Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lostintranslation100]

Hi everyone,
I've been going through some serious mental problems and think I might put in my resignation. I have been here 5 1/2 months at a Public Elementary school. It will have been here 6 months in about two weeks. I know you are suppose to give 60 days notice which I'm willing to do. I have a good relationship with my employer and my decision to quit is completely due to mental and physical health problems, not theirs. I feel bad quitting, but it has to be done.

I know that after the 6 month mark, you do not have to reimburse your airfare and 300,000 settlement. If I put in my notice now, will they try to screw me on the plane ticket to come here and living allowance? I technically won't be leaving till the middle of my 7th month. Anybody know about this situation?

[Carla]

[lostintranslation100]

But even if I put in my notice now, if they fired me, I would have 14 days before I leave (as put in the contract). In that situation, I would also be technically leaving after the 6 month mark.

I haven't gone to the doctor yet. I'm not thinking straight but I might just take off and see a doctor back home. I'd feel more comfortable.

[Countrygirl]

It's very difficult for a school to fire you. They have to give you 2 written notices and then fire you and it has to be a legitimate reason. That said, some schools don't care about the laws and you'll have to fight them...which might not be good right now considering your current mood.

If you only have to wait 2 weeks to reach 6 months then I'd wait if I were you to give a resignation letter. Although, if your school has been decent to you so far, I think they will surprise you and treat you fairly.

I second Carla's post...you have to go to a doctor. If you have a serious medical condition, your school can't fault you for wanting to go.

I understand that you don't feel like it and that you are having a very rough time here. Working in a public school can feel very isolating and culture shock is really it's strongest at 6 months. When I came back after 10 years, I knew that I'd have culture shock but I didn't think it would be as bad as it would be.

I also taught ESL in a school in Vancouver. Always, without fail, my happiest students would come into school at the 6 month mark as depressed as if their mother had died. Don't underestimate the power of culture shock. Add alcohol to that and no real support group to help you out here and life is going to be damn depressing.

But if it makes you feel any better, it does get better, it really does. One day you wake up and life just feels normal. It just takes time so be patient.

I recommend making a list of all the things you want to see before you leave Korea be it 2 months or longer. Hike some hills, see some monuments, take a trip. Maybe in 2 weeks things will start looking up. If you still feel like you have to leave early then do what's right for you.

[Carla]

[WendyRose]

Just wait it out until the 6 months are up so there is no room to squabble. I know you probably just want to leave right away, but it'll calm your mind if you wait 2 weeks. Good luck and sorry for your issues.