Korean Job Discussion Forums

AnthonyCWSox · Joined: 07 Aug 2009 Location: no idea

So I planned a vacation the last week of January where I have no winter classes and told my co-teacher, principal, etc. Today, the teachers spring on me that I have to (MUST) teach 2 classes that week, and it is not possible to change it (probably because they are new students and the school is so worried about reputation). They told me to get a refund for the flight etc., which I'm obviously not going to do. The GEPIK contract says we can take the vacation when school is not in session, which it isn't, so I'm sure it will be resolved one way or another. But what is the school's deal? I'm thinking about leaving early just to screw them over, although I love the students. This kind of stuff is becoming constant.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

Tough break!

You cleared your vacation with the school prior to booking it? I guess the lesson here is get everything in writing.

Your point about "The GEPIK contract says we can take the vacation when school is not in session" doesn't really hold water, as they can give you the vacation during another period during that time.

Anyways, you asked permission, they gave it, and you went ahead and booked your tickets. Time to take the vacation... The way I'd play this is.

1. Explain your point of view to the teachers - why you can't change the ticket. Normally helps if you add something, e.g. my sister is getting married then or something. (You can play the 'matter of principle' and just say that you booked it, so it should stand, you're right on principle - but you'll come across like an ass).

2. If they still don't budge, take it higher, all districts have a co-ordinator, who handles the native teacher issues, so speak to him/her, they've seen this stuff many times, and in my experience are very helpful. But don't get them involved unless you have to.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

There's basically three ways around this.

Insist on your original vacation schedule. Bear in mind your school will lose face if you go over their head. If you plan this you will have to plan to work at a new school the following year. Your lack of willingless to go along with their change of plan will be seen as a lack of Jung( teamwork and fellowship) Some people will try to make it difficult to work at your school in future. You can possibly just go with a hogwan job. It's also possible to get another public school job in a different region.

Insist on you're original vacation plan and request to stay with GEPIK and move to another school the following year. This will mean you will have to keep your nose clean with the POE until you get your transfer authorized.
helps if you have friends in high places.

Comprimise your original vacation plan and ask for extre days off as compensation for your flexibility ask for a promise in writing don't take their word for it. If the school has promised the new students these classes it might be a bit of a loss of face for them to go back on their words. Also if your Prinicpal has some pull in the POE he might be able to offer something sweet in February.

AnthonyCWSox · Joined: 07 Aug 2009 Location: no idea

keep in mind there is no way im teaching another year, im going to school in the US starting august

and I'd be perfectly happy to compromise but i've already bought non-refundable tickets.

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

tell them that you would be happy to cancel your vacation but they have to pay for the cost of the canceled tickets. Since they had already given you permission. Let them know that if they don't pay for the tickets you will go ahead and take your vacation.

AnthonyCWSox · Joined: 07 Aug 2009 Location: no idea

antoniothegreat · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Location: Yangpyeong

JJJ · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Location: Seoul

If they signed off on it, then go. They will be pissed but you're not staying there anyways. If you want to negoitate with them, say "fine but you pay the $100 bucks or so to change the date to Feb". If they refuse, say sorry, and go enjoy your week off.

If they didn't sign off on it...then you are S.O.L.

espoir · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Incheon, South Korea

son of coco · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

Yeah I'd go with what some other posters have said about mentioning the cost of cancelling the tickets and rebooking and that you're happy to do the classes if they're willing to compensate you.

The concept of 'Jung' in your case means doing everything that's asked of you without question. The contract will probably only be fully binding on one side too. So say 'no' occasionally if you sense a lack of flexibility from their side and an expectation of total flexibility from yours.

Especially if you have no intention of going back there anyway.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

It's usually not a good idea to threaten or challenge a school when they hold the cards. To them, you can be replaced if you don't meet their demands.

I play the ignorant / lack of communication card. I let them know in email I will or will not be attending. In this case, I assume you already notified them once about the trip.

Then, just say "Yea, yea" to whatever they say. Don't intellectualize, don't confront them on time issues, and don't make it seem like you are a flight risk to them until you are really ready to go.

Take your trip, come back, and they will wonder where you were. Explain you made your travel arrangements and notified them about it. I would much rather fight them with this backing. You can't change the past, but what you can do is offer to teach these 2 classes as no pay overtime.

When they see that both parties can get what they want, they will less likely do this crap to you in the future. My current school has had 2 workshops. I didn't go to the first, and was told they would credit it as a sick day. I didn't go to the second one, and they didn't contact me about it. There is no way I am going to spend the money on transportation and waste my time with that stuff.

In the end, is it better for them to fire you over these 2 days or keep you and reschedule the classes? While you are in their "domain" they will control you every way they can. If you take action and return to work immediately after your trip, then it shows commitment. That is something the school will have to gamble on with another teacher if they choose to fire you over this. It won't be worth it to them.

espoir · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Incheon, South Korea

ESL Milk "Everyday · Joined: 12 Sep 2007

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

milkweedma · Joined: 15 Dec 2006

This is public school, not a hagwon. It is extremely hard to fire a teacher from a public school position. The only real card that the school has is the non-renewal card and since the OP doesn't want to renew its irrelevan

Having been fired myself for highly dubious reasons, and hearing of many others being fired in Gangwon-do Epik, I would never believe your statement for one minute.
If you stand up for yourself (over a quality textbook for the kids), having already been friendly with them (as a part of getting comfortable in the job), then you may be a target. Never underestimate the duplicitous nature of Koreans. [/quote]