Korean Job Discussion Forums

[EMKAYES]

I know, I know...."it all depends on the situation".

But would you break your contract, or give your 30 days notice on a resonable job for a better job? i.e - more money/less hours/whatever you define as a "better job" (please specify)

Have many of you done it? How was it?

For example, this March will see many jobs up for offer at schools/uni/college that may be far better than the jobs you or I have.

Taking that your willing to stay in the country more than your current time + another 12 months..... Would you do it?

[jlb]

If your job is crap and you're not getting treated well...ie: school is breaking your contract, doing sketchy things, you have a crap apartment, etc. then it's not so bad to switch places.

However, if the conditions are reasonable and your school treats you okay, I would say that you shouldn't switch. After all, you did sign a contract for a year.

[SuperHero]

I've done it, but I had an F2-1 at the time and fortunately didn't have to worry about not getting a letter of release.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I've done it on an E2, but it wasn't smooth sailing. See if you can get a post-dated LOR in exchange for giving them 30 days notice.

[kat2]

I gave my notice at a shitty job after 7 months and went to a public school. Not easy ,but it was woth it. If they are treating you right, try to stick it out though.

[rvintage]

Done it, and would do it again if I had to; it was soooo worth it.

But it was the sh!tiest month of my life. They don't take kindly to you quiting, even if they are kind normally. Just prepare for the sh!tstorm that will come. A better job will make you a better teacher in my oppinion. Good Luck!

[goodsounz]

If your school is not treating you well and breaking the contract I see no reason in changing schools. However, having been on the management side of things, I do appreciate it when teachers give me notice as stipulated on the contract. Changing jobs here is like changing jobs anywhere in the world. If you do a runner then expect to get a reference from your job, do I need to complete that sentence? Stick to the contract but if you keep on changing jobs for "better" jobs, it will hurt you in the long run as future employers will be asking the obvious question of why you can't stay in one job for more than a few months. Maybe trying to get 6 month contracts may be better for you. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

[simpleminds]

A friend of mine just gave her notice because she'd found a much better job, and the place (a haggie) she works now is crap. The boss has a month to find a new employee. Plenty of time, right? The boss will not give my friend a release letter. Her new job starts in early March, but she had been given two weeks of hols until mid-March (which is a big surprise, but then she had to work all through Xmas and New Year's.), so the boss has a month to find a new teacher. What recourse does she have; what help can the Korean labour board give?

Thanks!

[Boodleheimer]

tempted at the moment!

but i need an offer first~

[EMKAYES]

Thanks for replies.

Had a 3.0 college offer. but turned it down. Im very happy in PS at the mo and would be hard pushed to break this contract.

However the offer did get me thinking which prompted the post.

Plus they said I could have it next year if position is available.

[magnolia]

See Simple Minds question only a few posts up. I am the person who is needing help in getting a release letter. I told my hagwan employer today that I was offered a university job. I have given a month's notice, but am just short of the 20 working days, according to my contract. She has her nose out of joint, and brought up the contract, and said, "yes, i will give you a letter of release but only IF I can employ someone within that time." I said, "what if you don't?" and she just looked at me.

I would like to know what to do in this case.

If I go on a run to Japan, would that make a difference? I have offered to post the job on several chat groups to encourage an employee to apply for the job (it actually would be a great job for a new employee - the apartment is gorgeous, the hagwan is actually a really nice place, and my director speaks fluent English. There are many other really good things...

My problem is, I've now given notice, and she reacted in this way. I think Koreans are different than Canadian employers. I need to know what to do.

[Darkness]

I'm in the same boat, I need a LOR.....thinking about making up a B.S story about having to go home due to a dying relative, and giving enough notice, but askign for a LOR as well.....

I was just going to make a post about this...

[wisernow]

Even if the immigration office accepts cancellation of your E2 visa and your new employer can get a new visa for you everything really depends on what sort of action your former employer takes. If they do nothing then you may not even need the letter of releasse but If your old school files a compliant with the immigraiton office that the teacher broke the contract and left without fullfilling the contract you will be in for a huge headache even if you gave 30 days or longer notice.

BE AWARE, your former employer can petition the immigration office to deny you a new E2 visa with another employer if you did not complete your contract. FYI, If you call the immigration office you can check yourself but the immigration office allows schools to petition for denial of visa.

I highly advise that anyone that are looking to break their contract and work at another school better work out a compromise or get the Letter of Release. This usually means that you should inform your boss that you will stay until they find your replacement and you will pay back the air tickets as well be a good teacher until the last day, etc so that they agree to let you go by mutually agreed time frame or something.

If you fail to do this and expect to just walk scott free don't cry when you are in visa limbo and begging either the immigration office or your former boss to drop any petitions for denial of visa, etc

I know several teachers who spoke to the immigration office in person and were told by them "no problem" when asked if they can get a new visa becasue they are not happy and want work for someone else. This is true as long as your former boss does not go to the immigration office and complain about that beep ### head who did not honor the contract.

In Situations like this the immigration office will take the middle ground and tell you to work it out with your former school. In the mean time your new employer will do two things. They may ask you to work illegally without the visa until the visa mess is sorted out or they may decided to not hire you and just hire someone who will not have problems with the visa. If you are caught working without the visa expect to pay a fine and possibly be deported as well as banned from working with the E2 visa for an indefinite time frame.

Also, it is not uncommon for school owners to have a very close chummy relationship with some immigration officer and unless you have a lot of money or your new school is powerful and willing to fight for you .....It will be no walk in the park that you thought it was or your recruiter or new school may have led you to believe.

[Darkness]

So what would you suggest the best way to get an LOR is??

[Homer]

Best way to get an LOR:

Talk with your boss and with your potential employer (the new one). Try to convince your new employer to make a deal with your current employer.

As for your current employer: try to find a replacement teacher for him and give him enough notice so that he does not feel pressured or on the clock.

Be ready to pay back the airfare (if you are leaving before 6 months or whatever period was agreed to in your contract). Do not jerk around with this because you are leaving of your own choice and because you think you found a better job.

As noted above, your current employer can black flag you with immigration so...since you want to stay in Korea and get a new job...