Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cwaddell]

I was hoping some people could give me some advice, in case my situation should worsen.

I did everything neccesary to avoid a dodgy hagwon (I realise it's still a lottery, no matter how cautious you are), and for 9 months, everything was great.

The boss and his wife, who helped run the place, now hate each other, and divorce is looking likely. After the split, he apparently refused to give her any money, so she has now set up camp at the front desk and collects whatever tuition fees she can lay her hands on. They give parents conflicting stories and bank details, and unsurprisingly, kids are leaving every week.

One day, the boss disappeared, saying he refused to run the hagwon while his wife was there, and all teachers were paid 3 weeks late, when he finally showed up again. We thought it would all be normal, but the following month pay was a week late, and this month it is already a week late, and he is barely in school.

With my contract up at the beginning of March, I'm very concerned about the completion bonus, not to mention my return flights. So, if you have any advice, it would be much appreciated. And in the worst case scenario what can I do? Seeing as he is barely there I have had a good rummage in his office for anything of worth but that proved fruitless!

[Ya-ta Boy]

Yikes!

I think you can call the Labor Board and complain about the late pay. They may be able to set up something to ensure that doesn't happen again. It will also get you on the Board's radar for end of contract time and the iffy severance pay situation.

[PRagic]

Ride it out for the last few months, and resort to the labour board if and when you have to to collect. If they stop paying, stop teaching, but don't quit. If they fire you, they have to report it to immigration, and you'll be free to seek other employment after a seemingly much need vacation out of the ROK.

[Milwaukiedave]

Wow, that sounds like a sticky situation. I have to agree, ride it out and if need be call the labor board if you don't get paid soon.

[ChuckECheese]

No money? No teachee. Simple as that and let them fire you.

I guess you might as well forget about the severance and start looking for another gig fast.

[Sody]

Uhm...that is really bad advice ChuckE. He is very close to finishing his contract. Cwad, try and stick it out and then get the labor board involved later. Make sure you save some money during this time if you need it. Whatever you do don't stop working. You earned that severance pay, it is yours and I can't see a labor board not favoring your situation. Don't stop working and lose out on it. I'm sorry you are going through a tough time but stick it out and try and get the money that is your due.

Sody

[jay-shi]

How long is your notice due in case of resignation, and more importantly what is you employer's, as stated in your contract?

Once you pass that mark in days remaining to your contract, then hit up the labour board with your grievances. The school can't let you go before the end of your contract, so you should be entitled to severance. The flight home is almost a given as your employer is your sponsor here and they are responsible for returning you home.

Stick it out until that date where they are obliged to keep you until the end, be very professional and don't give them any reason to release you without notice. Once that date arrives start inquiring with the labour board.

Good luck.

My 2 cents

jc

[swetepete]

Arson.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Get the rock out of Dodge pronto, cowpoke. You ain't gettin' squat.

[bellum99]

Stay the course and be ready to fight at the end. It's a lot of money.

[just because]

I think a good saying in this case would be
"Hope for the best and prepare for the worst"

I wouldn't be expecting any final payment so make sure you have everything all thought out when the time comes....
If they pay then it is all good, but if they don't at least you will be ready....

[cwaddell]

Thanks for all the good advice everyone. I'm certainly not going to stop going in, it's just next door I suppose, but I might load up on coffee and reading material and refuse to teach until he at least comes in and explains what is going on.

Does anyone have any contact details for the labour board? That came as good news, as I'd resigned myself to being helpless here if it all goes wrong.

I'll stick it out, but I'll be collecting every students details in case I need a Korean friend to phone up and tell their parents how bollox his school is.

I forgot to add, that one K-teacher has already left, and more are planning to this week. Not that one fool will manage to spoil my thoughts on Korea, when I get through this I'll still want to come back! Masochist!

[ilovebdt]

[ChuckECheese]

Good luck dude.

But I wouldn't be hanging around very long if the native Koreans are bailing.

[swetepete]

no, really. arson.