I've got the working man blues
I took the job I have now 6 months ago. I picked the company I work for because the preparation time was minimal and they don't have papers to grade, etc. That's the benefit of teaching conversational English: you read an article and discuss. For that reason I was willing to get paid less than the average salary in Taiwan. I wanted to be able to have time to study Chinese and make enough money to live off.
Fast forward six months.
My schedule is set, but it is rather weird. Monday 7-9 at Branch A; Tuesday 2:30-5:30 and 6:30-9:45 at Branch B; Wednesday 3:30-5 at Branch C and 7-9 at Branch A; Thursday a repeat of Tuesday; Friday 2:30-4 and 7-9 at Branch A. I also get paid a significant less than the average. I was ok with this but based on this I have no social life (Q:"Hey Peter, want to go out later on?" A:"No thanks, I have to work tonight") and while my salary is adequate for my needs, it does not lend itself to having much extra money. Plus I have a Taiwanese friend who speaks English as a Second Language and works at another Company, and HE makes MORE than me.
So I asked my boss almost 2 weeks ago for a raise. I indicated I had been working for 6 months and thought it would be appropriate. She said she would talk to her boss and see what the branches I teach at thought (they would ask some students to evaluate me). I said that was fine and I have been patient. Monday marks 2 weeks since I asked and on that day I would call my boss for an update. If the result was unsatisfactory (as in "No raise" or "Here is a $1 an hour raise") I would give notice and look for another job that pays more and has better hours.
Tonight towards the end of one of my classes a student asked if I was happy with what I got paid and (I don't recall exactly what he said) if I had ever asked for a raise. Obviously having students evaluate me means telling them I have asked for one and asking "Does he deserve a raise"?
I will be patient and wait til Monday to see what the deal is. I am almost certain if it is a "Yes" the dollar amount will be a pittance.
Fast forward six months.
My schedule is set, but it is rather weird. Monday 7-9 at Branch A; Tuesday 2:30-5:30 and 6:30-9:45 at Branch B; Wednesday 3:30-5 at Branch C and 7-9 at Branch A; Thursday a repeat of Tuesday; Friday 2:30-4 and 7-9 at Branch A. I also get paid a significant less than the average. I was ok with this but based on this I have no social life (Q:"Hey Peter, want to go out later on?" A:"No thanks, I have to work tonight") and while my salary is adequate for my needs, it does not lend itself to having much extra money. Plus I have a Taiwanese friend who speaks English as a Second Language and works at another Company, and HE makes MORE than me.
So I asked my boss almost 2 weeks ago for a raise. I indicated I had been working for 6 months and thought it would be appropriate. She said she would talk to her boss and see what the branches I teach at thought (they would ask some students to evaluate me). I said that was fine and I have been patient. Monday marks 2 weeks since I asked and on that day I would call my boss for an update. If the result was unsatisfactory (as in "No raise" or "Here is a $1 an hour raise") I would give notice and look for another job that pays more and has better hours.
Tonight towards the end of one of my classes a student asked if I was happy with what I got paid and (I don't recall exactly what he said) if I had ever asked for a raise. Obviously having students evaluate me means telling them I have asked for one and asking "Does he deserve a raise"?
I will be patient and wait til Monday to see what the deal is. I am almost certain if it is a "Yes" the dollar amount will be a pittance.