Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seoulout]

I've been at my hagwon for around 6 weeks now, and I got my alien registration card back around 3 weeks ago. at the time I asked my director if I could have my diploma back which I sent over for the visa process. He said he needed to keep it for several months incase the police did a raid!! I know this is obviously untrue and contacted my recruiter. After much bugging him for a reply, he told me that the school would be giving it back "soon" but they would also be decided whether to fire me or not "soon", and that getting my diploma back this week or next was trival as "They will for sure give it back" - I asked my director for it again last week, still haven't got it. Am wondering who the appropriate authority to make a complaint to would be - is it the Labour Board, or do they only deal with wage disputes? Also,would their behaviour in regard to my diploma make it easier for me to get a letter of release?

[TheChickenLover]

Keep records of conversations (record them) and then file a criminal report with the police.

I can guarantee you that your diploma will be 'found' in less then 3 minutes and you'll be fired. Once fired you do not need a LOR since they cut their contractual ties with you. Also, I would argue that since you were fired because of their criminal behaviour (stealing your diploma is a no no. Try watching what would happen if you did that to a national here) Then you can leave and come back to a better job in the future.

As for keeping your job, trust me when I say that this type of person who likes to keep documents hostage is to keep you there. It's not a good sign and for myself is a deal breaker.

I'd also suggest you always have your university send you new originals as well. I have 4 original degrees here for that very reason.

Chicken

[OculisOrbis]

I agree, get it back by any means necessary. He's holding to it for blackmail in an effort to prevent you doing a runner. If he feels the need to do that, then it doesn't look good for you no matter what the outcome of this is - he was planning to screw you somehow whether you even had asked for the diploma back that's why he kept it.

now that youre in korea, you can do any future immi things yourself and your original diploma never needs to leave your hands. Employers NEVER need more than a copy of your diploma (or passport, ARC or any other document, for that matter)

good luck to you.

[poet13]

Ask for it, put your hand out, and don't move until you get it back. Just keep repeating, "Please give me my diploma. It's not yours." When they finally snap and shout at you, say, "I'm so shocked. This is very embarrassing."

Repeat until you get your diploma.

[Illysook]

I wish that I'd known what a dealbreaker the holding of one's diploma was back in September, when I got here...116 days left!

[Lostone7]

Chickens right lol always have copies of orginals oversea! I do as well I have at least two-4 sets of everything. It's always helpful!

Also, the fire you threat is just that! lol if it was true he wouldn't try to keep you Docs to keep you around.

I would ask nicely for them back , then say you need them for something then if they still haven't gotten them to you call the police. But, dont excpect much = )

If they do fire you they will try and keep them anyway to be vindictive. Just the way the game is played.

Sorry to hear though! not all bosses are bad so if they fire you it's a favor and get a better job with a better conditions.

[SandyG21]

Looks like a large amount of luggage allowance is going to be taking multiple documents to Korea - not to mention the cost of those diplomas and transcripts isn't cheap!

[Adventurer]

Keep demanding your diploma. He can't keep your diploma.

[CentralCali]

Go to your boss's office, call your embassy, tell them that he has your diploma, let them speak to the cretin. Get your diploma. Walk on the bastard. Let him deal with the peeved parents.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I had this happen to me in 2003.

I wasn't being paid on-time or in full so I decided it was time to leave. Long story short:

A disgruntled Korean co-worker who also hadn't been paid in months helped me reclaim my possession.

I feel for you. I almost ended up in jail for a very long time from that incident.

[Kikomom]

Next time someone asks to hold your diploma, ask for a $100,000 bond. (or however much your college degree cost you)

[Cheonmunka]

I'd say, 'Fire me,' get my degree back, and walk away leaving them teacherless.

[lifeinkorea]

If you don't show up, then that will be the reason for them firing.

So, what I do in cases like that is go to the school, go to your class or teacher's room and just stay there. When they ask you why you aren't in the class teaching, tell them that you are waiting for your diploma before you can start.

I did this when they didn't provide books for the students. Not surprisingly, books showed up the next day after weeks of requesting them.

[seoulout]

bastard still has it...i asked for it last week, he replied "yes, yes" and disappeared into his office and locked the door behind him!!! i contacted the labour board, who said that they could only help with wages and i should get in contact with legal aid korea - i found out where their office in Seoul is, anyone know what time it opens? i can't ring their helpline as i don't speak Korean. I have a good mind to blog this recruiter who told me getting my diploma back was a "trival matter" to death. i am actually intending to resign from this job soon enough anyway as i really don't like it there (my principles prevent me from working for people who steal documents).

this is all rather stressfull for me

[OculisOrbis]

Recipe for a returned diploma

sit in his office and wait. ask for diploma. wait. when he informs you your class is starting, respond with 'no diploma, no teachee', ask for your diploma again and hold out your hand. wait. repeat as necessary.