Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Trevor]

I got an offer for one of the higher-paid/lower hour positions at a uni with a good (excellent) reputation last month.

Trouble is, I haven't seen the contract yet and I have a month to go before I have to leave the residence at my current uni when my contract is up.

I have turned down other offers and haven't been looking anymore since the director at the new uni has repeatedly said they are firm on hiring me. The hold up is, apparently, because I just got my M.A. and my university in the states doesn't issue diplomas immediately. Because of this, my new director says he has to get official permission from the president of the Uni to hire me and the president hasn't signed off yet. No definite word on when he will...aarrrggh

If this thing falls through -- and it can ALWAYS FALL THROUGH BEFORE THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED -- then I am up the creek. No job, no apartment, no contract. Just a homeless waygook with an apartment full of stuff on the side of the road and no place to go.

[suneV]

[quote="Trevor"]I got an offer for one of the higher-paid/lower hour positions at a uni with a good (excellent) reputation last month.

Trouble is, I haven't seen the contract yet and I have a month to go before I have to leave the residence at my current uni when my contract is up.

I have turned down other offers and haven't been looking anymore since the director at the new uni has repeatedly said they are firm on hiring me. The hold up is, apparently, because I just got my M.A. and my university in the states doesn't issue diplomas immediately. Because of this, my new director says he has to get official permission from the president of the Uni to hire me and the president hasn't signed off yet. No definite word on when he will...aarrrggh

If this thing falls through -- and it can ALWAYS FALL THROUGH BEFORE THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED -- then I am up the creek. No job, no apartment, no contract. Just a homeless waygook with an apartment full of stuff on the side of the road and no place to go. [/quote]

Invite the director to lunch and explain this to him. Tell him you can only take the job if it's absolutely garuanteed.

[Trevor]

I had a phone call with him this morning about it. He says it's on the president's desk. I feel it would be inapproriate to ask him to guarantee someone else's conduct.

Looks like I am just going to have to wait it out. The frustraiting thing is, if they hand me the contract two weeks before showtime and it is filled with unacceptable terms, then all my other options are cut off! Stalling until the other party's options dry up is a way of railroading people that has been used for time immemorial.
I don't feel good about this.


[i]"Invite the director to lunch and explain this to him. Tell him you can only take the job if it's absolutely garuanteed.[/quote][/i]

[mtnhiker]

i would write a letter to the university explaining the situation so that it is clear what hte circumstances are. I don't think that it is unreasonable giving THEM a deadline. Suck up to them, saying how much you want to work there, what an honor it would be blah, blah, blah but also say that you have had other offers adn that you need to make a decision soon. This way it can look good on your part adn is easy for the director to pass on without making teh president feel like he is being hounded.

good luck!

[Corky]

Is this the literature position that you offered 500$ for? I always wondered how that turned out for you.

You need them more than they need you, and you'll come across negatively if you push this. You've already asked them, and they gave you an answer. Which is not to say that you shouldn't put out a couple more job applications. There's a good uni gig on the job board right now. Couldn't hurt to apply, right.

Have some faith though. They're probably telling you the truth. Why wouldn't they be?

I know a couple people who are flying on a wing and a prayer waiting for their uni contracts right now. Korean universities are notorious for this.

[articulate_ink]

Remember, this is Korea. Everything is done at the last minute, and forward planning is an unknown concept here. Also, you're the low man on the totem pole, so any inconvenience this delay may create for you is the furthest thing from anyone's mind.

[Lola]

I just signed my contract yesterday, after waiting over a month. I still have no idea where I'm going to live. They have to give me housing but God only knows when that will come together. And soon I'm going to get kicked out of my current place. My friend hasn't seen his new uni contract yet at all.
So you're not alone! Good luck, I'm sure it will get sorted.

[Trevor]

I actually wrote an email in exactly the format you suggested. I also asked to see a copy of the contract -- which they sent (a very good sign). I'm feeling slightly better, but the fact remains, I have a month to move, settle in a different city, get my visa -- without knowing anything about the place I'm gonna live. Really unsettling. I'm glad to learn I am not the only one.

[Trevor]

I went on one interview for a lit position that was recommended to me from that post (Oh, yes, they are out there) but I haven't heard from them. In this position I will be able to teach literature as an elective.

So no one got the $500

And yes, I have a back up.

[Tjames426]

I was invited in early December for a position that starts in late February.

Interesting in the interview process, my concerns about Housing, extra Salary, and other practical issues were quietly pushed aside. The University saw my Resume. They like me a lot. They asked a lot of questions. They seemed happy. Problem is, they never addressed my issues.

I have yet to receive an official letter of invitation. I have yet to see a contract between the School and myself.

I got this feeling they still expect me to show up and teach.

[Trevor]

I'll give it 50-50 they call you a week before school starts.