Korean Job Discussion Forums

[plynx]

a friend of mine is in a bit of a mess. she's still in the states - she was supposed to leave for her new job within the week, but got an email saying that her director had just quit unexpectedly because the place was a horror story. most of the employees have either quit or are going to leave, and the admin. is prone to breaking contract (no OT pay as stipulated, no breaks between classes, no airfare reimbursement, forcing staff to pay for their vacation days, etc.). the resigning director told her recruits to come at their own risk.

this is where she needs help: she has her visa confirmation number, but has not had the visa stamped in her passport yet. i've heard that the confirmation number expires in three months if she wants to get another job by then. but since she wants to come ASAP, she doesn't want to use this avenue. is there anything else she can do? (she'll call the consulate at home when they're open in the morning, and call the school directly as soon as she can, but there might be those of you on the board who understand the situation and can comment.)

what kind of options does she have? has anyone been in this situation before?

[ttompatz]

[PRagic]

There is no way, NO WAY, that I would EVER suggest anyone EVER sign on with ANY hakwon outside of ANY city that isn't a major player. WHY RISK IT?

SEOUL (not in any particular order)

1) YBM
2) PAGODA
3) WALL STREET
4) CHUNG MOON (I guess not a chain, but owned by one of the largest publishing companies in Korea and it has a downtown location)

That's IT! No kiddywons, no boonies, no 'cities close to Seoul'...NOTHING BUT THE BIG ONES, AND ONLY IN A MAJOR CITY. Tell the recruiters to screw off if they thow something else at you.

The usual caveats apply: speak to current/past teachers, try to avoid split shifts, etc...

When are people going to get smart about picking their jobs? It's your life, your time, and your peace of mind. Don't second-best it.