Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Easter Clark]

Please be patient if this has been addressed before.

I'm into my second contract at my current GEPIK school. For several reasons, I'm looking to leave at the end of the semester (December) to find another job here in Korea. November 28 will be the six month mark.

I've read about schools counting the resignation date based on the date notice is given, for example, if I give my notice November 1, I'll still have to repay the airfare. Is this true?

I want to give 60 days as stated in the contract, but I don't want to repay the airfare. Also, I understand that GEPIK will require a LOR if I give 60 days notice. What happens if I give, say, 30 days notice in order to avoid repaying airfare?

One more thing, I want to start a new job as soon as possible after leaving this one. I have roots in Korea and I don't want to have to go home to get my documents again.

Can anyone offer any advice as to:

1. When I should give my notice? and

2. What is the best course of action for leaving this job and starting a new one as painlessly as possible?

Thanks in advance,

-EC

[Easter Clark]

I guess no one has quit halfway through their second contract and found another job in Korea...?

[cruisemonkey]

You should hand in a letter of resignation on September 30, effective November 30. If you don't give at least sixty days notice you will be in breach of contract.

If they try to say you resigned on September 30, you can go to the Labor Board (and win).

[Countrygirl]

I'm going to quit 1/2 way thru as well, so I am interested in what others say.

I don't think that they can ask for the airfare back if you give the notice before the six month mark. It says in the contract if "the Employee works for six(6) months or more during the term of employment, Employee's obligation to pay back the airfare shall be waived by Employer."(Article 5-4)

I think that is intimidation of the school's part if they are asking for the airfare back because the date of the resignation notice was before the 6 months were finished. Doubt that the labour board would uphold that. Just make sure you don't get fired before the six months are up. The school needs to give you two written warnings before they can fire you. That gives them 2 months to find something. Be on your best behaviour.

[Easter Clark]

^

But even if I were fired, wouldn't they still have to cancel my visa? I believe the contract says my "visa will be subsequently canceled" if I'm fired. In that case, would I have to return to my home country before starting my new job? Or would a visa run to Japan suffice?

[drunkenfud]

I think, if you've had an E2 before, a visa run to Japan will suffice to get a new visa. I could be wrong on this though.

I'm also about to leave after 1.6 years - seems to be a lot of it about!

[ttompatz]

[Easter Clark]

Thanks, ttompatz!