Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pest1]

When I applied for a job in Thailand once with my boyfriend, I was questioned by the interviewer about working at the same place with my partner. The interviewer told me that in the past, couple teachers who worked for them had often both left simply because 1 or the other was unhappy with the school. Also, there was concern that working together was bad because couples are usually already always together in thier leisure time so being together both during leisure and work time means they are always together. If they're always together, they might break up, etc, and then 1 or the other or both leaves the school.

On the other hand, I know of couples who work for the same school who are very happy and seem better off for it.

Also, from the schools' perspectives, it is easier to hire 2 people together as a package and supply them with housing, care, etc, than it to hire only 1.

[betak]

I was wondering the same thing about applying as a couple. My husband and I are hoping to get jobs in Korea sometime in July or August. Can separate schools work out shared housing between two employees that are married? Also, does anyone have any idea if it takes longer to find positions for couples (since you are looking for two openings that start at close to the same time?).



(Mods - sorry, this question seems like it may be in the wrong forum - I tried to post in the FAQ, but it told me that only moderators can post new topics --??)

[stat]

the place where I am has a slight inclination to couples.

it massively cuts down on preparation time, and it means materials are generally reviewed by another qualified teacher before being taught. Of course there are downsides: potentially less integration with other teachers, potentially less variety of lessons (all very hypothetical).

[peppermint]

[Zenpickle]

When I'm hiring foreign teachers, it is tempting to get couples because it quickly fills two positions, and it's easier to set up housing. Nonetheless, I avoid hiring couples because of some of the reasons you mentioned, which I had seen at other schools.

When one goes, both go.

Also, problems tend to get amplified with couples. If one has a bad day, they talk about it at home, and it gets bigger and bigger.

[betak]

[animalbirdfish]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

A lot more, I think, depends on your boyfriend and you. I know a really nice Kiwi girl who had to leave a very good job simply because her boyfriend was such an unreasonalbe pr*ck. As long as you trust each other not to sweat the small stuff and to choose your battles carefully, it should be all right.

[pest1]

[cubanlord]

Couple's Experience Here!~!!!!!~@~@!~ Who wants it!??!?

The wife and I both work together in the same elementary school. It's great; almost the same schedule, eat lunch together, plan together, etc. We get to spend a lot more time together (something most couples, even though married, don't get to experience), etc.

GREAT FOR CONTRACT RENEWAL TIME!)(*@)!(*@)!$&@*

As someone previously stated, "If one goes, they both go". Definitely puts the ball in our court. My wife and I are (I feel and so do our co-workers 'both korean and foreign') good teachers. We try for our children; very hard I may add. Just put some effort into it. The school will definitely see that.

[JeJuJitsu]

One of the bigger Haggies here on the island tries to only hire couples--as they forbid their foreign teachers to date Koreans, and promptly fire teachers if they hear that their teachers are dating Koreans. Quite well known policy, suprising no one has taken them to court.

[Homer]

Personally I think this would be a big risk but then again that depends on the dynamics of your couple.

Working at the same school and living together as well does not leave much alone time in my opinion...

[cubanlord]

[fatpat]

My boyfriend and I work in seperate Hagwans but the directors share the cost of our house. I think our situation is quite rare, but our directors believe that because we live out in the sticks it might be difficult for single people as there isn't much to do around here or many other foriegners.

I really like our situation as we avoid being together all the time, I might go a bit mental spending day and night with him despite loving him to bits. I think it has also worked out better in terms of our accomodation. We have a really nice big apartment whereas the non couples that I know in Namchang have tiny little places. Also im sure it still works out cheaper for the directors than renting 2 small ones so they are happy too.

[sadsac]

I think working with your partner is great. My wife and I have been working together at the same hagwons for 5 years, it's neber been a problem. It's great to sit and chat in breaks and to share teaching ideas. Also we tend not to talk about work at home and I love that.