Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

I haven't told my school I am looking for another job, they expect me to renew.

Anyway, my co-teacher's English is limited so I can never accurately guess what she is really talking about.

But she said when I re-sign, the principal will 'add or delete' parts of the contract. I asked her what changes he may make and when I would know about it.

She said whatever the Principal asks her to do she will do and she'll translate it to me. I advised her I haven't heard of this before and the GEPIK contract can't really change.

She agreed the structure will be the same but the Principal will make changes where appropriate, because the next contract will be directly through him, and not through a recruiter or the board of education.

I hope the British police send my criminal check by April 7th, because if I get it apostilled online and have it sent to me in Korea by courier, I will be able to change jobs. The Principal has a reputation for being mean and I wouldn't trust him.

[laogaiguk]

[poet13]

I agree with laogaiguk. If what the principal said is true, that he intends to make changes that you haven't agreed upon, then tell them you will be making some of your own.

[bassexpander]

Every foreigner needs to know:

At least 3 months before your contract is over, you should ask your boss whether or not he/she wishes to renew you. At this same time, you should tell them your intentions. If your intention is that you hope to renew, you should state clearly, "I like it here very much, and I hope to renew if the contract is favorable. If there are negative changes, however, I will probably look elsewhere. If I don't hear from you AND see a contract by [insert date here] then I want you to know that I will send resumes out to other schools. I must do this by [repeat date] because if I don't, it may be too late to find a school later. I'm sure you understand."

The problem we teachers encounter is that they often (out of being plain lazy, or trying to be sneaky) hold off until the last minute to give you a contract. This can pressure you to sign a piece of trash contract with negative changes.

Put the ball in their court. Be upfront that you like it, but you'll leave if you don't hear from them. Don't allow them to play games with your future. They WILL, if given the chance. Control gives them a huge boner. Don't allow it.

[fromtheuk]

I don't know how I could put things in the contract especially if the P. wouldn't agree. I hope I can get another job.

I don't know if the P. will change anything, but I hope to have another job lined up with all documents ready or otherwise I'll stay.

[bassexpander]

A snippet from BassX's upcoming book, "How To Control Your Spoiled Korean boss."

The trick is to learn how to be in control while leaving them with the false illusion that they are in control.

Most Korean bosses, hagwon owners, principals, etc., are nothing more than overgrown spoiled babies. You must learn to treat them as such.

If you don't make it appear as if you're being courteous and allowing them their "big Korean boss boner control complex" then they'll whine and cry and get upset -- much like a baby who has been denied the candy bar in the rack next the the grocery store check-out. Problems may arise if you don't kiss up to this. Remember, they were probably spoiled from birth.

You have to be very kind and courteous when you inform them that you will begin looking elsewhere on XXX date if you don't get a contract. Otherwise, they'll see you as a bad employee. If you are kind, they will feel you are being respectful.

Whatever you do, don't fall for stall tactics. That is another Korean negotiating/control method, and it's very popular (sometimes on purpose, or just out of them being lazy). You will give them a date, and they may either:

A. Let the date pass without saying anything (either a bluff or by being lazy/forgetful)
B. Tell you, "Oh, we want you to stay." But after saying this, they stall on offering a contract, and may still make major changes you hate later.

NEVER allow for stalling. Be kind and firm with your dates. If they say, "We want you to stay..." then respond saying, "Good. I want to stay, but I still need a contract. Could you please get it to me by the end of this week? I have another contract from another school [for 100,000 won more per month] and I must let them know by the end of the week."

Many Koreans do nothing until put in a crisis situation. Sometimes there are layers of workers who must type up/change your contract, etc., and they are equally slow -- compounding the problem (university General Administration offices are notorious for this).

At all times, you must also appear that you are ready to leave, even though you enjoy your school. It doesn't hurt to drop hints to coworkers that you are planning to sign another contract if you don't get a favorable one from your school soon. This often gets back to the principal/boss. It puts them in crisis mode, which is where they need to be to get anything done.

[it's full of stars]

Are you currently looking for other contracts elsewhere? Even within the same gepik, epik, smoe area? With the job market the way it is you shouldn't have a problem securing another contract.

The British police check should take about 40 days, then factor in time to get it from UK to here. If it's a full check then it might take a bit longer, or potentially come in 2 seperate envelopes at 2 different dates. 1 from your local police force and another from the national police board or whatever they are called.

Just remember to trim the beard and give your head a polish before any interviews and don't bad mouth your last employer.

[fromtheuk]

Thank you.

Next Monday, I'll say to my co-teacher, please ask the Principal for my contract to be ready for April 18th at the latest, otherwise I will start looking for another school.

By then I hope to have all documents here in Korea. Then, I can decide whether to stay.

[teachergirltoo]

If your present school is an okay place to work you are much better staying with it, because the co-teacher is right. The second year the school is released from the GEPIK guidelines and that is when you can really start negotiating with your school for things you would like. The school is able to rewrite the contract and you don't have to worry about having an amendment page attached to the back of a contract. If you switch schools the new school will have to follow GEPIK guidelines for the most part, for the first year.

[bassexpander]

[bassexpander]

[fromtheuk]

I really appreciate your advice bassexpander. I am pretty sure you're right.

[R. S. Refugee]

[bassexpander]

Thanks.

Just passing along what I've learned through years of trial and error.

[tselem]