Korean Job Discussion Forums

danseonsaeng · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Here's the situation.

My contract ends on the 24th, but graduate school starts on the 16th. Summer camp ends on the 6th, so there's no conflict there. English teachers are cool w/ me leaving the weekend after camp, but the Vice Principal has decided to play it by the book and require me to be here until the 24th. That's impossible for me, as classes start the week prior.

What do I do here? English teachers have appealed to the VP; he still says no. It's not like I'm leaving to screw ladyboys in Thailand; I'm going to grad school for secondary education. The school's been supportive in all other matters, it's just this freakin' VP who won't show the least bit of courtesy. The school loves me, kids love me, I get all kinds of courtesy time off (during tests and whatever), but he's sticking it to me on this one point.

It's not like I'll be working or preparing anything during those two weeks after camp, anyway.

I suppose my question is - what's the worst that'll happen if I straight up tell them I'm leaving on after the camp? They'll dock my pay for however many days I'm gone? Is that it? How does that affect severance? Will I be screwing myself in any unforseeable ways? Will I receive the exit allowance?

Please let me know. Thank you.

Countrygirl · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Location: in the classroom

You're not in the country, therefore you're not working, therefore you didn't work for one year, therefore the school doesn't need to pay you your severance.

I'd say good deal for the school.

ps. Hogwans can be more lenient on severance but public schools can't be.

danseonsaeng · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

That's not true at all.

Severance is prorated. Even if I left at the 6 month mark, I'd get severance for the time I'd worked.

Countrygirl · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Location: in the classroom

Senior · Joined: 31 Jan 2010

danseonsaeng · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Some more details:

I'm coming to the end of my second year. I'll be leaving Korea on August 8. That's 15 days I'll have worked out of 31 in the August pay period.

How exactly do I calculate severance if I exclude the 16 days I will have missed?

danseonsaeng · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Check this discussion if you don't believe me:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2255387&highlight=#2255387

Hamlet · Joined: 18 Mar 2008

Read this from the government website.

http://www.molab.go.kr/english/dont_miss/faq_view.jsp?idx=136

If you finished a year and got severance pay (called retirement pay by the government) then you start a new year, and...

if you do not complete 12 months of work on your new contract, you are not entitled to severance pay for the year, but...

if you renewed and did not take severance pay after the first year, you will get a prorated severance (retirement) payment. Check the link above for prorating methods.

dumpring · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Location: Auckland, NZ

Damn man, i'm in a similar position to you. My contract ends on the 22nd but the graduate course I want to take starts on the 9th of the same month. I'm with a hagwon but really doubt they'll be accommodating even though we're on good terms.

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

OP - Can you use your remaining vacation days to fill up the extra time?...

danseonsaeng · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

No remaining vacation days; used 'em in winter.

Good news is, I didn't get severance after the first year, so I'm entitled to prorated severance. Looks like that works out.

How about the exit allowance? Anyone know?

Seoulio · Joined: 02 Jan 2010

Pretty cut and dry man

You will get your prorated severeance ( although I have not once heard this ruling from SMOE, doesnt mean ts not valid though)

you will NOT Get an exit allowance.

Why don't you try going over the bosses head? Phone SMOE, if that fails, then just don't show up for your camps, if they are going to screw you on cash anyway then just say "hey sorry"

Hoe many "sick days" do you have if you have all 15 still, then use em for your camps.

Tell your VP he can use your "sick day" for the last 10 days of your contract or you will use them for his camp, his choice.

I mean TECHNICALLY They are within their rights to hold you to contract end, and even SMOE inforces this, but if you have been a good teacher and you have a VALID reason for needing the ten days then shey should not be total mongers about this.

DrugstoreCowgirl · Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 9:57 pm Post subject:

Are you allowed to use your vacation days at the end of your contract to leave early?

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Just call in sick. I don't know how many days you have left but hopefully enough to cover the 6 weekdays. Weekends you wouldn't need to worry about. Sounds like he is playing it by the book and won't bend.