Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jondepoer]

This is a question for any teachers out there who broke free of the ubiquitous 2.2m, 6-8hrs a day, free apartment, blah blah blah....and tried something a little different.

I have two years formal classroom experience in Korea, a year's volunteer work in Canada. the CELTA, experience teaching adults, and excellent references.

I've been offered work with a company that that takes part-time employees, and gives permission for a second job on an E2 visa. The majority of workers with this company are part-time. but they take on "after school" jobs with public schools.

It's a bit of a risk, since the part-time work really wouldn't make me enough money, and there are no guarantees of a second job. But the potential seems to be there to make a lot more money with two p/t jobs, vs. your typical hagwon position, where you can work your ass off and not see any change in the set salary.

To those who have pursued non-traditional teaching jobs:was giving up the security of an all-inclusive contract and a guaranteed decent paycheck every month worth the risk? It's kind of a general question, but I'd really like to hear your stories.

[Ukon]

Depends....

I know a friend who does it...he is happy, but took it's toll....good money. He didn't seem Gungho about it....although not completely disappointed.

Remember, it is a split shift if it's daily....just higher paying

It might be easier to just get a low hour job and then do privates. Roughly make about the same.

Hope you got a motorcycle.....will likely make the long commute much easier unless your jobs are close....a car is too slow in seoul traffic.

Subway is sometimes faster....sometimes much slower if there is many transfers.

[Ukon]

I should probaly add that many after school programs(the part time option) are shady as hell. Not all, but many. I worked for one before myself part time(somewhat different circumstances though).

They tend to use a tax scam where they make you open a second bank account and run the branch finances through it to save on taxes....chances are you won't get caught....however it is something to worry about...especially if it's over 80 million won passing through....then the US tax authorities might want a word.

As for getting a second job, the reason that many get after school programs is becuase immigration is rather reluctant to grant part time e-2 visa work place additions to anything that isn't public(unless you already work at a public institution). Not that it isn't possible however to have two hagwons listed as your workplace....but from what I've read, immigration may deny the application....your miles may vary.

[Satchel Paige]

just out of curiosity, is that Wall Street Institute you're talking about?

[Who's Your Daddy?]

[jondepoer]

I haven't made a decision about whether I'm even going to pursue the p/t work route yet, which is why I'm asking for opinions. So I'm can't discuss particulars at this point.

Now, the idea of doing privates has always interested me, but (a) it's not building my experience, because you can't ask a half-literate student for a reference, and (b) I've been here two years, and have yet to figure out how to attract enough students without attracting the authorities.

On a side note....

Is the extra expense/trouble of finding your own apartment worth it? What other "extra" expenses might I be forgetting about as person who has always had everything provided in Korea?

[Ukon]

Usually...you get one private....do a good job....word spreads....mothers bother you to teach they're children as well.

Gyopos usually have some and maybe could spare one to you since they get their numerous privates through family links(from my experience).

As for finding your apartment....

I hope you know some korean....and have alot of time to look for ones.

I did it in Korean.....website hunting for apartments isn't as good as the states....especially english only sites...many outdated listings or they're aimed at soldiers/diplomats near central seoul who get a hefty subsidized rent from the gov....(ie: high prices, few areas)...every korean assured me the websites suck and you must do it on the ground....

Usually you go to the bundang-san...tell them your price range, size, etc. and spend a few days while they drive you all around the areas you want to live in...you may end up spending 6 hours visiting 10 or so places...

It's pretty slow and stupid....I've never seen any who offer pictures or previews(other than stats or really expensive new buildings) so you just blindly visit random apartments...

it's a time waster since you probaly won't want to live in at least half of them. A preview could have solved that....koreans and bundang-sans tell me this is never offered....ever....

If you don't have a large down deposit (at least 5-10 million....your choices are very limited and/or high rent).

If you don't have a Korean friend(or speak some korean) who has alot of free time to spend all day traveling....well, let's just say there is a reason many foreigners commute from itaewon.

Extra expenses include furniture....If you've never don'e furniture shopping, hired a bongo, or been to a used korean furniture store....

Well, I hope you have korean friends who can help you handle it or speak korean okay....

[jondepoer]

Well, the part-time school says they will help me with housing. I guess I'll get to borrow a Korean for a weekend and go hunting.

I'm looking at having about 30,000,000 key money actually (my fiance and I have been saving for several years). How much of a dent would that make?

[Ukon]

[cdninkorea]

I did the two part time job thing. I worked from 6:40am-11am at an adult hagwon (WSI) and 1pm-4:30pm (5:00? 5:30? I can't remember now) at an after school. The pay was great, but I burned out hardcore from sleeping from 10pm-4:30am, and my last few months were spent being irritable and tired all the time.

[Satchel Paige]

[jondepoer]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply! Can I ask if anyone is aware of a semi-reputable agency that places afterschool teachers, or a good afterschool company to work for? How did you find you second job once you had the part-time adult job secured?