Korean Job Discussion Forums

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

I should be used to it by now, having been here for the best part of four years, but it really bugs the hell out of me. Case in point, I taught the four classes before lunch yesterday and spent the time after working on my MA. Then, at 1 minute to 2 I am told I have to teach the new special phonics class my private elementary school decided to cobble together last minute. I had nothing prepared and was caught totally unawares. Then, this morning I am told that we are expected to attend a special fathers' dinner tonight at seven, despite the fact that the Korean staff knew about this event for the past week. So, do you get this treatment at your school? Are things dropped on you last minute, or do they extend you the courtesy of letting you know so you can adjust your schedule accordingly?

Kyrei · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

It is best to just not be around the office so you can't be told at the last minute and then can plead ignorance.

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

Kyrei · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Ahh, then you have to heighten your ninja senses to avoid such an ambush. Good luck with that. Cool

kigolo1881 · Joined: 30 Jul 2006

i can understand how frustrating these situations are, but me on the other hand, i LOVE surprises!

leebumlik69 · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 5:33 pm Post subject:

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

MANDRL · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Location: South Korea

This happens all the time to us. Why, just yesterday I was informed that I did not have to teach three of my classes this month. So this time, it was a good thing!

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

Just tell them you can't go to the dinner. Tell them you need at least two day's notice of anything they expect you to attend. If the Kteacher's know about it they can sure as hell tell you.

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

The perfect payback: Sleep with the next women who doesnt give you any warning about a new class or meeting, and when you she shows that she is really enjoying herself in bed, feign an abrupt orgasim without warning.

That is only way she will really truly understand the inconvience of her ways.

babtangee · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:07 pm Post subject:

blaseblasphemener · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:11 pm Post subject:

Captain Courageous · Joined: 16 Jul 2006 Location: Bundang and loving it

Yeah, to the OP. I'm honestly kind of tired of learning by mistake. The dinner thing happened to me last week, and our schedules changed this week, and I found out... this week. Everyone else knew, of course. Hell, even the other foreign teacher knew. I guess because I'm the newb, I'm stuck with people talking around me instead of to me.

blaseblasphemener · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:16 pm Post subject:

And yes, I have used this strategy myself several times, and have never been fired or punished. It actually sends a message that you are not one to be toyed with, whereas if you don't do this, Koreans view you as weak, and will progressively ask more and more of you. It pisses my weak co-teachers off that they always get asked favours of, while I am left alone. It's because I know how to say NO and Maybe next time, and also how to just do what I want to do when I know it needs to be done, and trust my own judgment over a disorganized boss who has not demonstrated his effectiveness. Why would you choose to follow someone who's abilities are clearly less than yours?

As they say, "GROW A BACKBONE".