Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Henry_J]

I am headed to Korea for the first time this August through GEPIK, and wanted to know exactly how much free time I will have to work on my portfolio for art school. Obviously, this is a circumstantial question, and it varies depending on the school and co-teacher. With the deadline of the applications for Masters programs in January, I wanted to know if I will have at least 3-4 hours a day to work on projects?
Im worried that I will be forced out of my frame of mind, and be pre-occupied with lesson planning and classes during the 9-5. If I choose to stay focused, will this job opportunity allow me to work on my portfolio diligently?
The exploring aspect of Korea and surrounding area is not something that I will partake in, but the admissions to the schools means a tremendous amount to me, and is something Ive been working towards for over 3 years.

[Louis VI]

You're the poster boy for public school jobs in Korean ESL. (You're the last person to be a good fit for a hagwon.) While most ps teachers are deskwarming you'll be working toward something. I admire those doing a grad degree or other project while wasting required time at work between classes.

[Henry_J]

Thanks for the "posterizing". We all have our hobbies and habits, just because mine are directed towards an institutionalized program, it doesnt mean that they are any better- Im just seeking eternal student debt.
I was offered a few private school gigs, as anyone would be, but it seemed like they put an emphasis on the overtime hours, which I presumed would probably happen.
So is it do-able? Will I be able to keep my frame of mind, and have enough time to work on projects while working for GEPIK?

[The Goalie]

In a PS the time is there, the frame of mind is up to you. Obviously, you'll be in a new country, starting a new job, there'll be plenty of distractions but if you're able to shut all that down at will it can be done. I'm easily distracted, not goal oriented, rather lazy, but I still manage to inch my way toward my own modest and elusive goals.

Verily, it can be done... but will it?

[Henry_J]

Well, Ive lived in NY for a few years, and have been able to reach personal goals, regardless of the activities outside my door. My main concern was the working hours and demand from school - the focus is definitely arbitrary.

Its great to know that it is possible. I was just concerned that I wont have as much personal space and time, and my isolation will be somewhat less.

Im not a hermit, I promise.

[The Goalie]

Perhaps you know this already but the Korean Thanksgiving (Chuseok) will provide you with at least 3 extra days off toward the end of September (21,22,23,). If your school chooses to also give you the Monday or Friday off you will have a 6 day holiday to get some serious work done.

[Henry_J]

Yes, saw it a few days ago. I am definitely looking towards this holiday to get properly started and situated in Korea with my projects. Thank you for letting me know regardless.

[toniyellow]

Its entirely circumstantial. I work in a public school and find I have almost no free time at all. None of the fabled summer deskwarming, I have summer camps, remedial class and conversation class every day that it not my contractually mandated vacation. During the semester between classes, endless school lunches, pointless meetings, english club, english broadcast, english newsletter I am lucky to get my lesson planning done within school hours.

Part of what attracted me to Korea for a year abroad was the hours, after a few years in some full-on office jobs. It's not at all the break I was hoping for and sometimes I feel I give my all to plan a good lesson for some kids and get nothing back from them. If the financial payoff wasn't so weighted towards the end of the contract, I probably would have called it quits, more stress that it is worth.

[schwa]

Maybe I'm not reading the OP right but he's asking how much time he can spend totally absorbed in nonschool-related stuff, at work?

There are times, surely, but during regular semester a "dont bug me I'm busy doing my own thing" attitude isnt going to ride so well with colleagues, administrators, or students.

[Sergio Stefanuto]

[Henry_J]

[wiganer]

There will be times you'll be stressed out. Your inspiration will ebb and flow and sometimes disappear. Have you thought of China - lower hours, no office hours and over 2 months off at winter where you will get everything done.

[Henry_J]

Im mainly coming over for the money, and Ive heard China is less lucrative. Plus, I heard there are strong restrictions on the internet in China, and certain aspects of the country can be harsh. I had looked at Beijing for its art scene, but decided against it for the money.
Truth be told, I was accepted to one program, but could not afford it- parents unable to help with private loans. The move to Korea for one year is with hopes to develop media fluency, apply to other programs, and see if I can get a better financial aid package. I understand there will be stressful moments, but I think that if I keep myself as busy as possible, trying to meet school deadlines back in the states, the stress factor will be something I can not concentrate on.

[wiganer]

[Henry_J]

That is very good insight, thank you very much. If I see that I am being overworked by my position with GEPIK, I might just give a 30 day notice and travel to Beijing.
Its good to know that the saving amount can be the same. Hopefully, living frugally as I have the past few years, and not doing private lessons will give me the time and money for the following year.
Yes, Im interested in seeing how it all turns out.