Korean Job Discussion Forums

seaottertail · Joined: 08 Jun 2006

Hi there,

I am teaching in S. Korea, this is my 3rd year. If I give my notice at my current job and my employer gives me a release, how apt am I to get rehired again? Without going into it, the conditions at my workplace are just "bad." I can't stand it anymore. The good thing is that our boss usually does release you if you want to go. I've seen him do it before. What would I say if someone asked, in a future interview, why did you leave this job? Do you think it will reflect badly if I leave after serving 8 months on this contract? I have honored 2 previous contracts.

Another question, with the new regs, how long do you think it will take for me to get a criminal background check if I go home to the USA? Is it possible to get back into Korea without a criminal background check? And if I did get it, anyone know how long it takes to get an apostille once the document is received?

I know before the new regs, it took about a month to get the "usual" paperwork done.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know.

Also, the letter of release should state that the employee is released from the contract, but is there anything else it should state other than dates and names?

I'm basically weighing my options and trying to figure out if I can stay here. Another 4 months here feels like another 4 years.

Thank you.

Debbie

Mi Yum mi · Joined: 28 Jan 2008

Staying more than one year says a lot about your boss and his school. Staying over two says even more. Only a retard stays for ver two years at a place they hate. I'm not calling you a tard. You're leaving so good for you. You leaving will not reflect badly on your boss.

loose_ends · Joined: 23 Jul 2007

seaottertail · Joined: 08 Jun 2006

Thanks for your input. I appreciate the feedback. It "wasn't always this bad." In the beginning, I could tolerate things more. I think my boss isn't doing so well so what he does under stress, I'm realizing, is take it out on the teachers. He is a nazi in the best sense. Basically I think he's gone off the deep end and I've reached my limit in what I can take.

I've decided to stick it out til the end of my contract, I only have 3 months now, will get sweet OT pay and a great severance. I have enrolled in TEFL and getting my mind on other things and it's helping me survive.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

2+ years experience in Korea and documents in hand to change/get a new visa?

Even if you were the ugliest, oldest teacher in Korea you would be snapped up in a New York minute.

If you were younger or even a little bit less than ugly you would still be grabbed in not much more than a heartbeat.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=120806&highlight=ugly

Reality, as long as you have the documents you need to get a visa transfer or a new visa you are as good as gold.

You might also consider the public school sector. All 3 of the big ones are hiring ASAP positions as well as many schools who couldn't get assigned a teacher directly from the main programs (ETIS, GEPIK, EPIK) are looking with private recruiters as well.

.

gteacher · Joined: 24 May 2007 Location: Ghost in the machine

Another thing to consider is transferring your visa. I hired a teacher recently who was in the 10th month of his visa with another company. All we needed to do was arrange to have his visa transferred to us. No extra paperwork involved.

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

Will you get a new job with your experience? Haha...YES. Your problem will be sorting through job offers.

If they ask why you left your last position, just say you are "looking for a new challenge" or something. I don't know why we Americans always feel the need to tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." It's unnecessary to bring up all the unsavory details of your previous job, and you're not being dishonest if you don't.