Korean Job Discussion Forums

[some waygug-in]

I was worried about those same things when I did it. I thought, "If I do this, there will be no end to Saturday teaching". Luckily, I was wrong.

It's up to you, is it worth fighting over? If so, then fight, if not, grin and bear it.

I did the Christmas thing, for the kids, not for the boss. You do what you feel you have to.
When my boss finally did come around wanting me to teach Saturdays (for pay) I just said no.

The boss was angry, but so was I. She had sheduled me for a Saturday class at 1:00 in the afternoon, without asking me, and then expected me to just say yes. I wasn't prepared to ruin my whole weekend just for one hour of overtime. (actually every weekend for the foreseeable future)

They can't just force you to work overtime, but doing this thing for a Christmas concert is a bit different. (at least I think it was) I didn't really work there, I just sat in the audience and smiled at the parents and students who saw me there. It might have been different if I had been expected to do extra teaching during that time or something.

Anyway, felice navidad.
hay muchas cosas aqui que no me agradan.

[Derrek]

Well Rowdie, I'd insist on being paid for that 3-day weekend gig.

[Mosley]

As some have suggested, I agree that if it's a "one-off" thing, go & join the X-mas party. If it starts becoming a one or two Sat./month thing, then put your foot down.

[Juggertha]

Yeah Rowdie, I honestly agreed with Pink for the most part.

IF its a one time christmas thing.. then I honestly see no prob. Tis the season to be giving.. and a half day here or there isnt too much to ask. I might not ask to be paid if I knew the boss was cool in other areas (as in free food, lunches, trips throughout the year)

BUT if they are edging towards this being a normal thing.. stop it in its tracks!

[rapier]

Interesting thread. It comes down to how much of a fighter you are. A lot of us, me included, just want to work at a decent place, do our best, and feel appreciated.
But too often those small grey-area things thrust on you leave you with that gnawing feeling you're being taken for granted, or abused in some way...
I mean i don't want a year filled with angst, tension, and conflict. Nobody does..which is why i join in with all the other teachers when theres a couple of hours free work expected.. It doesn't seem worth the hassle to cause a sensation about.. but I keep a record of favors owed. If my director fails to repay my generosity with gestures of his own when I require them, the anger starts to build until it explodes..
So far, my director has jumped through my hoops to a satisfactory level, eg, he allowed my request for a new appartment..etc. If one day he goes too far into the red, he'll know about it... I walked out my previous 2 hakwons to get my own way before now...