Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JackSarang]

So I'm 7 months into this contract. I've been told that the Director is thinking about or is going to fire me and the source is 100% reliable. Now, this doesn't come as a complete surprise (just a vibe I get) but in typical Korean fashion he has never once expressed displeasure in my performance or otherwise indicated he wanted to get rid of me. Apparently its due to those mysterious "parent complaints" which is doubly mysterious because I've never had an issue with any of my students. The school is doing very well also, to the point where they need more teachers, not cut down.

Now, my Director is a pretty decent guy, speaks decent english and treats all the teachers well. We get paid on time, don't get jerked around etc. So I'm pretty sure he would give me the legal 30 days notice (he does everything strictly by the book so I'm sure he knows the Labour Laws). He doesn't done so yet.

So my major issue I have is this proverbial axe hanging over my head. Now I could just try and ride things out, since circumstances have him needing me around to fill the classes right now (2 teachers he was hoping would re-sign chose not to and he's only replaced one, so we're short). So I figure I'm "safe" for a least another month and a 1/2. At which point I'd be at 9 1/2 months and it might not be worth it to fire me. He's disgustingly rich as it is and screwing me out of severence and return ticket are probably the last of his motives. I should also mention that all previous teachers have finished their contracts without incident and recieved their severence/return ticket without issue.

The flipside is I'm no longer in control of my own destiny and simply "not knowing" is pretty stressful. He could serve me up with my walking papers tomorrow for all I know. So if I start looking for another job now, I can check out other schools and such and when I've found something I can setup a start date a month later, then hand in my 30 day notice to my present Director. That way things are on my timetable and at the very least, the stress of being in limbo is gone.

Anyway, wondering what anyone else would suggest in this situation.

Jack.

[tsgarp]

Why don't you just go up to him LIKE AN ADULT and politely ask, hey what do you think of my teaching? I'd like to hear your thoughts because as the boss it matters to me? Be polite and make it seem like you're genuinely interested in being a better teacher.

[sadsac]

I agree with the the idea that tsgarpstated, but I would ask him directly if he has any intention of terminating your contract and then ask why if the response is positive. You have said that he is a pretty decent director, so I would be honest with him and say that you have heard a rumor to that end and you need to clarify it. Be honest about your concerns because of what you have heard. Best of luck.

[Derrek]

7 months in, and he is responsible for airfare, etc....

I'd ask him about it, or you will go nuts. Whether you stick it out until the end is up to you. Yes, I also hate how Koreans offer NO feedback. Had it happen to me before, too. On the flipside, the director was asking me to consider coming back 2 months later. No thanks. The situation stressed me out, also.

Talk to him. You'll likely hear something upsetting or even unfair (be mentally prepared), but just keep your head and don't freak out when you hear it.

From that point, you'll better know what you want to do. Five months is a long time to continue working somewhere you don't like.

[wylde]

[Mankind]

[quote="wylde"]

[wylde]

[JackSarang]