Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Us in DC]

Every single contract I have seen says the same thing. That our hours are as listed in the offer that is unless things change and then they need to give us different hours. From what people have told me on this board that is pretty worthless. I don't want to work split shifts whatsoever. That is one of the only conditions that we have asked for and can't seen to get it. I have seen about 30 contracts in the past few months and they all say something about hours but nothing to prevent the school from giving me a completely spread shift a few months down the road. For example

One of the contracts I have seen lately says:

Instructor is expected to work from Monday through Friday, 30 teaching hours a week. And thus, the Instructor is subject to be scheduled anytime within these hours

Another:

No regular schedule of working hours/classes can be guaranteed to the Teacher.

I have always responded that I want something in the contract stating that I will have a single block shift. That is generally the last time I hear about that offer and then I never hear from that person again or they send me another one that has the same issue. So my question is: is there some sort of wording or something that I should be looking for in contracts or is there something that I should be asking is some specific way to pretect myself against having my schedule changed.

Has anyone else had this issue. I am not completely opposed to have any schedule change whatsoever. If they want to give me split shifts for a month while they hire someone else - that's fine. If they want to make my hours 2-9 and then change them to 12-7 that's fine. But if I come into a job thinking that I am going to work 3-9:30 and then a month later I am working 8-10:30, 2-4:30 and then 7-9 that is not cool at all.

Also why do they have split shifts? How do these schools work? Adults want to come in the morning or something?

Thanks

[Gollum]

I know you hate my political beliefs, but I don't screw with the serious teacher-related stuff.

My answer is this: NO WAY!

I'd never take a Korean teaching job like that... ever.

The reason they're saying that is because they tried to push a teacher to do stuff in the past, and some kind of disagreement/fight insued. So this time around, they're trying to cover their butt for when they screw you.

Ask for a DEFINATE time range. If they won't give specific hours, then run far away. Every job I've ever taken has given me exact hours within an acceptable range. I've never had hourly problems due to that fact.

The only people who will take a job like this are those who don't do their homework, or the desperate.

They'll reap what they sew.

[J.B. Clamence]

You're being smart by making sure that the contract guarantees the kind of working hours you are looking for. However, you must realize that with a demand, you lose some flexibility. The fact is that some schools have BS hours, and they can't change that because of a teacher. Those schools like to cover all the times that kids or adults are out of work/school, and that includes morning. It's good that you are being careful to avoid a job that might have you do that. However, there isn't anything else you can do except keep doing what you're doing now: demand a block shift in the contract. Hopefully you'll get a decent offer soon.

[peppermint]

Try asking to have your hours specified between certain times- say between 12 and 8. That's mostly a block shift, but still gives schools a little room to maneuver

[Us in DC]

right on. That's what I thought. At first I thought I was being unreasonable because every single contract said the same thing. But know I realize that I just apprearently have no leverage at this point. Exactly what should I say when responding to a contract. In the past I have said something along the lines of "I feel the contract should read something alond the lines of 'employee is required to work 6 hours per week which constitutes 5-50 minute successive classes." Usually that is the end of the conversation. I never hear about that offer again. But I will happily keep waiting or come over there and look - which I am hoping will give me more leverage.

[Gord]

Most jobs teaching adults are split shifts simply because most adults have jobs thus they can only come in the mornings or the evenings. If you want a job teaching adults that isn't a split shift you can pretty much forget working at an academy and instead try to land a corporate job which is unlikely but more likely to be found.

[Grotto]

If you have something in a contract that you do not like. Rewrite it.

If they are not willing to be flexible before you take a job you can bet your bottom dollar they wont be flexible at all once you sign it.