Job Discussion Forums

[Emma]

Hello,
I am currently teaching in one of the K-12 Kolejis here in Istanbul. I am new to Turkey and the school I am teaching now hired me from overseas in Sep. 2003 and they also provide me with working visa. However, I am not too happy at this school and now another big private school here in Istanbul offers me a great package and I am going to sign a contract with them next week. Now, I am wondering - Will I need any documents from my school for the visa purpose in order to teach in the new school?? And also my manager hasnt talked to me about renewing the contract (but he will like to sign another year contract with me) and new package......should I approach him first?? Some teachers told me not to..they said if I do so then the school will probably cut down my summer vacation salary.......not sure what to do..and really worried!!

[FGT]

You're caught between a rock and a hard place - if you leave your current school on bad terms, you jeopardize a smooth transition of work permission; but, on the other hand, if you give them fair warning of your intention to quit, you may find that the holiday pay evaporates.

How much time is due to elapse between contracts? If it's negligible, I'd suggest being honest with your current employer and risking losing a perk. If not, could you re-negotiate the terms with your new employer so that they pay something in compensation for loss of earnings (if that is the case)?

How much do you want to continue teaching (legitimately) in Turkey? Personally, I wouldn't advocate burning bridges.

Good luck. Let us know the outcome.

[Emma]

Thank you!! I talked to my new school today and they said I must give my school a notice this week and they also told me about the documents I need, in order to transfer my visa....Also the principal of my new school used to work with my headmaster years ago at the same school. So they kind of know each other. He said if my school doesnt give me the necessary papers then he will talk to my headmaster!! So all shuold be fine. Thank you very much for your suggestion!!!