Korean Job Discussion Forums

sarbonn · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Michigan

I've been here almost 3 months now. Believe it or not, after some initial complaining when I first got here, I actually like it here. I like the job, like the boss, and like the kids. My co-workers drive me insane but I can live with that.

However, this was a job that was supposed to actually start in July 2008. The paperwork to get all of this done was astronomically long, meaning that my report date wasn't until October 11th. I had planned to be here a year or two and then either go back to a Ph.d program in my latest field where I picked up a master's degree, or I was going to teach on the community college level. But the date has made that almost impossible because I would effectively have to be back in the states sometime in August, not in the middle of October. So, I've been contacted by a university that is interested in pursuing me for a full ride in their Ph.d program, and I realize that if that goes through I'm going to have to pull somewhat of a runner, although not with the same kind of reasons someone would normally pull one.

The problem is that I really feel that while I really like my boss, he's very capitalistic in thought process, and that if I was to ever say I was leaving, he'd go from great boss to worst nightmare in a second. I really don't want to face that sort of thing, and worry about being fired while I'm here rather than just leaving at my own convenience. But at the same time, I'd like to make sure that I covered everything legal and what should rightfully be mine to cover if I did decide to leave in what would be the 10th month. My understanding is that after 6 months, I would not need to pay for the airfare over here, but of course, I'd have to pay for my own airfare home. What other things should I be thinking about so that I don't end up screwing him over financially, because I really don't want to do that on the way out. I'll probably end up sacrificing a bit of my last pay, but I'm generally okay with that. I know he historically has a difficult time paying teaches who have quit, so I have to realize that when that time comes, I'll have gotten all I'm going to get from this place.

And there's nothing saying this will happen. For all I know, this may just be more thought than anything else. I could easily see myself staying for a few years, if I didn't take a grad school situation.

buymybook · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Location: Telluride

Well, at least you have time to think about it. I don't think you asked a question so all I can say is that maybe you will be doing your employer a favor. They won't have to pay severance, pension(actually pension is pro-rated), and plane ticket home.

I'd be worried about your last paycheck. After getting by not paying you what I've already mentioned they will probably get greedy knowing you are leaving/have specific plans when you return. I know what you mean by not wanting to tell them so that you can leave quietly. You could offer to find them a new employee!

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

Your boss is going to love it when you walk that late in a contract. Don't give notice.

John_ESL_White · Joined: 12 Nov 2008

If you give notice, do not expect your last pay. Period.

Just get paid, buy a ticket, vacate your apt., and go home.

There is reason to give notice unless you also want to give away what ever money will be owed you at the time you give stop work.

good luck with the Ph.D.

Scamps · Joined: 01 Feb 2008

Try contacting the Seoul Global Center. They'll know how to help you.

ontheway · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:48 am Post subject:

Be honest. Give notice in advance.

You have no reason to assume that your employer will cheat you. Why should you cheat your employer. It is true that a large number of empolyers are dishonest and will cheat you, it could be half, which would give you a 50/50 crap shoot. But, as is clear from some of the advice given above, it is also true that a large number of the teachers, it could be half, who come to Korea are dishonest and cheat their schools. Don't be one of them.

In fact, you should give two or three month's notice if possible. Your boss will appreciate this and have time to find a replacement teacher and make a comfortable transition. He might even give you pro-rated severance and a pro-rated return ticket.

If you pull a runner, you will not receive any severance or return ticket and you will be liable for damages for breach of contract. If the school has no teacher and loses student tuition fees, you are liable to pay the school for all lost tuition. They probably won't follow you back to your home country to sue you, but they could file against you in Korea and nail you if you ever return.

ontheway · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 10:25 am Post subject:

The law is called contract law, specifically: "Breach of Contract" and you are liable for damages if you do. So is your employer, if they do.

You can refuse to pay the contracted payments for a car that you buy, no one can make you pay those contracted payments, but under breach of contract you will have to pay the full amount plus penalties, interest and legal fees. But, you can legally break the contract and you won't go to jail. You just have to pay for the breach.

You can quit your job, too, but if you break your contract you may have to pay, if your employer is damaged and pursues you. It's the same law and legal proceedure as when you sign a contract to buy a car with time payments.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004