Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Anna_Louise]

I've been offered a contract with a school, and there are a couple of clauses which I think are a bit strange. One is regarding a 'probationary period' of 2 weeks, during which I can be fired if they don't think I'm a great teacher. The other states that I have to be at the school 'at least 2 hours before my first class', which seems a bit over the top to say the least. I've already asked my recruiter if it's possible this second clause could be altered to a more reasonable time. Could anyone shed any light on whether or not these are things to be concerned about? Many Thanks

[xCustomx]

Personally it would be a red flag for me and I would just look for another job. Also, everything is negotiable. The worst thing they're going to say is no, so you may as well ask.

[laogaiguk]

Ya, everything is negotiable, but to be honest, unless that job really shined compared to the myriad of other ones, I would just skip it.

[mj roach]

Pass...there are too many openings to accept something like that.
Even if you could negotiate a change, you would probably have problems, sooner or later
with an owner/director who thinks that way.

[Tony_Balony]

Two week probationary - duh, you first six months is probationary. Your entire job is probationary

Two hours is too much. Drop them. Its an omen.

[Anna_Louise]

Cheers guys. Ideally I wouldn't take it, however I've been looking for a job for over a month now and the 2 offers I have currently are the only even half decent ones that I've had. Do you think the probationary clause is such a bad thing? under the impression that they can fire you pretty easily in the first few weeks anyway, so having it in the contract doesn;t make that much difference!

[mj roach]

Without your having signed a contract containing a clause like that..
labo(u)r law requires you receive 30 days notice (or cash pay-out in lieu).

[garykasparov]

[jellobean]

If you've only had a few decent offers, start talking to a few more recruiters... Once recruiters realize you are pickier they will often show you better jobs... Also, have you considered public schools outside of Seoul? I've seen a few ads still lurking around...

[Juregen]

Isn't this normal for all jobs?

In Europe, everyone gets that clause. It's even an entire month.

The 2 hours early is not so good. There is no point to that.

[I-am-me]