Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Papa Smurf]

So ive been at a Hakwon for 14 months now. I extended so that i'll be there until end of july, in time for public school semester.

However, my boss just sat down with me and offered me a new contract, to stay until end of july 2010.

I'm on 2.3 now, paid apartment etc. The usual. This is what he offered:

He'll pay me 2.7 plus the usual flight home and severnace pay. also 5 days extra paid hols. so thats 15 overall. plus, from next march he'll make me the head foreign teacher, and i'll only teach 12x40min classes a week. the rest will be liasing with him, sorting out new programs, letting the foreign teachers know whats going on, training them on how to teach the programs etc.

I've had absolutely no problems with this school. Always paid on time. The boss gives advances to staff if they need. He paid my severance at the end of my 1st 12 months. Apartment is ok. Location is ok. 10 minute walk to work. 8 other foreign teachers who are for the most part really cool. Only prob is we're overworked. Its tiring. Teaching 7, 8, or 9 x 40 minute classes a day. Of course that wont be a problem from next march, but thats still a long way off. And im really not sure how much work they'll throw at me for this coordinator job. If im only teaching 12 classes a week, how much can they possibly make me do?

You think i can get a better deal than this? Im sure it could be much worse. is it worth the risk, to try public school, probably for less pay, and possibly not liking it?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

[lifeinkorea]

I personally feel hagwon jobs are better than public school jobs if you enjoy working there (meaning no pay issues, good apartment, co-workers, etc...).

At a public school, you won't have as many opportunities to negotiate new things. I got a nice surprise today, similar to your thing, but only for 2 weeks. I will get paid more than usual, but it won't be as nearly as good as your deal.

I suggest you stay put. It appears you are looking for change though. Maybe the job is mundane and not exciting enough. You know the routine. So, in that case, try to schedule yourself so you get blocks of time off when you aren't teaching.

This way you can do other things (study, travel, etc...). If you find that you can't get blocks of time off and feel chained to the school, then only you can make the choice not to work there. Good luck.

[Robot_Teacher]

I'm getting exactly 2.3 tax free in PS and teaching 0 to 4 classes a day. Rarely 4 classes, most days 3 plus periods of no classes as well as a Summer camp coming up that will offer extra pay not to mention 5 weeks vacation in the contract and 1 week paid should I have a family emergency as well as 11 days paid sick leave. It took 2 and no problem or hostilities towards me. It would be great to have a few cool foreigners around though as I'm one lonesome alien feller. I couldn't imagine having to teach 7 to 9 classes a day. That would be an all work work kind of situation I would not like being in. Do you think your boss is leading you on a leash by telling you you're going to be promoted next March? If so, then tell him, you'll re-up now if promoted now. See his reaction. Interesting.

If you're happy with what you got going on, keep it, but if you're ready to take it easy, then jet for time off and greener pastures.

[Papa Smurf]

[Papa Smurf]

[lifeinkorea]

[ThingsComeAround]

Hmm..

I find it interesting why you consider our opinion when weighing an option that will determine the next few months here in Korea. Is there any apprehension in accepting your new responsibilities? Do you view public school jobs as being greater to your current place?

Not trying to be negative, however my experience at a hagwon was not so fantastic as yours. Had it been better, I would have certainly stayed (30-45 min from Seoul, close with the community, no need to pay for utilities, etc) however dealing with management was a nightmare. Pay was often incorrect and when we approached managers we were given the run-around.

Please keep in mind that your hagwon is rare. Things may change- like ownership, junior teachers, fewer students, which may make your job less satisfying? I would also advise you take a little time to begin with because this business is like cooking: You can always add more later but you can't take out

[feckingreal]

having spent a year at one hagwon and at 2 different public schools in Gyeonggi my advice would be most definately to stay put....

Firstly, you will never get that kind of base salary working a public school...maybe after adding on extra weekend and evening classes, but if extra work is also available at the hagwon, then your offer wont be beat at a public school...

Also, having changed schools a couple of times ( never due to any problems, I just wanted to get different experiences ) I would most definately say that it's better the devil you know here...and it sounds as if you have a pretty sweet deal....

But lastly, and for me most importantly, I think hagwons have a vested interest in your happiness and well being here that public schools just don't have. Public schools are relatively large organisations and they need one foreigner on the books....if you have any problems during the year, they don't really need to help...cause the fact is... if you leave...they pick up another foreigner off the shelf really easily...

It sounds like your hagwon gives you at some credit and gratitude for a a job well done and that maybe more important than a high salary or time off...

[maximmm]

You used to work 7-8-9 hours a day for 2.3 mill. If you were at a public school, you'd be pulling in a lot more money with that schedule.

When it comes to hagwons, the more they pay, the greater the expectations are. Every parent complaint will be your fault; every teacher complaint will be your fault. With greater pay and fewer teaching hours, other teachers may find themselves full with envy.

I'd say, go for public school in Seoul or in decent locaiton in gyonggi

[Papa Smurf]

[Papa Smurf]

[agoodmouse]

That kind of pay makes me jealous. I work at a high school.

[Papa Smurf]

[bogey666]

this is the kind of decision that can only be taken by you and no one can really comment on it, since we can't personally experience, how you feel day in and day out and what makes you happy.

personally, after having landed in a good PS position, I wouldn't trade it (despite some occassional issues) for hagwon in a million years.

but I certainly understand how and why others feel differently.

[xCustomx]