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.

Is there simply NO accountability in Korea?

[Yu_Bum_suk]

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

[polonius]

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]

[icnelly]

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]

[Scotticus]

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]

[wylies99]

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

[thegadfly]

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]

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]