Korean Job Discussion Forums

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

The crap won must be having an effect. Our university had 2 teachers not show up for contracts. Our school replaced one, and are calling it enough for this semester (no job requests, please).

You can find an ad for another univ. on the Dave's Job Board that had the same thing happen.

My coworker was telling me that a womens' university down the street had THREE teachers just up and NOT SHOW UP for work this past week.

If this is happening at universities, I wonder what it's like at hagwons and public schools. If you're getting a last-minute job, this may be the time to start demanding more money.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

That's depressing. You would think people would have the common courtesy to inform the school they have changed their mind. It's bad enough when an employer makes a last-minute schedule change when it's the result of failing to plan ahead and they deserve the criticism that is levelled at them for it. Teachers simply changing their mind and not informing the school so it can make other arrangements is worse. It's just complete selfishness and inconsiderate behavior.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

In our case, they let us know (after signing a contract). One did it 3 weeks before classes start. Not very helpful.

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

You're right, that is bad. But when you see some of the stories about bad treatment of natives one cannot help but feel what goes around comes around.

sarbonn · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Michigan

To be honest, bass, if I wasn't here already, I'd definitely not show up if I was just under contract and still back in the states. I never realized things were going to be this bad, and I've only been here a bit over 4 months. And I think Korea is okay, so this isn't an "I hate Korea" response either. Some people say the economy is what keeps people here, but honestly, I'd rather be miserable with people I can relate to and speak to on a normal basis than alone here, watching my workplace collapse in front of me.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

Considering we aren't allowed to work at multiple locations, I don't see why people are surprised when a dog bites out of the chain and runs away.

Treat teachers better and they won't leave. Not a hard concept.

Horangi Munshin · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Location: Busan

I'm wondering if the foreign teacher in every Busan school will come to fruition! There is supposed to be a new teacher at my school. New to Korea too. I wonder if they'll issue themselves a DCM?!

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

rationality · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Location: Some where in S. Korea

The Grumpy Senator · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Location: Up and down the 6 line

However, people are losing jobs left and right back home. I enjoy the job-security of teaching English, the insane amount of paid vacation, the paid housing, the lack of need of a car. I will be riding the storm out here in Korea, where I do not stress about money or job-security.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

I agree with sarbonn. Makes me more sense to weather the storm at home than come here and see the won shrink more.

sojusucks · Joined: 31 May 2008

John_ESL_White · Joined: 12 Nov 2008

I LOVE IT!

What I am seeing:

1) places are offering more money for those of us in country.

2) small academies are being more flexible

3) academies, small and large, are providing health insurance to their FTs

4) academies are less likely to fire you in the 11th month and more likely to give you a nice raise if you stay

5) private lessons are easier to come by without using a recruiter

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-one of my friends was offered 300,000 more per month at a mid size, well known chain that can not get a replacement for him...

-after a teacher did a runner at a friend's school, the hagwon (who has always been able to get FTs and has always treated them like spit) gave all of the teachers NHI when one got sick and complained

- a friend of mine refused to stay and seat warm at this academy for two hours twice a week. His director actually agreed to let him leave early if he (the teacher) would consider re-signing in 4 months when his contract finishes

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This is AWESOME! I'm loving this. Teachers have more power, hagwon owners are scared, parents still want english-s for their kids and because some hagwons no longer have FTs, the parents are more likely to reach out to that waygookin they see in a restaurant (me)

Man, maybe N. Korea will invade Seoul or something and 99% of FTs will leave... Then I can quadruple my rates. Keep sparkling on me Korea, I love you