Well. As of last night, I made a commitment and started paperwork to extend my contract with 엘브릿지어학원 (LBridge Language Academy) for one year–that is, through August of 2009. This probably seems very illogical and inconsistent of me, given my many recent complaints about the place. But… first and foremost, we shouldn't forget that it's always easier to complain than it is to point out the positive: when I looked as objectively as possible at my options, my goals and my feelings about what I was doing, it seemed like the right decision. Additionally, a number of recent developments conspired to make the whole thing more attractive.
Last week, my old boss, Curt, made me a sort of "counter offer." It wasn't very firm on the details, though–he's trying to start his own, new hagwon, but such start-ups are notoriously unstable. Consider only the fact that LinguaForum, which was just such a start up, failed despite having "bought" substantial student body at the start and having extensive corporate backing, neither of which Curt has access to. So although I would enjoy working for Curt again, and found the idea of a more laid-back atmosphere than what prevails at 엘브릿지 to be almost compelling, in the end I was frightened about making a commitment to him.
Then, two days ago, the supervisor here made two suggestions (the second one at my prompting) to "sweeten" the deal 엘브릿지 was offering. First, apparently a raise of about 8%. And then, the possibility of about 9 days off before the start of the new term in September–a chance to take a little trip somewhere, out of the country (My intention is to go to Australia to visit my mother).
Another–probably significant–reason I changed my mind comes down to flattery, actually. The other day, I had someone observe my class, and then she gave a fairly glowing report back to the boss here, who subsequently reported that feedback to me enthusiastically. Given the occasional crises I've had in the past over feelings that my teaching efforts weren't appreciated or were downright disapproved of by previous supervisors (not including Curt, but others), this meant a great deal to me. "Flattery will get you everywhere," as they say.
Lastly, as I've mentioned before, I've been craving some stability, I think. Staying with my current employer makes the coming year predictable (as LBridge is too big to go crashing to the ground as Tomorrow School and then LinguaForum have done), and so it gives me a chance to continue improving my teaching abilities in an always highly structured and occasionally supportive environment. So… that's the plan. Signed, sealed, delivered.