Korean Job Discussion Forums

lch8 · Joined: 26 Mar 2007

A man hired as a replacement at my school left Korea after only 2 weeks. He left saying that he had a family emergency and that he would return but then he emailed my boss saying he had to stay because of yatta yatta yatta. I was really surprised because when he left he was worried that my boss would just ask him not to return and the whole time he was in Korea he couldn't shut up about how exotic the country was.

Anyway, my point is that my boss wants the money for the airfare that she spent to get him to Korea and some money for utilities, etc. Is there anything that could be done to get the money back or is it basically a lost cause?

I have a feeling I'll be paying for his mistake...

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 1:15 pm Post subject:

It's a lost cause. Your boss will just have to 'eat' the expenses.

I'm sure your boss is not in a good mood, but if the 'runner' was to be your replacement, you're out of there soon anyway... just keep a 'low profile' until you leave.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

If your boss tries to make you "pay for" the runner's mistakes, follow the contract your signed and go to the labor board if he tries to screw you.

Tjames426 · Joined: 06 Aug 2006

And why is this runner's problem your concern?

I learned a long time ago to let losers handle their own problems without getting me involved.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

lch8 · Joined: 26 Mar 2007

Unfortunately, he wasn't my replacement. I'll be there for another 6 months. My boss is really upset. She told me that her trust in humanity has deteriorated. I don't know what to tell her. She asked me if we could write a letter to the embassy and maybe contact the police where he lives in America. I'm just going along with it to make her feel better. As far as what he owes...I don't know what to believe. She said that he took some money left in the apartment by the teacher he replaced. It doesn't make any sense to me because she's not the type that would allow something like that to happen. On the other hand, she did hand me a present for Chuseok, saying it was from her and later I came to find out that a student's mother had sent me that present. Ok, I'm just ranting now. Sorry.

atomic42 · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Location: Gimhae

She's hanging it on you because you're foreign and easy prey. And you're absorbing the passive/aggressive typically Korean guilt BS because...?

Just smile and nod and let it go.

Fresh Prince · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: The glorious nation of Korea

If the persons airfare was $1000, and he worked for two weeks without being paid, then wouldn't he have already paid back the airfare?

Why would there have been money left in this person's apartment? If the previous tennant had utilities to pay, and for some reason he didn't pay them directly to the people that they are owed to, why didn't the owner of the apartment or the director remove the money before the new teacher arrived?

Why would you be writing a letter to the police and to the embassy? The school hired someone without doing a proper interview, the person quit the job because they didn't like it. If they didn't actually owe any money due to unpaid labour, then the only problem is that they didn't provide 30 days notice so that the school could find a replacement.

jangsalgida · Joined: 11 Jan 2006

TOMODACHI-KID · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:38 am Post subject:

ICH8 WROTE:

"...My boss is really upset. She told me that her trust in humanity has deteriorated..."

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME Rolling Eyes

"FRESH PRINCE" ON THIS PANEL HAS SOME SOUND ADVICE FOR YOU! TAKE IT TO HEART...

PEACE

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

I hate to say this luv, but you're being softened up - Korean management style - for later exploitation.

This situation has simply NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. You must tell your boss this (politely and firmly - maybe several times until she gets it).

Just do the job you're contracted for. You're not a spokesperson for the white race and you're certainly not responsible for another white-person's behaviour (good or otherwise).

Koreans tend to think all people are like Koreans, eg., all dress, act, think the same way. That's their society - not yours. Do not let her push this guilt trip onto you - or you're going to be taken advantage of in the future (in the Confucian way). Stand up - and good luck.

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Well said, oldfatfarang. Never, EVER let an employer make their problem your problem. This is not your problem. Get on with being a teacher and stay out of this.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Yes, I agree... the man did a cheap thing, but then again, this Korean system forces people to run.

And yes, he did work for two weeks. Remind her of that when she starts complaining that he owes her money. Seems like about $1,000 worth to me.

You also need to take this opportunity to remind her that "bad teachers" are out there everywhere, and that finding good ones is like playing Russian roulette. This is indirectly telling her that she'd better appreciate you.

Past that... not your problem. Just shake your head and tell her you're sorry she got bit.