Korean Job Discussion Forums

[husky]

I'm only 6 weeks into my contract, but I've decided I need to bail out. It's a hagwon, it's poorly run, the director is incompetent, she pays in cash (therefore no tax is paid), I haven't received many things we agreed to because she 'lost' the piece of paper and yesterday she entered my class to complain I hadn't taught something, even though I already had. This is my third year in Korea, and I should have known better, but at the time I was desperate due to personal circumstances, and signed rather hastily.

Anyway, I'm planning on bailing out at the start of Feb, and I will try to get a college or public school job for the start of March.

All of the bills/contracts are in her name. If I leave 8 months early will I have to pay my boss for the rest of the internet cable tv contract etc?
I don't want to pay her for the rest of the year if she is going to get another teacher in who will start paying it. I shouldn't have to pay for the next teachers internet, but I have a feeling that is a move she will try to pull.....especially if she doesn't find a replacement in time.

[jadarite]

Things don't work that easily. You will need a letter of release to work at another location. The bills are your responsibility. Pay up, be nice to the boss, get the letter of release or give them a reason to not want you. Then, look for another school.

[husky]

YEah, I understand they are my responsibility. I don't mind paying for what I owe. But do I really need to pay off the last 8 months of the contract, even if another teacher comes in a starts making the payment?

I won't be asking for a release letter. I will either get an exit order or take a vacation for a month.

[Hyeon Een]

You don't have to pay 8 months more of fees. You could try one of the following:

(1) You can take a 'break' from your internet etc. contract for a month or two (this would be useful if one was going on vacation for example). So you could arrange it so that your boss does this until a new teacher is in to carry on paying the bills.

(2) You can cancel a contract before the 12 months or whatever is up but you'll have to pay a cancellation fee. It'll probably be about $60 or $80.

[husky]

Thanks Hyeon Een. That's really helpful advice