Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blunder1983]

Well I've only been here 6 weeks but I'm really enjoying my current school, and its looking like i'll get a summer vacation not coming out of my holiday days so i am a happy bean.

My only gripe is that my wages are poo. After I pay tax, pension (which i wont get back ), health insurance and meals I'm on 1,680,000. Now whilst that is approximately 600,000 won better than my job in london after tax and travel compared to jobs here its on the low side to say the least. As I'm in EPIK and I'm grossly under worked anyway (15 hours a week instead of my contracted 22) I don't think overtime is going to be an option either.

So next year (lol i know its a long way off) I'm considering branching out. Uni jobs are totally out of the question as I'm only 22 (english age) and this will be my first year teaching.

So whats best: Hagwon, EPIK, GEPIK, after school programme or private school (proper school not a haggie)

Vote now!

Also any tips on how I can up my contracted hours would be appreciated. I've asked the principle and her response was, no hurry in working more.... sounds good but i get bored and until i work my 22 in school i cant feasibly charge for OT when it comes along.

Chris

[Grotto]

ask if you can set up a program for students where they pay you directly but the classes are held at the school.

IE: students pay you 20,000 won a month for 2 after school classes a week. If you get some students then you get some more cash. Its cheaper than hogwan prices and there is no burden on the school.(makes them look good)

[Gollum]

You forgot to mention "Male Host Bar Worker" in your poll.

I'm making millions of won per week, and the women PAY for dates. Many of them are hard-up, and rarin' to go! Kimchi-breath aside, it's a good gig. No national health insurance, though. My boss's idea of health insurance is to "wrap it."

Grotto and Canucksaram joined me working here recently, and started taking many of my best customers, however I know I will charm them into returning to me. Grotto and Canucksaram are merely the "flavors of the week."

I've been toying with the thought of sending some "discount coupons" to a couple of the wives of certain immigration officials on floor #2.


(oh, OK... this post is fake -- I admit it!)

[Homer]

blunder1983,

You are working 15 hours per week (out of a contracted 22) for 1.68 after taxes and you consider that low?

Look around you mate...and I do mean look.

Also comparing your wages in London to what you make here:

Did you factor in free housing (if you get it here)?

If not, then do so as this is a clear bonus to your wages as you do not have to pay rent on a flat.

Did you consider the question of disposable income?
Out of a similar salary in London, how much disposable income did you have left in your pocket?

How about savings potential?

As for the poll, the choice of best job really depends on what you are looking for.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[diablo3]

Whats the best job overall in korea?

One of those non-teaching jobs, or any teaching job you have satisfaction with. Teaching adults is best for me if I was teaching.

[blunder1983]

I know my current job is pretty sweet on the actual work:cash ratio but i'd still prefer to pull in a higher salary, and although I'm only teaching 15hours a week i'm twiddling my thumbs in school for a full 40 hour week.

I'll begin the idea grotto mentioned I guess might as well wait till after the holidays...

[iguanab]

Not all Public School positions are through the EPIK and GEPIK programs! I have a GREAT gig teaching in a public high school. All summer and winter vacations off, with the exception of one week of Intensive each term, but that is only one or two classes for 4 days a week. The entire summer and winter vacations are paid!

This is my second year at the school and the staff and students are great. Don't think that all public school jobs are run like the EPIK and GEPIK programs....if you go through a school WITHOUT it being part of a program and without a recruiter, and you negotiate your own contract, you can find a sweet place to teach and enjoy it in the process!

[plato's republic]

Iguanab

How does one go about landing a teaching job at a Public school without going through EPIK/GEPIK or a recruiter?
It seems to me like recruiters have got the market cornered as far as teaching at Public schools goes. I'd like to do a year at a Public school after my current contract at a Hagwon finishes but I'm not too keen on 'only' getting two weeks paid summer/winter vacation compared to the 1 or 2 months Public school teachers used to get. Plus the idea of having to do a summer/winter camp doesn't fill me with inspiration. A lot of people have posted that they still have to go to work during the summer when all the students are on vacation and just sit around twiddling their thumbs all day trying to look busy.

[the_beaver]

For teaching I'd say a unversity in Seoul. For other jobs I have no idea.

[blunder1983]

Sorry iguana i kind of meant non EPIK schools to fit into the last catagory. Interesting to see my findings are matching peoples votes. The vast majority of people in mainstream schools be it private or state and out of EPIK/GEPIK seem very happy.

All I need to do now is to convince my school, which I love to leave the EPIK programme and take me on externally MWAH HAHAHA

[iguanab]

First of all, to Plato's Republic, simply look for schools who advertise without recruiters...they are out there - especially, elementary jobs. As for the jobs where you sit and do nothing, my understanding is that those are mainly the program jobs (ie, EPIK and GEPIK).

Also understand, it is through the negotiating where you land your benefits and the program jobs are strictly structured and don't allow for negotiation....

One of my friends in a public non-program HS doesn't have to work past 3:30, but she has a shorter vacation. My school lets me work 10-3:40 every day. My hours are 20 a week, but I teach 2 parents classes to help them out...in my case, they have been really good to me, so I try to be the same in kind.

As for uni jobs, several of my friends have them and I think their vacations are a bit longer, however, they also have tests to give and grade and must give out report cards...there are no such things in my gig. I also don't have to be at school for mid-terms and finals...I was offered a uni job but turned it down for the public school job.

As for private schools, I worked at what is considered the "most prestigious" girls' foreign language high school in Korea, which was private, and I wouldn't go back there for all the tea in China. The bottom line with private schools is money...and they often work their teachers to the bone. You may not be aware of this but Korean teachers at private schools DO NOT HAVE TO BE LICENSED! In fact, many private school teachers take the licensing test (which is quite difficult, I understand) in order to get out of the private school arena. Also, many private schools use "the stick" much more harshly, whereas, at my public school, while I have seen it used, I have never seen a student struck hard...it seems to be more of a "ritual" of saying "I am disappointed in you"...never any tears or blood. (it is, however, a ritual in which I would never partake).Two years ago, a friend of mine, who worked at a private HS, actually saw a girl knocked to the floor by an angry teacher. Then, following year. she saw a anpther girl with a bloody hand from being hit so hard by a teacher.

So, by putting public schools in the same category, it is like comparing gestapos to teachers (at least in my book!)

[Bunnymonster]

I'd propose working as a dancer at Everland, not only do they get a foreigners only restaurant, a happy lounge and free meals but you might well get to wear a stylish outfit like this





Oh yeah and your coleagues will be HOT!!!! and you'll get to spray them with water at the 'summer splash parade'


I wonder what the pay is like..................

[jaykimf]

[plato's republic]

Jaykimf,

sound advice, but how would I communicate with the school principle if I don't speak any Korean? I'm guessing their level of English would not be very high as a general rule.