Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Will]

Hi. I want to get some thoughts on this situation.

I�ve been working for a teacher training center for the past two years. My current contract is finished on Aug. 25. I have been offered a new contract, only this time, they tell me that my family has to move because the landlord wants more key money�I sort of understand that.

The catch is that the training center does not want to put key money down for another apt. The supervisor told me that I should have saved enough money after two years for my own apt.

They told me that it does not explicitly state key money in the contract and they are not required to provide it (that they were being kind for the first two years). They tell me that they will only give me 400 a month for rent.

It does state in the contract that they are required to find me housing. But they only looked at one apt. told me it�s too expensive and now refuse to look anymore.

The bottom line is that after doing an excellent job for two years. They want me to suddenly move my family at my expensive, because the apt. I currently live in is suddenly too expensive. On top of that they refuse to continue to provide key money or to help me to locate another apt. for my family.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

[louiloui]

If you don't have anything regarding key money in the contract, then there isn't much you can do there. You can either find your own apartment and take the 400,000, or you can take an apartment that they provide for you. Although, my feeling from reading your post is that you might not be that happy with any apartment they find themselves. If it is in your contract that they have to provide more bedrooms for any dependents you might have, then it might be worth fighting them to get you an apartment like that.

[Will]

Although, my feeling from reading your post is that you might not be that happy with any apartment they find themselves.


No, you don't understand. I didn't turn down any apt. They refuse to find any apt. for me. And it does state in the contract that they have to find me one.

[OculisOrbis]

Cant you offer to pay the extra money that the current landlord wants? That way, you prob dont need to put as much down, your school doesnt have to do any work finding you a place and you dont have the hassle of moving. It's worth a shot, unless the only reason your school is doing is because they want to spend that original key money for something else - in that, case, they wont help you at all by considering that kind of offer.

[NYC_Gal]

Loui is saying that if they do find you an apartment, it'll be cheap, and you probably would be worse off than if you found one on your own.

[winterfall]

If its a standard POE contract.

Housing or stipend is YOUR choice. Not theirs.

If you don't want the stipend. They HAVE TO find you a new place. It's as simple as that. Unless it was explicitly stated in the contract.

Of course if they find you a new place it won't necessarily be close to your school. They just do that cause its usually more convenient for the school to arrange.

[Will]

Yeah. I guess that's right.

I get the feeling that there is nothing I can do about it They will pull the key money after two years and refuse to look for another apt. that's the end of it. I guess I will have to get one on my own or leave the country.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[Will]

I think you are 100 percent correct!

[hari seldon]

[BoholDiver]

I am guessing the school doesn't value you very highly. Or else they'd front the money.

Or maybe the key money has been spent by your principal on samgyeopsal parties and hookers.

[WadRUG'naDoo]

[BoholDiver]

A landlord can raise the rent or the key money, or both. After a lease is finished, of course.

It really depends on what te contract says, but I mostly agree with WadRug. I would refuse to sign and see their response. More likely I'd say to them 'I can't resign with you' rather than 'won't'. I put the onus of action on them that way.

[shostahoosier]

It sounds to me like Will has a pretty nice gig...more than your typical EPIK/Hagwon assignment.

Am I right? If so, I dont know if it would be so easy to walk away from...especially with a family to provide for. If you can though, I would as it sounds like the employer doesnt respect the work you have done for them enough to be civil. T

I personally would make them stick to the contract. If the employer agreed to provide housing, and housing INCLUDES key money, then the school should be liable for the key money. If this wasnt the case, i'm sure the thousands of ESL people here would freak out over having to drop a few thousand dollars to live in a "paid for and furnished apartment".

Then again...if you really anger them....they could end up placing you over a kimchi factory...

[hagwonnewbie]

They don't want to pay for an apartment for your family anymore, but they are willing to find you a one room that would be unsuitable.

I recommend you find a different job if you want a contract that offers more in housing options.