Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kasain]

I have a question. I been here a year. I do like the country and teaching. I have been learning about sword fighting and fighting. I teach esl at a private school.


My question though is in dec my contract comes up. My boss would like me to stay. But I dont know. I seen the won go from 900- to almost 1500 won. It will prob stay between 1400-1600 the next six months or year.

So after taxes , you make 1000 US dollars to 1200. Big pay decrease with the year. I debating should I apply for public schools? I know they pay mrop ethen 2m a month.

I came here to travel and see the world, So i also dont know, maybe its time to see China, Japan, or a different country as well.

I do feel sorry for new teachers who do come and they dont chech teh rate and are sad to know they earn sol ittle. I known a few to do midnight runs.

[nolegirl]

I make 2.5 and do things on the side. I take it as I make 2.-2.3 on my exchange rate. Ask for more moeny or get out. Tell them you want more and if they don't give it to you then find a new job or leave

[Jarome_Turner]

Stay.

[soviet_man]

I'd say "extend" for 6 months until mid-2009.

Don't sign up for a full year.

Then see how things are looking.

If things are tanking you have an exit strategy - similarly if it is all going well you could stay on furhter.

[MrRogers]

With the state of the exchange rate, it doesn't matter even if you teach at a public school. I have lost about $600 or more on the exchange.

Money is the factor; things will continue this way and so if you don't want to work for $1000 a month, I would say leave.

Yes, go to Japan.

[mistermasan]

"If things are tanking..."

like now?

what is your back up plan? if you have plan B by all means dust it off yesterday and get gone today.

[blaseblasphemener]

Are things really any better back in the Phillipines?

[livinginkunsan]

Go, run now.

[EzeWong]

The vetrans I know have told me the won really acts in cycles like this. So delay returning to your home country until the exchange rate is acceptable. It's the same thing with stocks. Stocks have up and downs. It doesn't matter what happens in the between time. The only time that matters is when you enter and when you exit.

So delay your exit until it's reached an acceptable amount. I understand you have bills to pay at home. I'm in the same sinking boat. I have $1000 usd that needs to pay off another 10 months of $350 monthly payments. I'm holding off exchanging as long as possible though. It's tough but the more you worry, the more likely you are to make a bad move.