Korean Job Discussion Forums

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

What's the proper way to quit a contract job without creating too much flak? I know about the 30 day notice, but what else can you do to make sure as best you can that your employer doesn't do something vindictive?

Imrahil · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:59 pm Post subject:

Give them 1 year notice? Seriously in this country there is no way to quit which would make the owner less vindictive. Unless you have something that you can hold over the owner. Such as, the owner not paying penion or taxes.

mateomiguel · Joined: 16 May 2005

Well, first you can ask yourself why they wouldn't like it. The answer is all the hassle they have to go through to find another teacher before you leave. The ideal way to leave your job then is to find someone to replace you before you tell your boss. Then tell him in the same sentence, "I'm going to have to leave this job but I have found Suzy-teacher to replace me. Here is her resume, transcripts and copy of her degree. She'll start 3 days before I leave."

What boss can argue with that?

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

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

Well, after receiving my check, I'd give 30 days notice. Include the current date, and date you are leaving. This should be both in written and verbal form, and you should certainly record the verbal! I would suggest asking your boss what todays date is before breaking it to him, so you can get that on tape, too.

I'd say something like this:

Me: Excuse me, boss.
Him: Yes?
Me: What is today's date?
Him: It's June, 16th.
Me: Oh, thanks. Hey, I want to tell you something important. I wasn't sure how to say this, so I checked with the labor board in Seoul. I need to give you my 30 days notice that I will be leaving this school (hand him the paper now). According to the labor board, I am required by law to give you 30 days notice. Also, I know this is an inconvenience for you, so I want to help you find a new teacher as soon as possible. I've enjoyed working for you, but I have to leave because of ________________. Again, I will help you find a replacement, and I'm sorry. Could you please give me a letter of release when I go?

If they get angry and say "no," then you need to start logging the time you're working, or just pull a runner. If you choose to stay, and they don't pay you your last check, then you should approach the labor board and provide them with proof that you provided your employer with 30 days notice. Keep in mind that a runner might go on your record and hurt future work chances.

Try to lessen the loss to the school in any way possible. Apologize all over, for whatever your reason is, and assure them you will help them find a new teacher (to the best of your ability).

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

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

You caught me in an edit. I added some more up there.

I can't answer about being blacklisted.... I've never gotten real proof of a "blacklist" of any kind. Others may have.

jdog2050 · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

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

The letter of release is an unconsititutional thing (so I've heard) that immigration adheres to. No teacher has had the time or money to challenge it in court, however. Just as banks not offering waygooks international ATM cards when the gov't says we have full right to have them, it's one of those dirty-handed Korean things that just happens, from what I understand. A lot of things happen in Korea which are to the advantage of Koreans -- illegal or not.

Personally, I feel it goes back to slave labor, and allows the school owner as your boss to feel as if he is your owner. I think immigration goes along with it because they realize foreigners would be switching schools constantly, which would mean a lot more work for them.