Korean Job Discussion Forums

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

These can apply to any business, really, be it a hagwon boss, a public school principal, or a recruiter, for example:

1. The inflated ego with no statistical backing: "We're the top/#1/best in the business...."

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

"You must love your students like the Korean teachers do."

This said with an absolutely straight face during which the Korean teacher in the next room is using a broom handle to beat several students.

andrewchon · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject: boss' lies

these are not exclusive to bosses but:

1. It's cheap!
2. Eat this. It's good for your health/will live longer/ good for your brain
3. Try this. Will make you younger/prettier
4. Let's go eat something delicious.
5. I'm dying of ...

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Yay. More K-bashing.

FFS people...get a life you like already.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

climber159 · Joined: 02 Sep 2007

"I will pay you at the start of next week."

alphakennyone · Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Location: city heights

Here's one that isn't common, but rather extraordinary:

"I used to be a diplomat so don't worry, you can get your visa in Osaka in just one day, not two. If you have problems, contact Mr. XXXX at the embassy."

I warned him several times that it took two days as I knew from very recent experience just a few months earlier in Fukuoka (I had changed jobs)

I get to the embassy in Osaka on a Thursday and no, one day isn't possible. I find Mr. XXXX and give him my boss's name card and ask if he can help.

"I have no idea who this is. Tomorrow (Friday) is a Japanese national holiday, you'll need to wait until Monday."

Finally a lower level staff decided to call the hagwon after I scraped up enough change to call Seoul from a pay phone. Gee, I wonder what got the job done in getting my visa in one day - my boss's amazing connections, or a bunch of pitiful pleading/begging. Oh please don't make us pay for 4 nights hotel and 2 more days of canceled classes because of my ignorance! Please please please!

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Theo · Joined: 04 Jul 2009

Too bad this thread is not about Chinese ESL bosses. If it were, I'd have dozens of mind-bending quotes to contribute.

My Korean employers simply refused to speak to or have any direct dealings with any foreign teachers (there were about 40 of us in total -- gyopos and non-gyopos, Part-time and Full Time), even though they were located only three floors below us.

All communication with us was the responsibility of the two foreign manager/supervisors. They agreed to be the frequent bearers of bad news. One was completely sleazy and underhanded, and the other was a very aggressive bully (especially to females). An arrangement that worked out real well for the Koreans bosses, as they got the necessary results without any direct involvement or confrontation on their part.

Welcome to ESL Korea!

SHANE02 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003

A line that is overused by employers in Korea:

"I never said that"

pocariboy73 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003

"We've been getting complaints from some of the the parents about your teaching."

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

"You can trust me"

expat2001 · Joined: 28 Jan 2006

I always pay on time