Korean Job Discussion Forums

forgesteel · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Location: Earth

My director has asked me more than a couple times to take pictures which the hagwon has then subsequently used in their marketing and advertising efforts.

Question: Should I charge for my modeling services? If so, how much is reasonable to charge, i.e. what is the going rate for this type of thing in Korea?

Of course, I think I ought to charge, since:
1. these aren't services outlined in my contract
2. my time ain't free
3. i'm not ugly, etc.

Cheers, and thanks in advance for your responses,

shortskirt_longjacket · Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2006 10:51 pm Post subject:

You can't ask for any money for your "modeling." Unless your contract is significantly different from most teaching contracts out there. There's always some kind of clause in there that says you don't get paid for teaching seminars, meetings, other misc.

How much of your time did you spend modeling for them? Did you go to a studio and have makeup done and do several poses with a professional photographer? Or did the owner bust out his digi camera and click a few of your face in front of the school's entryway?

I've been on a few posters and even on the side of a school bus and I didn't get paid anything. They hire you as much for your "whiteness" as they do for your English skills.

chiaa · Joined: 23 Aug 2003

I would do it for free but have some kind of clause that they can no longer use the pictures once you stop working there.

Karabeara · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2006 12:12 am Post subject:

I know of one guy and lady who used to work at one hagwon 4 years ago. The lady went home 2 years ago, and he is still around. They are still using his photo in their advertising, along with every other teacher since. It makes the hagwon look like there are 8 foreigners, when there are only 2!

SarcasmKills · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

If he tells you to dust out those bookshelves with 10 year old copies of Side by Side, you'd best be askin', "Where da pink gloves, Master?"
I'm suprised he hasn't busted the bronco out of you yet.

forgesteel · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Location: Earth

free = i'm not doing it.

do i ask for days off that aren't coming to me? never.
do i ask for free meals? never.
do i ask for free pictures of people at my work? never.

about the only free thing i've seen in Korea is air, sidewalks, and water in restaurants. so, in return, i'll provide more free services when more free services are provided to me. sounds fair.

forgesteel · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Location: Earth

Karabeara · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2006 2:52 am Post subject:

You probably will just make your school's boss angry by asking for money.

forgesteel · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Location: Earth

forgesteel · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Location: Earth

forgesteel · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Location: Earth

forgesteel · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Location: Earth

SarcasmKills · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

Dude, they're basically just asking you a favour to help promote the school.. it most likely involves 5 minutes of your time tops.. it's just a picture.. grab a flyer with your face on it as a souvenir to send to mom..

It's NOT a big deal like you think it is.. if you're gung-ho about getting paid, don't do it.. you're treating this as a much bigger issue than it is.