Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TiGrBaLm]

A little background before I get started:

I began work at my public school on January 15th of this year.

On the 30th of May I informed my school by way of a written resignation letter that I was going to return home at the end of July due to personal matters (medical issue w/family member). Note that this is 2 FULL MONTHS of notice (2 times more than what I am required to give according to contract)

I was informed on June 11th that I was to provide proof of illness by June 30th otherwise I would have to pay a "contract cancellation" fee. Note that there is no mention of this "fee" in the contract (standard EPIK contract)

In the meantime, I booked a ticket for the 1st of august to leave for Canada since tickets for that date were all gone or very pricey I bought one last week.

I asked my family to send some sort of documentation, which arrived here on monday of last week.

I gave in the letter and today was informed...drumroll please!

"TiGrBaLm (CT pulls out dictionary cuz her fvcking english blows) I talked to my principal on the weekend, and he decided to lay you off on the 10th of this month (WTF!?!?!), also please make sure you give me enough money to pay your bills before you leave"
I was understandably flustered and angered but managed to keep my cool, and told her of my predicament. She then tells me that I can stay here until the 20th but I will only be paid up until the 10th. I ask her about the deposit I paid for the 1st three months, she tells me that I will get it all back before I leave and what about paying the ticket, she tells me I don't have to pay it back, but I inform her that since you have terminated me before my 6 months are up I am bound to pay it back. She tells me she told "her" principal that it would be difficult for me to pay it back (fvck yes!) so I dont have to pay it back.

Now, I haven't had the greatest experience out here in the sticks of korea but this takes the cake and has def' soured any view of koreans I had. I've lived in Japan for a year and worked on JET and let me tell you, the Japanese and Japan are 1000X better than this poor excuse for an OECD nation.

I'd appreciate it if anyone can give me any sort of advice in this situation.

Cheers

[shantaram]

Go to Japan when you have finished at your school and hang out there for a while, then come back and hook up with your flight home.

If you can't afford that, make a trip to China and hang out in Beijing or Shandong for a while. You'll need to arrange a visa for that however.

Anyway, cut your losses at your school and spend some time thinking about your family member. Then go back on the ticket you originally bought.

[shifdog]

From other horror stories on this board, it could be worse. It's definitely not great. shantaram's idea is good.

[The_Conservative]

[TiGrBaLm]

Going out of their way?

Sure, by fvcking me out of 2 million won, and giving me a WEEKS notice?

Indeed, they are very kind and I should be thanking the good faeries for my luck.

Who knows, they may still find a way to fvck me over. I don't trust them anymore.

I do agree that it could be worse, but hell what kind of crap is it, when you give them 2 months notice that they turn around and fvck you over like this?

Btw, its not EPIK that employs me, I was employed directly thru the school.

Korea, never again!

[hubba bubba]

Pretty sure your contract says you have to be given 30 days notice. Check it.

[mack4289]

You got f*cked, there's no question about it. But don't generalize about all Koreans based on one experience (or even ten or twenty experiences).

If I came on here and said, "Koreans are great people who are always willing to help out and never make you work too hard" (based on the very nice hagwan I work at now), I'd get bombarded with contradictory responses (and rightfully so).

[JJJ]

[TiGrBaLm]

Sorry, its hard not generalize about Koreans when all I've had are bad experiences in this country.

I managed to get my ticket changed to next week for 100,000 won (much cheaper than having to stay here an extra however many days).

Yes. I'd also like to know what the hell just happened. Have I been fired or what?

I really wish I could screw them over somehow, but I am above that and in the end everything will balance out (I hope).

Oh and if anyone out there is thinking of applying to work at some public school in Haman county in gyeongnam, think AGAIN.

Cheerio

[Caipirinha]

I would have to second the last comment about avoiding Haman County in GyungNam Province!!!! I think that the situation there now is not secure enough to go there. The teacher who replaced me recently got out of there as it got to be too much.

[bosintang]

They have to give you 30 days...it should be written in your contract, hold them to it or make them pay you out. As for the LOR, if they don't want to give it to you, you can't force them. If you're tactful, maybe you can work something out (accept the early resignation in an exchange for an LOR).

You said "Korea, never again", if you mean it, you don't need an LOR. Just go.

A lesson learned for everyone else: don't be nice and give anymore notice than you have to. If your contract says give 30days notice, then give exactly that and no more.

[just because]

I know a teacher that left hanam county in gyeongnam last week...

they lost his diplomna but denied all responsibility and kept passing the buck....

[spliff]

More his fault for letting them "hold" it....

[just because]

[TiGrBaLm]