Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iwillteachyouenglish]

I'll summarize what I've learned on ESLCAFE. How am I doing? I've come up with the 5 axiom of working in Korea. Please feel free to critique and add.


The First Axiom of Teaching in Korea: It's us versus them.

At first I even felt like maybe I should stick with one recruiter since he was being helpful. After studying a bit here, I quickly realized it's us versus them, and I am going to try to get every damn penny I can. Zero guilt complex, zero sympathy. I won't budge an inch on anything, unless it's part of a larger scheme on my part.

Axiom Number Two: Thou does not show thy hand

If for any reason I am about to be canned or I am being screwed beyond belief, I will disappear like a thief in the night. No notice, no warning, no discussing it with anyone before hand, on payday, I am gone.

Axiom Number Three: Use Vacation Time ASAP

Too many people seem to wait too long to use vacation time. Now they can bring in a new teacher and not have to worry about you being gone on vacation. I want to make sure I get my vacation.

Axiom Number Four: Check the pension plan and Nat Health Insurance

Having the boss reimburse for medical expenses does not work. First time there is a big bill, I'll be screwed over royally. I plan on checking the pension plan right away, too.

Axiom Number Five: Lie your ass off

Saturdays? O no, I'm Jewish! Sundays? O no, my wife is Christian. Yes, I created this lesson plan (right after the old copy and paste procedure).

Ok so I'm ready for massive confrontation lol Let's see what they can throw at me. What else do I need to know to have my bases covered.

[toadkillerdog]

You need to know that staying in your home country and working is probably the best thing you can do.

I don't think I would want to work with someone with your attitude.

Good luck.

[iwillteachyouenglish]

Too bad offers are already coming in haha

if they are nice, I won't run, but if they aren't, then I'll have a laugh knowing I got one back for all the ways they cheat teachers If nothing else at least I'll get airfare over there and have a look around. Although, I know in the past having to pay for a one way ticket was not much cheaper than RT, really, so I am hoping to at least score a couple months pay first.

[Louis VI]

[iwillteachyouenglish]

It's funny that people get more worked up about a teacher who won't take crap, than crappy admins who intentionally lie, cheat, and steal! Ooo the great liberal guilt complex! So I am not a hagwon apologist? That doesn't make me evil, and I never claimed I would preemptively be a jerk. I will do a job and I will stay for however long I am treated OK.

[SeoulMan6]

Don't come. Why would you want to go someplace where you "know" you'll be cheated. Seriously, there are a million places around the world where you can teach English and enjoy yourself.

Have you not considered that this website is where people come to complain and that their testimonials have to be take with a grain of salt? It seems you've already formed your opinion based on some words on a page rather than your own experience.

We don't need or want people like you.

ps I've been here 6+ years and never had an employer take a dime from me.

[Louis VI]

[definitely maybe]

You've heard the bad. It doesn't hurt to prepare for the worst. I hope you've gleaned enough valuable information from your time spent on the forums to wade through the BS and find youself a position that doesn't land you in any of the situations you've outlined. There are certainly plenty of good jobs out there, even at the dreaded hagwons that everyone is so dead against these days!

[definitely maybe]

[languistic]

[hagwonnewbie]

[Mr. BlackCat]

Actually what the OP states is basically true in all jobs everywhere. Sometimes (most of the time, actually) I think the people on this board that rail against such advice never actually had a job anywhere else, even though they like to throw that accusation around themselves.

1) In every job I've ever had anywhere on Earth employees had an Us Vs Them attitude, usually rightfully so. If you really believe this is unique to ESL in Korea then how did most of the Western world develop such large and powerful labour unions over the last century? And it really works the other way, too. Companies everywhere try to squeeze ever last bit out of their employees. The only difference in Korea is the laws aren't as enforced and we as foreigners aren't as protected (or educated on the details), so we have to remain extra vigilant.

2) People change jobs all the time back home. People just don't show up, quit with little notice, etc. Only in ESL in Korea have I seen such defence of the 'duty' to stay with your job even if you're being taken advantage of. Back home if my friend hated his job and wasn't getting all his salary and had many other options I would never, ever, tell him to stay with the job because he had some sort of duty to it. But go through the threats here are see the self-righteous posters condemning and insulting others for even thinking of leaving a job.

3) People only want to use vacation time in Korea? Maybe it's more pronounced because by definition those that come over here are more likely to want to travel. And many are young and impatient, which again isn't exclusive to ESL in Korea.

4) What's wrong with ensuring your employer is abiding by national laws? Most people would call this the responsible and prudent thing to do regardless of where you live and work.

5) Employees lie to their bosses? Why, I never heard of this concept before I arrived in Korea! Every time me or one of my co-workers in Canada or Europe used a sick day it was because we were literally too ill to leave our bed. And when asked to work late or on weekends I only refused when I actually had a prior engagement that could not be broken without significant reprecussions!

People hate their jobs all over the world. I knew a girl who worked on a tropical paradise doing easy work with a third of the year as paid vacation (and she got paid VERY well) and she complained. If you really think people in ESL in Korea complain that much, even on this board, then it is clear you have never worked another job in your life. Which is fine, but then don't blame others for not 'getting' it. You can go overboard, but show me how anything in this OP is out of the ordinary for any job you have anywhere.

[OculisOrbis]

Sounds like the OP is better prepared to deal with the challenges and difficulties of working in korea that may arise than most newbies (and many vets).