Korean Job Discussion Forums

[thebektionary]

Just signed a GEPIK contract. I am a previous hagwon teacher.

Is deskwarming really that bad? A lot of people complain about it but to hagwon teachers it doesn't seem that bad. It's being paid to do nothing. I'm a person who loves to read and watch movies and finds it very easy to keep myself occupied on the internet.

Any input appreciated.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

It wasn't that bad. I was very cold, because the heating was sub par, but with my own heater, a kindle, and plenty of time to play online, the time passed. It's more insulting than anything. I was a full year ahead of schedule on my lesson planning, so I was bored out of my mind. There's only so much you can do on a crappy computer in a cold room.

I honestly prefer my hagwon job now. The only thing that I miss is the extra week and 2 days of vacation that I had through EPIK. On the other hand, my hagwon boss let me book this year's winter vacation in September, confirmed via email. I always had to wait until the very last minute at PS. This saved me a chunk of money, as I was able to book 2 round-trip tickets to Europe for much less than if I'd had to wait until December.

[Mr. BlackCat]

No, it really isn't that bad. I, too, came from a hogwan to a PS and anyone else who took a similar path would not have much of a problem with it, either. My only complaints are;

a) at my old school the heat would be turned off in the winter. Often times, the electricity would be, too.

b) Not allowed to take official vacation at that time so I can come sit in an empty school.

c) Parents treat the school like a daycare and will sent their kids here just to run around and scream all day, open my door, bang on walls, etc. Usual no respect for school thing here.

But it's really not that bad. I think what gets to many people is the inequity of it, some people get to just stay home (but complaining will only make those people come in to desk warm, you won't be sent home for your efforts). Also, we could be doing something more constructive but instead it's usually saved to dropped on us all at once randomly at some other point. Enjoy it, do what you want and have some fun. There's worse things than being paid to do nothing all day (anyone who's had a 'real' job would agree).

[sirius black]

[ironclad80]

It's not that bad, except for the "why do I have to even come here today?"
feeling. The day goes slower but if you like to read, surf the Internet, or listen to music it's a breeze. This is during winter/summer break.

During regular school session I'm usually busy teaching in the morning and by the time lunch is finished it's already 1pm. I usually spend that time preparing tomorrow's classes and when that's finished I only have 1 or 2 hours of "deskwarming" left.

[ironclad80]

one more thing, as said above, definitely invest in a small portable heater! my office feels like walking into a freezer in the morning. it's actually colder than outside! luckily, there is a korean teacher working in the same office with me during the break (I have a feeling if it was only me they'd be less gracious with the heat).
there was also already a portable ceramic heater here.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[Mr. BlackCat]

[Porksta]

What exactly is the point of deskwarming? Why come in if you have no classes, just because it isn't an official holiday? Why don't kids show up?

[ironclad80]

[thebektionary]

if no one is there, i would just put running shoes on and run around the school for exercise.

[ironclad80]

[ssuprnova]

I'm not sure where the complaints come from. I know that back home summer is considered unpaid vacation for many teachers.

[strange_brew]

[thebektionary]