Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bogey666]

how many months prior to expiration of one's contract does the school ask you to decide whether you'll re-sign or not?

I'm at the halfway point and it's already been expressed to me that they'd love for me to stay - but my answer always is I'll get around to making that decision when it's time.

when will be that time - so called "decision" time?

If I decide to stay in Korea odds are I'll stick around where I am, despite being too far away from Seoul and a social scene one can appreciate (here it's akin to working on a science project in Antarctica)

but it's hard to beat being well treated and having absolutely zero co teacher and other issues etc at work. (and getting full winter and summer vacations off)

I'm guessing say... around 8-9 month time?

the other question is regarding the extra resigning vacation. 2 weeks, right?

is that taken at end of contract OR is it to be taken during the time your school is off for their summer or winter vacation?

[VanIslander]

at the 9-10 month mark in my experience is the time to negotiate... the longer you wait, the more leverage you have

make your contract demand straightforward and simple

i like to use the language of need:
"i want to re-sign but I NEED a month off between contracts" (used that after year one and two at my first hagwon)
and
"i want to re-sign but i NEED a 200,000 won raise per month" (after year two at second hagwon)
and
"i want to re-sign but I NEED fridays off"(after year one at second hagwon, got it for a couple of months)

such demands have worked for me (each used at a different time). simple easy and direct. take it or leave it, in a firm but pleasant manner.

[jellobean]

There are limits, but you can definitely negotiate certain things like taking your extra 2 weeks in conjunction with vacation time during the break. Your school will like you for that. Just make sure that if you delay (rather than take in advance) that it is in writing.

[Juke John]

What even makes you think they'll ask you to re-sign? You may be lucky and they will, or maybe not. I guess you haven't read my other thread.

I was well over nine months into my contract, and thinking about what I should ask for when contract time came up. After all, I was a good theacher and everyone loved me. I was happy.

Lo and behold, one co-teacher, who just began a couple of months earlier, decides not to like me. She made my life hell after that, principal did not offer to renew, and I was screwed. Read the thread for more detail.

[ttompatz]

You should get notice and the paperwork done about 60 days prior to your end date.

If you are a spring extension then the "home leave" is usually the last 2 weeks before the start of the new term.

IF you are a summer / fall extension then your "home leave" should be at the end of the summer break.

It will occur when there are NO classes scheduled.

It is 2 calendar weeks for the extra time off.
It IS with pay.

You get your airfare reimbursed within 2 weeks of your return to Korea if you bought your own tickets (as per the clause in the contract).

.

[Chamchiman]

[bogey666]