Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rokricky]

I just wanted other people's opinions about this. Preferably those working in Unis since they know the score.

K. So I started working for this University. I knew the teachers who worked here before, so I thought I had an idea of what I was getting into.

The teachers who left were working 12-15 hours a week, teaching two huge classes in lecture halls, and the rest were all small group conversation classes. The teachers were free to come and go as they please, expecting to hold two office hours a week. So this was the sweet, cozy job I thought I was getting into.

As it turns out, the school decided to hire only one teacher this year, which means I teach 18 classes/ week, the max limit in my contract before overtime(Not complaining, yet), and all of my classes have over 30 students in them. In addition to my 2 office hours/ week, the school has now asked me to do two hours per week of "volunteer overtime", tutoring a small group of freshmen. And by the way, I'm expected to be at the University from 9-6:00 pm everyday.

Oh, and to make matters worse.... They have not supplied a working computer, and they've moved my office to a room with no heat, and they went ahead and chose textbooks which are video dependent even though there is no video equipment available.

Does this suck, or am I being a baby? And Most importantly....should I refuse the "volunteer overtime"?

[JeJuJitsu]

I'm not a Uni teacher, nor am I an expert in math, but I'm pretty sure 9AM-6PM every day amounts to more than two office hours per week. Just give your Admin the old "wanking" gesture and roll your eyes when they tell you stuff like that.

[the eye]

Just do what's required in your contract. They aren't interested in goodwill, so why should you be?

[poet13]

I don't think you're whining. Disclaimer--I don't teach at a uni.

Working you to the full limit of your contract however, is their perogative.
Volunteer overtime? Hell no! However, does your contract say you may be REQUIRED to work some OT? If so, then you have to do it......but NOT FOR FREE. They want you to work, they pay you, it's that simple.
Just be at the uni from 9-6, or hold office hours? I don't know what your contract says, but if it only says X classes, and X hours office hours, and say nothing about actually being on campus from 9-6, then I think I would ask to adhere to the contract.

No working computer? What a joke. No, don't use your own. Scribble/handwrite a couple of lesson plans and turn them in for review. See what happens...

Video dependant textbooks and no A/V equipment. Not much you can fight about, except point it out to them.


I'm curious if everybody has the same new rules, or just you.... if it's just you, I'd be bent. If it's everybody, well, welcome to the changing status quo of universities in Korea.

[meangradin]

hence the reason why I turned down the university positions I was offered this year. IMHO, and it is just my opinion, the good old days of the university job are pretty much over. I can make more per hour at Hogwans than I can at Uni's. when you factor in prep and marking time; especially if you teach writing.

[jjurabong]

The freshman extra-curricular class idea must be spreading, because these have also just been forced on us, at a university that is usually a pretty great place to work.

[poet13]

"....been forced on us, at a university that is usually a pretty great place to work."

Did you mean was?

I honestly don't remember the last time I read a positive post regarding uni work....