Korean Job Discussion Forums

[earthbound14]

So, I've been thinking and thinking about why it is that foreign folk in Korea (and here on Dave's) have a hard time saying nice things about Korea and seem to have so many complaints (even if they love the place). I was going to write a list of reasons, but my employer answered my question in one simple statement.

"You need to move out tomorrow."

This happened to a co-worker, so I'm not going to get into details. But here's the jist of the story.

We work for a very reputable school. One of the biggest in Korea. My coworker has been here for a very long time. He/she is a great employee, more than qualified in both training and experience and a very loyal employee. Yet management saw no problems with giving him/her a day's notice to get out of the apartment they had supplied. One that, under our contract, we thought the school was committed to supplying. Now to be fair, it does say they will provide housing if it is available. But we are now mid contract and no alternatives were given. Just told to get out without a reason, an apology or any sort of compensation. Just "Get out tomorrow."

As my coworker said "This is a real slap in the face."

On top of this, like many things in Korea, you are not allowed to cause a scene or get right pissed about it...cause that would be mean to the employer. I have yet to understand this element of Korean society as Koreans seem to be so feisty and willing to protest in great numbers out on the streets. Yet somehow, telling your boss he is a right shite for doing something like this and demanding that something be done (perhaps even getting the law involved) is completely out of line and would ensure that your life at work would be crap from that day forward...no matter how great an employee you might be.

This sums up in a nutshell why I personally have a hard time writing grand things about the land of the Han despite my love of the place and her people.

[OiGirl]

I could never be truly happy and comfortable here if I were depending on someone else for my housing. Yes, it comes with many jobs, and yes, it can be difficult to arrange on your own, but if you allow yourself to be infantilized by not having control over major life decisions, you may not have much nice to say about Korea.

[Forward Observer]

That sucks brother. I feel your pain on everything you said...

[earthbound14]

[thoreau]

If this happened to me I'd start sleeping at the school, showering in the sink, and eating out of the community fridge.

[Skippy]

I would not be surprised that your school had known for weeks that your teachers needed to move out. Here in Korea many schools/hagwons can not, do not

A) Plan and prepare.

Are present teacher is leaving in two months. Hmm we better start looking for a teacher. Where is that recruiters number?

B) Think Logically or Critically

Teacher is sick so he wants to stay home. They ask him to come in. He comes in. He looks like hell. They look at him say oohhh your sick - maybe you should go home.

C) Understand the Law of Consequences.

Like above. Teacher has no house - will likely come to school looking dirty, messy and tired. They ask what is wrong then understand whoops with no place to stay he can not shower, hotels can be difficult to sleep in, etc

D) Take their time and do something right. Sort of like A above, but here in Korea is it ALWAYS BALI BALI. Hurry up! Right Now! ASAP!

[Richard Krainium]

[pkang0202]

I would laugh and say, "Make me."

I'd call in sick, sit at home and barricade the door shut. I'd demand they find me another place for housing that is on par with the current place, AND they have to pay for the movers.

Now, if the contract doesn't explicitly state the employer will provide housing, then your friend is screwed. OP, are you sure that friend of yours was in Korea for a while? Seems like a rookie mistake not to have housing explicitly stated in a contract.

[earthbound14]