Korean Job Discussion Forums

[friendoken]

Why do you keep putting up with all the crap?

[oldfatfarang]

OP. Are you planning on vacationing overseas in summer vacation?

If so, and you work at a public school, you could be being played so that you can't vacation overseas. Public schools have come under huge pressure to stop their GET's going overseas during summer vacation - (H1N1 scare).

By breaking your vacation into 2 meaningless weeks - broken by a week of deskwarming (WTF?) - they've effectively torpedoed your chance of vacationing overseas.

My school tried everything to stop me going to Thailand. Approved my vacation. Cancelled it. Approved it again. Then cancelled it again. In between all this nonsense they were giving me 'helpful' information on H1N1 and quarantines etc. Other teachers were also having "Don't Go!" conversations with me.

In the end, I resigned and told them to stick it.

If you've booked flights, I hope you don't have the problems I'm having getting a refund from a Korean travel agent.

[Zebra12]

Hi - sounds quite familiar - the admin clowns are at it again. How to do the "mostest" for the "leastest" ie., to cheat and manipulate seems to be the norm...all in the name of paperwork and autocratic rule.

I've been 4 years with the EPIK programme in the same community and have seen it all...as many old-timers can verify. It matters little what you think or feel...this is a Land of Square Heads...and few open-minded 'round heads' exist in the system. Korea has been, and still retains, many patterns from the era of dictatorial rule...now simply mixed with good old American capitalist antics. In Korea, *beep*-houses are as routine as munching down Dunkin donuts and/flys in your kimchee

I took a few long holidays and in different directions...just booked my flights and went...sort of made up my own 'holiday rules' aka Canadian-style. I've never done the "desk warming" chores...rather...prefer freedom and follow through with my decisions. I generally asked the principal (and received permission)...but this year I had an old tart so I just 'followed my heart' The old tart had me docked 500,000 won for the extra month off...okay Jose...I needed the rest in Cancun. I like salsa more than kimchee.

Now, here we go again..."let's suck up extra work from the foreigners"...more desk-warming mindlessness...conform to the norms. Well, I've agreed to do a few camps...albeit in the past we were always paid for the Summer camp work...as I like the kids I'll help them out...but then I'm off on two trips. I am not renewing with this particular EPIK slum...moving on to another contract. (Slums are 'slums' one just needs to navigate them in the best way one can. And, try to avoid the vipers and rats. Make friends with the rabbits.) Once you know the ropes in SK you can quickly master a new plan. If you have the right credentials and are not a soju doper or lazy bum...well you can swing from the ceilings in another location. I actually enjoy watching their faces light up with emotion...a nice change from the usual mindless slumber they seem to enjoy.

So, I would not sweat it too much...don't get caught in the machinery here...try new opportunities and seek out fresh 'yellow dust' won down the old kimchee trail.

Cheers - good holidays!

[bish]

I was told by my co-teacher this morning that because the Principal hasn't made a decision I can arrange my holidays myself (???). So I will be doing as I told them.

My school isn't the best, nor is it the worst but with this situation they have been a little strange. I'll be in Korea for 5 days before term starts so there should be no need for quarantine...

[TheUrbanMyth]

[chris_J2]