Korean Job Discussion Forums

[michaelambling]

A hagwon has just offered me 50k/hr. to teach literature courses. It's an independent contractor deal, so I'd get no severance,all holidays are unpaid, and I'd have to pay for my own apartment and medical insurance.

The thought of making 6 million a month makes me slobber on my keyboard, but I have another offer with a flat and two months' holiday. Sure, it pays about half, but less teaching time is involved, too.

Opinions?

[bassexpander]

Do it.

[SharkDiver]

Be aware that you may get fewer hours than you anticipate so your monthly income may be less.

[yingwenlaoshi]

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

[moosehead]

I've seen an increasing number of hakwons interested in this and certainly it's an important part of education in the U.S. it's also one that's been seriously lacking here as well as effecting K students' writing abilities - learning to write well starts with reading well.

think about what's going on here, why are they asking you to do this, your qualifications, etc., and is this something you consider part of your career plan?

this salary is not unheard of here, in fact, it's right in line with what I've been hearing for similar subjects.

all kinds of deals are possible with hakwons, sit down and make sure you understand all the nuances of your contract before you sign. then sign it and don't look back.

good luck!! and congratulations - chances like this are few and far between - I wish you lots of success!

[rmparent]

Do they guarantee hours? If they do, then it's definitely worth it. Much better than teaching phonics and reading Cat in the Hat.

[Kaypea]

You get to read Cat in the Hat? We have John and Paul Go to School... the teacher asks John to point to his head and he points to his neck. Boring and dumb!

[moosehead]

our books are so boring I've forgotten the names of them - mind numbing stuff, really. and we're supposed to spend 1 week - or 3 classes - on 2 pages, which usually take about 10 minutes to do. :roll: :roll:

the kids get bored, I get bored; watching paint dry holds more fascination.

yeah, doing something real like the OP has his hands on - has real possibilities. I'm headed elsewhere or would be looking at something similar.

[Thiuda]

[robot]

I've worked exclusively test prep since coming to Korea 3 years ago, and I would never leave the field for another position, university or otherwise.

It sounds like a good opportunity. You just need to decide if you're willing to sacrifice your time for the extra dough. Test prep often involves weekend work and long hours (especially during intensives). For me, it's a no-brainer, as I love coming in to work and still have ample time for my hobbies and social life.

You'll need to know your stuff and be able to sell your classes to professional hagwon goers who'll eat you alive if you're unprepared. But test prep is very rewarding, as you get to see so many students realize their dreams when they ace the test and get into top univeristies or foreign language high schools.

If you want details about the school you're looking at, PM me with the specifics; I'll likely be able to give you some info.

[PRagic]

OP, you take the hakwon job at the risk of ruining your future academic career possiblilties. Your terminal degree is finished, so you really need to be in a university position and publishing in international academic journals. With just the hakwon experience, your CV will scream, 'Whoa, this guy couldn't get a job!'

Plus, truth be told, 50 an hour is pretty typical for any private teaching, even basic conversation. With a little organization and effort, you can supplement your university job income nicely.

[moosehead]

[michaelambling]

[moosehead]

[PRagic]

Working a crapwon gig is 'different and daring'? Yeesh. Stick with traditinonal and boring, then, OP!