Self employed teacher, what do you think about this?

Hi

I could really do with some advice from you guys. I have been given two jobs offers for the new school year. One seems very good, the pay is not great though. The other offers better pay but the owner is pretty insistent that I work on a self employed basis I'm not keen on this idea, and stated that I would rather be employed by the school instead of giving them an invoice each month. It sounds a bit fishy to me. Why is he so keen for me to be self employed, I'm not sure. What do you think? Any experience of this? Your help is appreciated!

Hi Karl

It is cheaper for any school to employ you on a contract where you give them a "bill" at the end of the month. You are then liable for your own tax and health insurance. Also this way they only have to pay you for the hours you work and not any sick time.

I think I could safely say that most teachers work on a self employed basis but I am sure others will disagree.
Dare I ask what the difference in pay is?

Keithush

he doesn't want to pay your ZUS .... maybe

The difference in pay is roughly 500 zl, thank you for your reply I think thatl I will stick with the school offering less money, but it provides me with more benefits

What benefits, out of interest? You'll be worse off if you're only getting an "umowa o dzielo" contract from the other school.

You've hit the nail on the head I received this today:

We are happy if the school pays all the taxes but would prefer, if possible, not to pay this big ZUS insurance. So if the insurance could be arranged in a different way that would be good. What do you think ?

If anyone can help or advise me I would be very grateful. I really want to teach at this school but if they don't pay my ZUS should I leave it? I don't want to be self employed.

The best solution, like in my case, is to be employed by a state school from 8 am to 2 pm and then do self-employment job till 8 pm. The school pays ZUS and other, as a self employed teacher I have to pay only health insurance which is 233 now.

I have been offered a Umowa Zlecenie is that the same thing?

It's the same as umowa o dzielo, except with ZUS paid. I'm not sure if all the elements of ZUS are paid under it (such as sickness and unemployment benefit) - but if it's a matter of 500zl difference in salary, go self employed! You'll be much, much better off and you can issue an invoice - which is the magic word for many private clients.