Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Otherside]

I need some help.
I've looked at many other threads, but with all the confusion regarding the new visa regulations and my specific situation, I'm struggling to find some concrete answers.

Briefly. My director, gave me a final written warning the other day for a seemingly trivial expense. In the meeting we had, he proceeded to display his anger (towards me, I assume), and made statements about how I appear to be unhappy in korea/at this job/etc, and that if i'm unhappy I should leave...this all caught me off-guard and I found myself in the "begging" position, and agreed to sign it. This is the second time he's tried to give me a final written warning, (perhaps two months ago, for another trivial offense).

I can't quite understand his reasoning behind this, (I'm a pretty good employee, who is well-liked and have had few problems). My school is your typical hagwon, where you have to fight tooth and nail for everything and still find yourself short, and I'm the the only FT. I have a few possible reasons for him putting the final written warning against my name...but i'll leave that as conjecture.

I feel as if I'm walking on eggshells and after a few days to reflect I've decided I want out. So my questions are:

1. Getting the LOR. I know that I can ask, if he refuses then what? If I am fired as opposed to resigning is he obliged to give me a LOR? Overall, what are my options?

2. With the new regulations (and the relief period until march 15). Assuming I get the LOR, would I need to leave Korea or provide the documents required for my visa? (I have a notarized copy of degree, transcripts etc, but I don't have the CRC or health-check). Can someone fill me in on what I need? and the process?

Sorry If my writing is a bit unclear, I'm naturally very stressed right now.

thanks in advance for any replies!

[mehmeh]

Wow, I've been in the exact same situation. Somehow my boss took the fact that I put my head down, worked hard and kept quiet (and didn't sexually harass the k-teachers) as a sign that I wasn't happy. I was baffled by the allegations and they came a complete surprise to me too so I know how you feel. Luckily, thanks to the support from the Korean teachers, I was able to stomach it all and wait three months for my contract to finish. Are you able to do this?

I wish I could help you with your E2 visa question. I know that if you quit according to the process spelled out in your contract he is obliged to give you a LoR. The same holds if he fires you. The trick is what he says to Immigration when he notifies them you have left...I assume that's where people end up on the supposed E2 "blacklist." Bring in a bottle of whiskey when you ask for the letter.

[CentralCali]

[Otherside]

Thanks for the replies.

I haven't even reached the half-way mark at my contract, so trying to last it out, isn't really an option.

Unfortunatly, I signed the first and final written warning (one and the same). The last time, I refused, but this time I was caught totally off-guard, and I acknowledged I made the mistakes (albeit he is blowing it TOTALLY out of proportion). This is a big part of my reasoning for having to act fast as I'm aware he now has carte blanche to fire me...at any time from now till the end of my contract, whenever it best suits him.

The two replies have contrasting information. One says he is obliged to give me letter of release under the circumstances the other says not. Is it a case of he is obliged to give me my LOR but if he refuses there is nothing I can do about it...or??

mehmeh, you mentioned something about a "supposed E-2 blacklist". Could you care to elaborate,

Further, If anyone has some concrete information on what is required for immigration for a new job, that would be appreciated. The last thing I want is to fight for the LOR, obtain it and spend a very uncomfortable period working out my notice only to find myself on a plane back home anyways.

Finally. I meant to ask, assuming I get a new job, my visa will obviously expire a good couple of months short of a year, would I have to sign a shorter contract or extend my visa, or what are the options?

Thanks again.

[cruisemonkey]

He is not obligated to give you a Letter of Release. In otherwords, he 'owns' you until your 'Period of Sojourn' expires.

[spliff]

If you on a E2 "slave" visa you are sh!t outta luck....bend over and take it like a man....

[roknroll]

[ED209]

When does your contact end?(Just want to know if he's lining you for an 11th month firing)

Anyway, I'd just switch to public school they have a lot of sway with immigration and can put a lot more pressure on your current boss to give a LOR. Although it's still difficult to say what will happen since not even immigration knows.

The E2 blacklist is when the employer tells a bunch of bs to immigration about you running away and what a bad person you were. You may be able to get around this by filing a complaint with immigration against your employer and giving your reasons for leaving. (good luck with that).

Anyway, best bet is PS

[cruisemonkey]

Otherside,

It is difficult to give cogent advice without knowing the specifics of your situation.

What was the 'trivial' offence... and did you actually sign anything?