Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jst]

Did you work at a public school, then a hagwon, and then back to a public school?

If so, is it because you liked the public school environment better than a hagwon environment?

[waynehead]

Yes, I did exactly that. I liked all three jobs, though I prefer my current (public) job to the previous two. The only reason I went back to a hagwon after a year at public was because of timing, if I could've gotten a public job as quickly I would've taken it.

[jst]

[oldfatfarang]

PS = much less class contact hours - but much more deskwarming hours (total = 40 p/w for both).

Hagwon was good because of the small classes of nice kids and adults. But terrible for hours (finish 10pm), cheating on taxes, late pays, and all sorts of other nonsense.

PS = good because pay is on time, less teaching, many lovely kids.
PS is bad because of 'army' mentality (rigid hierarchical work structure), lack of flexibility re working hours/holidays etc, large classes of 'vocational' students (low IQ's and motivation), and politely disguised xeonophobia among the staff.

Despite our PS holidays being slashed - I still prefer PS. I'd never go back to teaching in a hagwon.