Korean Job Discussion Forums

[i]

This has happened to me twice before here, but didn't see it coming before. I was asked to renew, but I'm not. So tomorrow is the last day. The K-teacher is also leaving the same day. There is a break all next week, which is when the students are to re-register. Apparently there is no one to replace the two of us, and there are only 2 of us who work in the school. Keep getting told not to say anything yet by the non-resident manager. Already too late to give them enough time for their parents to come by tomorrow. If I say anything, I fear losing severance, since there are technically a few more days on my contract. I would be breaking the contract if I did something I was told repeatedly not to do.
Just seems so selfish to not tell students their teachers are leaving because the school is afraid they won't re-register if they know. Instead, take their money, maybe make up a story about how I fled without notice...who knows?
Anyone else had this experience?

[wylies99]

At one hagwon the owner told parents that I had a heart attack and left the country. Imagine the surprise when I ran into one of the mothers at CGV IMAX. She was in tears. One of the more bizarre experiences I've had in Korea.

[yellowdove]

you just have to remember hagwons are places of business, and most don't care about students, just about money. if you are attached to some students and feel it safe to do so, give some your email address so you can keep in touch. that way, when you leave, you can still say bye to them, just over email.

[hockeyguy109]

You'll survive. Remember, you are a monkey teacher and your students will forget about you in a few months. This isn't an adoption agency, it's a business. They got what they needed. As a previous poster mentioned, after you leave, all they will know is of your heart attack. Buck up, you will have more make-believe heart attacks at your next jobs.

[Whitey Otez]

It's all true.

Most hakwon students don't tell anyone that they quit, in my experience. One day, little Min-suk is absent, and when I tell the boss, he sheepishly says, "Oh, he quit." If I'd known, I'd have got the kid a cookie. Fickle business.

Of course, I'd been dumped by a few girls in much the same fashion. They sort of forget to say it's over, and it's up to you to assume they didn't get run over by a bus.

[Globutron]