Korean Job Discussion Forums

[elliemk]

Okay, so all my students came to school sick. And, of course, I got it. On top of that, I've been a heavy smoker, so add the bronchitis cough to the smoker's cough, and it hasn't been a pretty picture at school. Tonight my director tells me that he had "at least five, but not as many as ten" complaints about my cough from parents - the students are worried and told their parents their teacher is sick.

So I said, "Well, they all sent their students to school sick and in Korea, you don't stay home when you're sick, so I came to school."

He said "I was under so much stress from the phone calls last night that I drank too much alcohol, and that's why I have a headache."

There are about 75 students in the school, so I figure 10% of parents called in.

What do I do now?

[bassexpander]

I'm going to go out on a limb here.... take a day off and rest?

[elliemk]

Yes, that sounds good. I can get a letter from my doctor saying I should rest. But I am worried that I will lose my job because of sick days.

[bassexpander]

How many have you taken?

I have to tell you kindly, if you're sick, take the time.

I caught Pneumonia in my first year. Such illnesses are very common in people in their first year. Our bodies take months to adjust to all of the new bugs and sickness that are around here. We aren't used to them. In the end, we're stronger for it, but we must pay our dues first.

If I were you, I'd get to a doctor. You may have Pneumonia. I was waking up in the mornings, and my blankets were soaked in sweat. I couldn't figure out what was going on. I thought the Ondol was turning on really hot at night and making me do it. It was my body trying to keep me alive.

I did see a doctor a few days later, and it was so serious, he freaked and called Yonsei hospital. I had no clue I was that sick.

Please go to the hospital and insist on a chest x-ray.

And stop smoking.

[chris_J2]

Right about the time the lesson "He has a bad cold" came around, I too, had a bad cold. It persisted for months, & it wasn't until I got dental work done, that it cleared up. Apparently, I had 2 infected teeth as well as a cold, so I was fighting 3 infections not 1. No wonder it took so long to clear up. I didn't take any sick leave, though. Get a doctors certificate if you're really at a low ebb & need a day off. Or hang in until Chuseok & just relax for several days..

[Thunndarr]

[elliemk]

You know, I appreciate Dave's ESL Cafe. I have received so much great information from this forum. I thank you all.