this.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 11:19 pm Post subject:

Ooops... I missed the words "part-time" in the first sentence of the original post.

You're screwed!

It's not illegal... so you can either 'suck it up' for a year, or start negotiating an early exit on good terms (get a LOR) to allow you to get a 'real' job.

americannomad · Joined: 09 May 2008

I am considering the "early release" option. Since "they" (the school) paid nothing for me, I owe them nothing ($$) in return.

Sadly, I really enjoy the kids I teach and the teachers I work with. I just find the lack of consistency frustrating. But, the "up to" 18 hours a week is the contract. Lessons learned...the hard way.

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

It's definitely not normal but you agreed to and signed the contract filled with KY jelly.

I hate to say this to you but you are being rimmed with your full permission.

americannomad · Joined: 09 May 2008

Ramen- You are correct. Lessons learned...the hard way

DongtanTony · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Bundang

It would in fact be illegal if this were your second employer...especially if it was not added to your ARC card...and knowingly agreed to and contracted through your original visa sponsor.

You don't fit into that category americannomad.

It sounds like this school sponsored your visa...paying for your own visa application, ARC, and medical check however, is not uncommon. Some schools assist in paying those fees...many do not...that includes full-time employment.

If you signed a contract for hourly remuneration with no protections when the institute cancels classes....you're screwed.

I agree with cruisemonkey whole heartedly....negotiate an amicable exit from this place...get your letter of release...go find a better job.

You may have personal reasons or situations where you prefer part-time employment....but this school sounds ridiculous...get out while you can.