Korean Job Discussion Forums

[the ireland]

okay, first a bit of background info.

Myself and my g.f worked for this hagwon for 18 months throughout 2007-2008 and then came home to do our masters.

we were on 2.1 million per month and living in a shoebox apartment (although we could have taken two of these shoeboxes, we declined and just shared one)

Anyway, the hagwon was good to us, we like the area and we have maintained a great relationship with the principal ever since.

We both graduated from our masters degrees last week, (although completed dissertation in sept) and have been struggling to find jobs since. I have had a few interviews but not been successful, she has not had much luck at all.

So the principal asked us to come back out (as she has been most times we chat to her) She has offered us 2.3million per month (which i'd assume is on par with the other teachers there) and a much larger two bed apartment with big kitchen and living room. which is also closer to town, the school, bus station, and most other amenities (although not in the same block as all the other teachers in our school)

When we left the last time one of the other teachers had been offered 2.5mill to stay on and teach the kindergarten classes, although they declined the offer.

Considering we have now got our masters, 1.5 years experience and they won't have to pay a recruiters fee for the both of us, plus they know we are good workers, parents like us, we don't complain and the kids liked us too. what do you think we should be looking for per month?

I think 2.5 is reasonable (hours are 3-9 m/w/f and 3.30-7 tue/thur)

[AnthonyCWSox]

3 mil, start high and bid hard

[the ireland]

[AnthonyCWSox]

yeah, I'm pretty sure some new teachers get 2.3. You are obviously valuable to them if they like you so much so why not get some more money out of it?

[the ireland]

Exactly, I figure if I can at least get 2.5 then my pension/insurance/tax can be written off and still leave me with 2.3 for the month.

we don't get our pension back in lump sum so it's a bit of a balls!!

[Captain Corea]

It's not always about how much you are worth, but rather, it's about how much it would be worth to find someone else.

Would your Masters bring them XXX worth of new business to justify the increased expense?

[frankly speaking]

Just having credentials doesn't ensure higher pay.

I think that 2.5 would be about right with a nice apartment.

You could be frank and just say, in a nice email that you expected around 2.5.


I would tell your old boss how much you appreciated working for them and that they have such a great reputation, but you have other offers for around 2.5 and that even though you really want to work for them, you need the higher salary for your loans from the masters.

Remind her how dedicated you both are and that now both of you have a masters (I assume it is in a related field) that you can offer them more help with curriculum development, training other teachers etc. If you just want more money and aren't going to give them any extra, they will just hire someone else.

The other option is to adjust other things in the contract. If they low ball and don't budge above 2.3 insist that should be after all deductions (health care, pension, tax, etc.) 2.3 million net salary is good.

The one problem that a lot of teachers have is once they get some credentials and or more experience, they tend to think that they deserve more without giving more, like a primadonna. (sp?) Remain a little humble, but still get what is right for you.

You can do better than 2.3, but it still isn't bad. I have renegotiated contracts midyear and have received some large raises, but also had extra duties.

Good luck.

[creeper1]

I'm not sure how hard I would push for a large salary. You can see from your job search experience that it isn't a teachers market anymore. Yet people are on here saying that jobs are available in Seoul.

I take it from your user name that you are Irish. This may have something to do with your lack of success in securing a position as there are plenty of AMericans now looking for positions.

I think 2.3 plus a nice apartment isn't a bad deal if you don't have to work Saturday. If you do then more like 2.6 would be fair.

[Juregen]

[bish]

It's not the best here at the moment so I think 2.3 is reasonable given the times. The financial crisis and swine flu has hit the schools and there are lots of Americans and Canadians available.

When the American economy gets better and the newer teachers go home your MA might count for more. Maybe.

Take the 2.3 and try to get 25,000 won for overtime if you are trying to negotiate up.

[ChopChaeJoe]

The nice apartment should count for something. Get it locked in the contract and compromise with 2.4.

[the ireland]

[the ireland]

[El Macho]

What are your MA's in?

I don't think it's bad to drive a bit of a hard bargain. Hiring couples is good for schools (it's harder/less likely for two teacher to run off) and you both have MA's. Don't feel bad about trying to get a touch more, even though it can be uncomfortable negotiating with people you like.

If you're not willing to negotiate for money, negotiate for schedules you like or something of the sort.

[Khenan]

Tell them you have offers from FLHSs for 2.7 but that you really want to work for her, so you'll settle for 2.5. In my experience, that should do it.