Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Beebug]

I received a contract and was basically rushed into signing it by being told the school would only wait a day or two. I thought it looked decent and didn't want to miss out...is this a big mistake?

I am obviously a complete newbie. (No experience, no certification, etc.)
Here are the details:
(1) Salary - 2.7 million won
(2) Severance, airfare, furnished apartment, all the usual benefits (400,000 housing deposit needed)
(3) 30,000 OT
(4) Hours, M-F 9 am-6:30 pm, 7 teaching hours a day (3 classes/day)
(5) 2 weeks paid vacation
(6) only 1 paid sick day
(7) have my own classroom
(8.) is in a nice area outside Seoul

It's a lot of working hours, and perhaps some will say 'keep looking!'...but how much better can I really do as a newcomer? And now that the contract is already signed (no visa documents sent yet, though), is there anything I can do if it is a horrible deal?

I would really appreciate any feedback...I feel completely naive!
Thanks in advance for your help!

[VanIslander]

your risk comes from not researching/talking to past/present teachers there: there are hundreds of job opportunities at any given moment so everyone should be careful and cautious in the job search process

that said, jumping in feet first might work: hope the people aren't hellish (be polite, dress well, work hard, cross fingers)

[michaelambling]

[Beebug]

Thanks for the input...a little reassurance makes me a lot better about it. I did do research and I spoke to a teacher who currently works at the school which led me to think this was a pretty good offer. But then I come on the boards and read posts about part-time hours making 2.5 million with 6 weeks paid vacation...and I start feeling like I'm getting taken for a ride!

[Draz]

[sarbonn]

The only concerns I see are the hours (those are a lot of hours) and the sick days thing. Personally, I don't care about sick days because sick days are pretty much frowned upon in this country. I honestly don't think I could successfully take a sick day without starting the Korean War again. You're somewhat expected to come to work, even if you have to carry your exploded appendix in a bag with you to finally have removed on your "official" time off.

My hours were 8 hour days, but when I got here, I changed that by action, indicating that they hired a professional teacher, not some kid from college, so my days are a lot shorter than 8 hour days if I'm not teaching the entire time. I do some work at home, and they know that, but I actually do it, and they've been good with that.

The contract really isn't that bad. The pay is okay for someone starting out. I've heard of a lot worse in what I've been reading on the boards.

Some of those better positions come from either being here some time and finding your own way to your next gig, or knowing someone. I was recruited by the person who previously held my job, so there's a reason I get a lot more money than most people in my similar position. It's also why I get a lot more respect from the people who pay me as well. But you're not going to get something like that at the start until you do something that distinguishes you from others. Even if it's just putting in some time. Or having higher degrees. Or whatever.

But it doesn't look that bad. Not the greatest contract ever, but not the worst either.

What I don't like is the "hurry" for signing it. That would always set of bells for me.

[Toon Army]

do they mention NHI and pension in the contract? Maybe post the whole contract on here? Saying that, you have already signed it

[Beebug]

Yes, 50% health insurance and pension are part of the contract. I am going to make the best of it...seems decent enough. Thanks everyone for the input!

[esetters21]

The contract seems pretty standard for what I presume to be a hakwon with a main focus on kindergarten. That is a lot of teaching hours. It is easy to get burned out doing that. Good luck and welcome.