Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Transmission]

So I've made up my mind to quit my current Hagwon gig despite being employed for only 1 and a half months. The management isnt crooked or anything, the job just sucks: I have to deal with a horde of screaming kindergarten kids all day with no help from a coteacher in my classes. They are pretty much the spawn of Satan and my nerves are frayed at this point. I'm going to give my notice but don't want to do so without lining up another job.

I guess my question is, whats the feasibility of securing another job while on Korean soil? And how would I start the job hunt? Korea is still new to me and I dont know a lot of people here yet, so could someone point me in the right direction to start on the road to better employment? Would going back to the job board here on Dave's be my next move, you think? Or better yet, does anyone know specifics of any quality schools in Seoul that are looking for a foreign teacher?

I'm really just looking for a job where I wouldnt be teaching little brats. Ive heard some mixed things about public schools but it seems like a middle school or high school would be my best bet in terms of the age demographic Im looking for.

Much thanks for any and all help!

[cruisemonkey]

You must question yourself, not us.

None of us are in your position. However, know this - even if it were possible for you to easily switch jobs... the proverbial grass may be greener over the septic tank, but it doesn't mean you will not still, fundamentally be dealing with shit.

[chris_J2]

A tip for dealing with the 'spawn of Satan' kindergarten kids.

Download pictures of cartoon images of an apple, banana, car, dog etc. Then get them to cut out & paste the 'A' over the apple, the 'B' over the banana, etc & color them in. My grade 2 elementary school class (formerly the worst) is now well behaved. They have a structured class & know what to expect. Then again, maybe I've just become a better, more patient teacher? Or a combo of both?

[cruisemonkey]

At my boy's middle school, about one month into any given school term, I can always tell (by class behavior) which of the rookie, female, homeroom teachers will have a nervous breakdown and suddenly 'disappear'.

My young, female co-teacher/handler has now grasped the meaning and context of sarcasm and rhyme in English�

When the bell goes for sixth period on Tuesday �
�Oh great!... 2-9 my favorite class� put on your slippers� cover your ass� you�ll be walking on broken glass.�

[chris_J2]

When I did middle school last year, it was grade 1, that gave me grief. Grade 2 were my best behaved students.

[iggyb]

If you have cracked after such a short period, I'd think going home will probably be best for you. Seriously.

The job market is tight. You wil have problems finding a new job unless you have a F2 visa or similar resume-booster. And public schools are out for now. And the economy is in the toilet. So, hakwons are an even bigger gamble than normal.

It takes certain mind-sets to make working in Korea worth it for TESOLers. Even though it is a kindie environment you are in, I'd still say -- if your stress level jumped that high that quickly, you might not find it hard to get into a mind-set that makes Korea worthwhile for you...

[Kaypea]

I sympathize with you, OP. Kindergarten teaching is very hard, espcially since some classes simply will not listen to the foreign teacher, AND the foreign teacher gets in trouble if she (or he) raises his (or her) voice in class.

At least in the public school system-- when the kids are older and less fragile, too-- you have the co-teacher, and if he or she is decent, you don't even want or need to raise your voice!

I think it's fairly common knowledge that teaching kindergarten isn't for everybody-- that's why some schools advertise "No Kindy!" (although I've heard that sometimes you have to teach it anyway).

Maybe you should peruse the job ads on Dave's here, or on SeriousTeachers.com, and contact some recruiters. Let them know your situation, honestly-- don't hide anything-- and see if they can help you.

I trust Korvia recruiting. I think they'll tell you straight up whether or not they can help you, and maybe they can give you advice: stick it out at your job, or go home and reapply for a new one, or try working in your home country teaching ESL to adults...

Good luck!

[Kikomom]

Take a good long look at your contract's termination clause (and elsewhere in the fine print). Unless you brought some serious capital along to fall back on or have been living VERY frugally, there's a good chance chance you would walk away with very little of your last pay after they deduct the airfare they spent bringing you over and whatever other expenses they can pull out of thin air.

Plan this move very carefully to get the most amiable terms possible. IMO, a Midnight Run is for someone who has been treated (cheated?) so poorly that they hate Korea and never want to come back, or are just desperately homesick. If it's not that bad and you want to stay at it, study your options, plan, and proceed accordingly.

[maingman]

http://jobs.seoul.go.kr/

[Kikomom]

There's the airline job.
http://jobs.seoul.go.kr/global/view/working/working01_01.jsp

Pay negotiable. No mention of accomodations so don't forget to factor that in. You may have to find your own and key money could be a problem.

[soakitincider]

yes. p.s. elementary is good 3rd and 4th graders. Walk right into various schools and meet other teachers (foreign). If you find one hiring, talk to other f.t. and arrange for them to "recruit" you and split the 1.5 with them. Screw the recruiter. I get 10%. When you walk in it tells them many things right then and there. Make that 15%