Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oskinny1]

There is an NET at my school that has been getting a bit too ripe and the students have noticed and have complained.

What is the best way to go about telling the NET that he needs to cover his stench while still saving face? There is no possibility of just ignoring it, so that is not an option.

[Lonely & looking]

[nukeday]

Is it your job to inform him of it? If not, let it go. There's no nice way of letting him know. Saving face? What, give him gift-set of soap and deodorant because he's such a nice guy?

[Lonely & looking]

[sulperman]

I have worked at a place where this happened and had a friend with the same situation at his workplace as well. Both were quite fat. And the stench was no joke. Why is this so common here? (Don't answer that!)

In both cases the Korean teachers were forced to confront the offender directly. Awkward, but got the job done.

[Lonely & looking]

[.38 Special]

[.38 Special]

[supernick]

I think you should tell him that students have mentioned his body odor.

We also had the same problem, and i told the guy that while in Canada I didn't need to shower twice a day but here in Asia i do. I also said to him that we smell different than the Koreans, and though we might not think we smell bad, they however do. He did shower more often but he still had a strong odor to him as some people are just that way, but it wasn't as bad as before.

Just tell the guy that the students have complained, and that it is not just him but others have had the same problem.

[oldfatfarang]

OP. I feel for you. There's no easy way out of this. You have to tell them that he is smelling - and make sure that he knows how to stop it: i.e.,

- shower before work (that's everyday).
- wear a complete change of clean clothes everyday,
- deoderant, talcom/baby powder,
- open sandals instead of shoes etc.

- fabric re-fresher from the Daiso shops (1,000 won) or the same stuff (more poweful) at the supermarket (6,000 won). This stuff is basically scented water in a mist/squirt bottle. Some of my students spray themselves with it before class - and I use it on my poly fleece because it holds 'man' smell (even after washing).

- scented liquid oil (Aroma Plus). Put this in the rinse cycle when washing clothes. Buy it at emart/supermarket (green label).

It's important that he knows that if his personal hygeine doesn't improve, the students will consider him a 'dirty' teacher, and the students (and other teachers) will shun him.

This basic hygeine advice might seem patronising - but some people don't get how bad they smell. Embarrassingly, as a bank manager, I once had to tell (and later write to) a woman employee because she smelled.

Good luck.

If manners don't work, you could lead with: "You ..... stink. Do you want to lose your job."

[Ramen]

come in to work with your gas mask on.

[bobranger]

More facts would help with a more appropriate response.

How old is the person?
Is the NET from a rural or urban area?
Is the person overwieght?
Is the individual male or female?

[oskinny1]

Luckily it is not my job to tell him, that is our wrangler's duty. I am just trying to help em out.

[snowysunshine]

Why do we assume that just because a person stinks they are overweight? People who care about hygeine, care about it no matter what size they are. Those who do not, well... they're don't care regardless of their size.

My biggest problem with smell this time of year is shoes.... My shoes always reek.... I like to wear sneakers, because, as a heavier person, it's better for my feet, but... they always get sweaty, which leads to smell. Any tips on avoiding this, other than just moving on to sandals...?

[.38 Special]