Korean Job Discussion Forums

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

I am leaving my Youngdo job soon. I just had my first interview at a new school. It's teaching adults on a pretty easy split-shift... no later than 9pm, no earlier than 7am, and try to be there a half hour early.

Sometimes the classes may start later, sometimes they may end earlier. Never later than 9pm or earlier than 7am.

On the surface it seems like a pretty OK gig.

I have a few concerns though.

They claim that I don't have to pay pension. It also seems that they are going to squeak by on the medical and will cover me when and if the need arises.

It does say on my contract that they will deduct 3.3% national tax.

It also says that if I leave they want 45 days notice.

They are providing me with 300,000 for a visa run (this is from Busan).

Pay is 2.45 million including a 300,000 housing allowance. They claim that the housing allowance is not taxable.

It sounds as if I will be able to do whatever I want. It's adults ( I hope I already mentioned that ) in fairly small classes, usually not more than eight. I have been itching for some freedom in the curriculuum development department so this part sounds very good.

All in all I am a little nervous. I told them that I am leaving my current position within about a month of starting. I told them honestly why I was unhappy and they seemed to understand. It just seems odd that they offered me the contract right away like this.

They wanted me to let them know in a week if I would take it, I said two... we compromised at 10 days.

Any input?

It seems like a small little school, nice people... but that can change too.

hahaha

MantisBot · Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Location: Itaewon, Seoul, SK

babtangee · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 4:27 am Post subject:

2.45 including .3 housing ain't all that much. You already have the housing covered? I wouldn't rush into another gig too quick if I were you. I would never do split shifts again regardless of who I was - particularly not for 2.15 per month.

Good luck.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

I wouldn't take it. You should have negotiate and asked for at least 2.8 mil (including housing allowance).

With some shady crap like (No insurance but paying income tax) that I would also ask them to pay me in advance each month and pay the severance a month before the end of your contract. If not, I wouldn't take the job.

And what about holidays and vacation?

Zoot · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Location: Bundang

I keep hearing that pension and health insurance are manditory. What's that all about?

babtangee · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:35 am Post subject:

MantisBot · Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Location: Itaewon, Seoul, SK

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Are you young and invincible? If you are invincible you don't need health insurance, so let them brush it aside. If you are young you don't need Pension, because you are energetic and immortal (at the moment).

Seriously, employers putting their bit into the Pension Program is law. If they don't do it the Pension authorities, should they find out, would be seriously bent about it, as you should be! The Korean Gov't made the Pension Program for foreigners why? To protect us! An employer who wants to evade that law and steal from you, the future old man, how tacky is that, stealing someone's pension?!!!!!

By stealing I mean, obviously, not participating in the Pension Program. Such management figure they can make up their own rules simply to save themselves money! And cut into your safety net/profit put there BY LAW.

The health insurance, once set up, can ring bells that alert the Pension Program and summon them to ask the burning question, 'why is this boss not paying into the pension?'. Your sleazy, potential managers are probably aware of this. Don't let them rip you off from the start because you think someone else will grap the job. If they won't pay Pension and Medical, screw the job!!!!

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

Now that they have offered me a contract do you think it would be worth trying to renegotiate?

My job search has yet to begin in earnest, but so far this school seems the best option.

I have Pagoda PIP, CDI, and a GnB semi-interested in me. I still have to do the full application/skills assessment for Pagoda's PIP and CDI. That was my goal this weekend, but with the backload of student essays I have to grade from my YES classes it just feels like a pain in the arse to start.

I am considering telling the first school that I'll take the position while I am waiting for a better gig. I hate to be dishonest, but they want 10 days notice for a job beginning 2 months from now. I would be understanding but there are a ton of potential hires locally... the need to fly someone in is just not there, so it feels like a pressure tactic for me to take their slightly shady contract.

How binding is the initial signing if I decide to back out? It seems like most of the places I have worked at always have me sign another identical contract once I start... so I wonder if the "offer" contract is just a formality... a written "maybe".

hahaha Rolling Eyes