Korean Job Discussion Forums

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

I have recently been offered a contract and I would like to negotiate a few extras, but I do not wish to start off on the wrong foot.

The school is offering 20,000 won OT. I want 25,000.
Payday is on the 10th. I want the 1st.
Training per diem is 4,000 won/hr. I want ?? (well I don't know, but anything more would be helpful)

At what point are you considered a nitpicker?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

PimpofKorea · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 9:02 am Post subject:

They view them as uppity white priks......that need to be taken out from a rooftop with a .223 bolt action rifle with sniper scope......or other such weaponry.... Ask any Korean...they'll tell you.

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

Public school or private? I'll assume it's just some hagwon:

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Who cares if they think you're a nitpicker? You're committing a year of your life to a contract and you want to make sure it's a good one.

When I signed my current contract, I was a real stickler about it- asking for claifiication about most clauses, asking for changes in more than a few.

They thought it was cute- Koreans don't usually get hung up on contracts. Yeah, they probaby also thought I was a nitpicker (maybe I am).

But I got most of what I asked for and my relations with them are great. (some of the changes I want them I didn't get, but they weren't deal breakers)

xcelr8r · Joined: 08 May 2007 Location: Amsterdam

They seem find plenty ways to nitpick us out of $
See the post.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=87173

Plus, being considered a nitpicker probably will not lower their already low view of you much.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

poet13 · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 6:55 pm Post subject:

I think in many cases it will depend on HOW you approach the negotiation. If you come off as unyielding and get angry at being refused something simple, then I would say of course, they will view you negatively. Most people of any nationality probably would.
Yes, of course, there will be some who think they are handing you the keys to the kingdom and would be outraged such at such affrontary (sp?), but 'dems the ones you walk away from....

The Bobster · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Personally, I would focus on base pay rather than benefits, though it's a case-by-case thing. One thing about benefits is that other teachers might notice if you change your contract so you never have to work after 6pm, for instance, or that you get more vacation time, and that affects the overall atmosphere in the office, which is pretty important ...

It's easy to make a case that, whatever flaws you might have as a teacher, after 12 months on the job you are very likely 8 - 15% better at it now than when first hired. You can ask for other things, of course, but a raise in base pay is the very least you should expect.

But you will need to ask for it, else they will think you are a happy clam with the way things are. (Sorry to confess : took me years to realize that if I want something I should ask for it ...)