Sunday, April 3, 2011

Contract Week Introduction

Hello,

Wintermute here and all this week we are going to be talking about certain things you should look out for when signing your contract. Sadly this is something that I have more experience then I wish I did. I have seen my fair share of contracts in the past and had to turn down quite a few, and had to live through my mistakes of not being more careful at what I read.

Some of you may think I am being picky or spoiled, but you have to understand that these contracts are made to protect the hell out of the school and use you as a tool. Now it’s not always intentional, really it isn’t, you have to remember that English is not their first language and perhaps they don’t understand that the wording is a bit off.

I cannot stress enough just how important it is for you to contest something that you are not comfortable with signing.  I know that it’s hard, the contract is right there in front of you and all you have to do is sign it and you have a job and are off to Korea. In this day and age we don’t have the luxury of denying a job, but as you read my post throughout the week you will come to understand that it’s better for you to play it safe instead of rushing into something you don’t fully understand.

My post will cover questions such as:

Student cap – It’s enough that I want to teach, but how many?

Duties – They pay me; does that mean I have to do what they say at school?

Accommodations – What will my apartment be like, and just how far is it?

Training – I have never taught a class before, will they be training me?

Wage/Hours – They told me over the phone but it’s not listed in the contract, I can trust them right?

I hope you all look forward to our discussions and learn a little something from what I have to teach this week. Be sure to come back everyday and leave comments and questions. 

Peace,
Wintermute

25 comments:

  1. That's brilliant an well detailed!!

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  2. This is the post Ive been waiting for.

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  3. really cool. i agree that you should really draw attention to anything in any contract you don't like. nothing is ever set in stone nowadays, and most people just "take it" figuring they won't be able to make it any better by complaining. it's always worth it to try!

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  4. It's good to question everything so you know what you're getting yourself into! A lot of people don't take the time to think it through :D

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  5. I love your writing style. It's so clean and proper.

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  6. Man, contracts are always something to be cautious of. They try to rip you off at every turn.

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  7. Awesome. This will be very interesting, I'm glad you know how to handle yourself.

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  8. well id like to hear more about student caps

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  9. Looking forward towards that info, keep it up man.

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  10. Agree with SirJohnBear. It's common sense not to sign something you don't feel well with.

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  11. Looks like they did not make you feel comfortable with the contract at all ... no sense in signing till you have them explain the detail of a number of clauses!

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  12. Looking out for it, good luck on all of it! ;D

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  13. Important subject, looking forward to it as I meet the problem of having to sign something you're not comfortable with at every step.

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  14. i always just try to think if it is logical and makes sense mainly..usually works fine

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  15. Very good post! +following
    Kreksnaw.blogspot.com

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  16. i like your blog. keep up the good work

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  17. will probably never get a job like this but looking forward

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  18. Interesting, contracts stick with you for a while so it's good to think it over carefully.

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  19. Teaching abroad is appealing but I haven't completed my degree yet so I can't consider it. However i'll be checking up more often on this blog for future reference.

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  20. Yes, always think over contracts before you sign. I can't wait for your tips.

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  21. That's interesting stuff. I agree with Bramen.

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  22. Very well written.

    I am looking forward to reading more!

    +followed!

    Come visit me, I got a new fish tank :)

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  23. Be careful if there is any kind of "catches" in the contract. That's your career and life we are talking about. So make sure you read it properly

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  24. Looking forward to this!

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