Korean Job Discussion Forums

poet13

Haven't counted. After school program. More than 800k. "Umm", I say to my coworker, "this is about 350k more than it should be."

"Shhhh", came the reply.

Shocked

Is there simply NO accountability in Korea?

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Give yourself a big pat on the back - you obviously did something right.

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

I am sure that I will get flamed for this but I care not.

I would ask whomever gave you the envelop if in fact the ammount was correct. Sure, 350,000 won is a nice little bonus, but is it worth selling your moral integrity. My hagwon accidently double paid me. I asked around what I should do. Some of the K-teachers said that I should keep it. I did not. I told the accountant right away. I gave them back their money, and the trust they now have in me was well worth it.

I know people will say, "There are so many Koreans hagwon owners that would nickel and dime you to death." I also understand that you work for a public school. You probably already have good credibility with the school; this would improve that stature.

Many times I have been given incorrect change from a store clerk, to which I always clerify it, and give them what is rightfully theirs. Cashiers will often have to pay the difference if their balance is off. Perhaps someone is accountable for the lost money.

My humble opinion.

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

icnelly · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

I agree with Polonius; plus, if they do figure it out, it could put you in the situation of having to A. explain yourself, and B. perhaps pay the money back.

I've seen lots of other threads about people getting paid extra and being asked to pay it back later.

Just make sure to think about it, or sit on the money for awhile (Money is for spending though, right??)

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

Yeah, people seem to be approaching this like it's some sort of mistake. If they gave him a comspiratorial grin and a "shhhh" when he brought it up, I'd bet that means it was on purpose. Stop with the "don't be a bad person" crap.

manlyboy · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:53 pm Post subject:

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Probably a stupid question- are there any receipts or pay stubs at your workplace?

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

While I agree with Polonius that a mistake in the amount paid ought to be pointed out, no matter which party the mistake favors, I also think that this is not the case -- an envelope of cash plunked down in front of you (unless that is the way you ALWAYS get paid) is indeed an "attaboy/girl." Bask and revel in working for a decent school, and that karma works both ways, too!

PaperTiger · Joined: 31 May 2005 Location: Ulaanbataar

Yeah, just wait for someone to come out of the woodworks and ask where their cut of your paycheck is....isn't that the way those after school money-laundering programs usually work? I thought if you got paid "too much" in that situation that it actually went to the principal or whatever third party is employing you on behalf of the school.

Rapacious Mr. Batstove · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Location: Central Areola

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

O.P.

Check into it. Ask the administrator. Then ask your V.P. Then ask your pirnciple. If it is understanding that it was a gift, then cool. Take it. If not, you will be glad you sorted it out by giving back the money. If it is a mistake, they will come looking for it.

Do the right thing.

dmbfan

cbclark4 · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: Masan

I agree with Batstove.

You should bring the overpayment to someones attention.

They will then explain how it is a gift.

cbc

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006