Korean Job Discussion Forums

[2CuteNCanadian]

Here we go again....I'm trying my best to stay away from Kids Clubs, Wonderlands etc....Then I get these other schools that don't have any informaiton on them at all...So pleeeeeeeeeezzzzze if you have any iformation on Cate School in Yangchun-gu I would be very appreciative of your help.
C

[buddy bradley]

Here's an idea... just come over. Insecurities aside, what do you want to do? Seriously, how insecure are you?

[2CuteNCanadian]

If I had the cashola...I most certainly would! But the reality is....I cannot and do not have that spare cash hanging around. Truth be told...I'll be working for free for the next two years of my life, just to pay back my student loans....all for a couple of degrees that got me nowhere in life!!!!

[buddy bradley]

Well, it looks like those degrees will be getting your ass over to Korea. Don't know how good that is, but what the hey!

Right?

[shawner88]

I used to think that way about my degrees....but even though I'll never pay off the student loans, I don't regret going to college. I really did learn a lot. Not specific facts so much as how to think things through and see things from various sides.

[Mosley]

2 Cute: As bradley said, how much insecurity is there w/you? I'm not being nasty, but maybe you should REALLY think about whether teaching in S. Korea is for you. I wish you well, in any case. Shawner: if I may ask, what do you mean by "I'll never pay off the student loans"?

[crazylemongirl]

2CNC
For the last two months you've been posting on what you think of X school on fairly regular basis. I think that you may find yourself holding out for something that doesn't exist: a perfect job for a newbie.

The job market is getting tight, particularly here in seoul. Those with experience aren't walking into the perfect job and your fresh out of uni. If you are as cash poor as you make out you may find yourself forced into taking a worse position then one that you were offered back in december.

Your first job is essentially going to be a lucky dip as to whether you get whether you get a decent place or not if your applying from overseas, the only way that your going to gurantee a good place at the time of hire is to come over.

But schools can change. I was thinking of re-signing at my school in july, but the job turned to custard in november and I'm counting the days till I'm out of this school. Moral of the story: you can't control what happens and things seem to change a lot more rapidly than back in the west (well at least in new zealand). Also I can virtually gurantee that you are goign to go through a period of hating your school and korea when the culture shock kicks in.

During that period you'll either tough it out or do the run. The fact you seem to be holding out for a perfect job now, may be sending signals to employers and recuiters that you aren't going to be able to cope with that tough period. You may find your job offers (at the good schools at least) start drying up, because of it.

Anyway use the hagwon report which has a good database of school reports. But in the end, your either just going to have to take the leap of faith or maybe realise that your inabilty to take that leap is proably an good indiciation that you don't really want to come here.

[2CuteNCanadian]

[peppermint]

I'm not gonna blast you about doing your research. God knows it's a good thing to do- buy you need to realize that there's a lot more to it.

I signed at a job last April to a job where everybody seemed happy and lots of teachers had signed on for more than one year. 8 months later there was around 80% turnover and the school was crap.

The thing to remember is that you've got to be very flexible, adaptable and willing to go with the flow to stay sane, both in the classroom and life in general. If that doesn't describe you, then it's gonna be a rough ride anywhere.

[2CuteNCanadian]

Thanks pepermint. Everything you said is well received advice. I've heard many stories such as what you had explained where circumstances change, contracts change, and a so nice director changes their tune once you arrive. I've heard much on the disorganisation, ever changing conditions, etc. I am prepared to accept and work within those conditions. I've been in the work force for a few years now, and even back in Canada, I've seen and experienced a good many dissapointments etc. Basically...my goal is this...A standard contract for a newbie...decent and safe living (meaning pest free - I don't care how small it is etc), a school that will pay me what I'm supposed to be paid, on time, and not screw me over...everything in between, I'm more than capable of handling...basically not the best but not the first. It's my first time and as a rookie, I intend to pay my dues....

[crazylemongirl]

here's the thing we're not blasting you for doing your research, but I would only post on places that I'm actively considering signing a contract at, rather than just applying to. You can knock stuff back.

[2CuteNCanadian]

Thanks Crazymongrl,
I appreciate your advice and the 'blasting' wasn't directed towards you specifically....I am certainly prepared that things might and likely will to some degree, change along the way...a lot of schools suffer financial difficulties and all hell breaks loose....it happens to the best of us. So I completely understand that things will change. I've seen many postings that have detailed such experiences. It's good to know in advance so that you can deal with it with less of a shock factor. I know there are no guarantees but it can't hurt to rule out those schools which have notorious bad names etc. When presented with a school, I do as much research as possible. I check 3-4 blacklists that I have found to be informative. If I can't find anything there then I usually post a question. I guess I'd rather find out sooner than later that they have a good or bad name as it is one of they key factors in my decision making....that's all...

[Seoulo]

Is this school in Mok-Dong? Cos if it is, steer well clear...worked there last year and had a terrible time.

[2CuteNCanadian]

OI!!!! I had begun to think that no one would ever answer the question as posed....Anyway...the school is in the Mok Dong area...thanks very much for your answer...
C