Korean Job Discussion Forums

[plutodog18]

Last week I solicited information on the Poly schools. I received good comments, pro and con, and I thank all who took the time to share.

That thread inspired (ok, overdone) me to consider some of the information received and to address a new thread.

Many comments were that Poly works it's teachers very hard. Poly admits that their work schedules are 8 hours per day (3 hrs. prep -- paid; 5 hours teaching), Monday through Friday. That amounts to an average month of 160 paid hours. But Poly pays on average, according to my research, 3.0/month with full benefits.

Comments went on to suggest that you could make 3.0/month in an easier job when you add in income which is derived from "privates". Assuming there is valid experience in this regard I ran some numbers strictly for comparison.

Poly = 160 hours/month for 3.0/month

Other Jobs = 120 hours (assumed average)/month for 2.2/month (average)
Assuming you make 18,000/hour (rather generous and fair I believe) for privates you would need to work another 44.5 hours to make an additional 800,000/month to reach your goal of 3.0/month.
120 hours plus 44.5 hours = 164.5 hours per month.

So in fact you have to work more hours (work harder?) to equal the Poly salary.

Comparisons:

Poly guarantees the pay, every month, without looking to secure the money on a hit and miss basis.

Privates are technically illegal to do.

Poly will give a full months salary bonus at the end of the contract period. Plus you get paid vacation. Will your privates do the same thing?

Poly has a set schedule -- you can plan your life accordingly. With privates you need to be somewhat flexible to the schedules of others.

These are just my idyll thoughts...I am sure there are others that can be added.

And before the comments start, I am not in anyway associated with Poly (though I admit I may soon be employed there). Just wanted to add some grist to the mill.

You thoughts and comments are appreciated.

[polonius]

I don't work for Poly. I work next to a Poly, and have spoken to their teachers. Yes you work hard, yes you get paid a higher salary, yes you work many hours. Their holiday schedule, as many other hagwon's change at short notice. I spoke to a Polyite yesterday and was informed that one day said to be a vacation day next Tues, was cancelled 2 weeks ago. That should come as no surprise, however. This is common practice at many Hagwon's. Also, note that they (from what I heard directly from a teacher there) don't pay into the pension, but do offer a higher salary to offset this.

I would go the route of NOT teaching privates, as A. they are illegal, and you could be deported if caught, B. Why work more, on an irregular schedule, using up your free time. I like to work, but I also like to play.

My 2 cents.

[ttompatz]

[plutodog18]

So if I understand you correctly you are saying privates should be about $42 to $53/hour or more???????????

I am not saying you are wrong, but that seems very high to me. I would hope others would give their experience on this as I am not yet totally persuaded............

[ChuckECheese]

Yep, I average around 10 hours of privates per week(paid in advance and get to keep it even they cancel any classes) at 50,000 won per hour. So you do the math.

Easy money because most just want to have casual conversation over coffee or meal.

[JeJuJitsu]