So often, when we talk about our job with others - it’s just a pissing contest. You walk away from those conversations less edified than when you started:

How much do you get?
How many hours do you have to work?
How much vacation do you get?
Do you have a private office?
What perks do you get?

Maybe someone’s bragging or someone’s moaning. I’m as guilty of getting into this as anyone. Anyway, there’s always somebody better off/worse off than you are so it’s just not that helpful.

The fact is, as far as terms and conditions go we all know that no matter whether you’re in a hagwon, public school or uni it can be terrible or wonderful or just alright.

If it’s good for you, that’s great but it’s not the terms of the deal that will really satisfy you.

If it’s really bad for you - grit your teeth, finish the deal if you can and get better terms.

What really counts will be your school and especially your classroom experience.

For most of us the terms are alright and a better conversation to have would be:

Do you enjoy your teaching in the place where you work? Why?
Are YOU learning? What?
Are you improving? How?
Are you enjoying your relationship with the other staff and students?
Are you having fun? Are they having fun with it?
Are you trying out new stuff in the classroom? What?
Can you get to observe others/be observed and learn stuff that way?
What have you read recently that’s interesting/helpful?
Have you got like-minded colleagues?
How can you make it better? How can you enjoy it more?

Kumbaya..I know
Just a thought…