Korean Job Discussion Forums

[S3raph1m]

I'm moving to another city and another school in early June, which concludes my first contract in Korea. I still haven't told my students I'm leaving. Any advice on how to tell them? My students are very attached to me and many of them tell me I'm the best teacher they've ever had. There's quite a few who are going to be really upset. I'm actually expecting lots of tears. I don't know how to break it to them. I've also grown pretty attached to them too. I want it to be positive and I've given some of them my Kakaotalk already.

Can anyone tell me how they've done this when their contracts were ending? What should I do and what should I not do?

[Lucas]

[S3raph1m]

Haha. That would be nice and much easier, but all of the kids still talk about all of their previous teachers. I don’t think any of them are forgotten (they still talk to one of the previous teachers on KakaoTalk and she’s visited a few times since I’ve been here). Plus, I told them several months ago I was staying a second year. Circumstances changed though and now we’re leaving. Maybe I’ll just be blunt and what happens happens.

[denverdeath]

The last university I left had a BUNCH of students asking me why I was leaving. Surprisingly, I think they liked me. I told them it was due to a better shedule (6 less req'd contract/contact hrs wkly, which has actually dropped more since then), a better salary, better housing allowance, and better vacation. A lot of them looked at me and asked, "Is it ALL about money?". I said it wasn't, but it DOES help me and my family. As Lucas said, just go. It's like an overseas' romance...most likely to fail.

[denverdeath]

Forgot to mention. Sometimes white lies ARE okay, and probably are best dishes served to kids, sadly. Sadly, I remember telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth to one university here when I left half-way through a contract, following ALL contractual clauses...I was blacklisted by them and was never rehired even though I applied a couple of times since leaving. My former office mate told me who was pulling the strings there. Whatever. I told them my mom had breast cancer, for the 2nd time, and thought I should be with her...the truth. They thought I was breaking the contract even though I resigned during the summer session, which the contract said was acceptable. It was just one department head that didn't appreciate me not finishing a full year and held a grudge against me. So be it. Just tell your kids mom/dad is sick. If they see you on the street in two weeks, tell them mom/dad got better.

[Milwaukiedave]

I remember when I left my first school. It is best to wait until the last day and then tell them. Minimize the impact and let them say their goodbyes. Tell them you appreciate their kindness.

[oatmeal]