Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mr. Susan · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Location: death row

I have a friend who has an issue with his current job and would like to quit. He has worked at his hogwan for 3 months, and has never been satisfied. After a horrible training period (which included, "just ask the kids what you should teach them") it never got better.

His co-workers are strange, his employer creepy and class schedules are changed randomly and frequently.

Some examples are, the pay was suppose to be 2.3 but only 2.2 is deposited into the bank, and the rest must be asked for in cash. Also there were issues with getting pension and national health insurance as stated in the contract. All the employees agreed to have private health insurance and that the employer would pay the amount of the pension at the end of the contract.

Mostly his reasons for wanting to quit are just working environment, and the general displeasure of his job. Also the working hours, although he agreed to them, he would prefer later hours. He has worked in korea before for over a year (so he's not just a newbie who doesn't understand korean ways) Mostly he just wants to find a better job he's more comfortable with.

With this said do you think its possible for him to quit? Whats a understandable excuse that the employer can't argue with. It's probably best not to say it was the employers fault, because then that would lead to the whole "we can change" routine.

Anyhow, just wanted to hear some thoughts. It can't be a midnight run thing either, because he still wants to work in korea and will need a letter of release.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:18 am Post subject:

Simple, tell him to make up an excuse that will allow the employer to save face - mother has terminal illness, have been accepted to grad. school at Harvard/MIT/Cambridge/Oxford - give sixty days notice and ask for a LOR.

The sooner he gets out the better. He'll get ripped off for the pension, but that's a small price to pay if he can make a graceful exit.

P.S. I love the clause that states the employee can terminate the contract if assaulted by the employer. Laughing

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I think your friend should give the 60 days notice as soon as possible and ask for a LOR. He also needs to check the contract and/or talk to some people on here about whether or not he will have to repay his airfare ticket. I can't remember what's the standard amount of time in which you don't have to pay back airfare.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:46 am Post subject:

The 'standard' is six months, but it depends on the contract.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:54 am Post subject:

Mr. Susan,

New game plan -

Tell your friend to goad the employer into assaulting him, then negotiate a LoR and enough blood money to cover: (at least) pension and airfare. Wink

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

Yeah that's what I thought, but I wasn't 100% sure about it. I've fortunately never encountered a situation like the one described in this thread.

It sounds like the person would be short of the 6 month mark, therefore they need to look at their contract and talk to their employer when they give notice. Better to have it worked out in advance then wait until the last minute.

Mr. Susan · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Location: death row

Well he has checked out his contract and after 3 months, he doesn't have to pay back the airfare.