Korean Job Discussion Forums

Harvard Material · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Ask this woman to put it in writing for you. Ask her, politely, if she wouldn't mind providing a written statement of what she thinks you do wrong - or right. Then get your yellow high-lighter out and go to work on it. That's a start. If she is a teacher with a fistful of written mistakes maybe you can start advertising her weaknesses.
If she does not possess the skills to communicate with you in written form, she should refrain from assessing your teaching abilities altogether. Do you correct her Hangeul very often?

Following that advice, wait for her outside of the workplace with a Korean pal to explain that she should focus on her own responsibilities and keep out of your way in the future. Not to threaten her in any way! Just to provide a fellow Korean citizen who can relate to her; tell her what you can't, and hopefully get her to shut up.
And, everytime you hear about her talking about you, talk to your friend about her.
She wants to take that as a threat?, let her. Spouting of to your boss is definitely a direct threat towards you...in my opinion.

Maybe this 'c'-worker isn't teaching English at all - maybe she is. I am not really clear on that, but I don't believe that is the point here.

Don't expect the director to get her off of your case for you. Sounds to me like they are collaborating.
The path of least resistance is the best path, and usually the most peaceful, but rapier has a valid point. You want to continue the dialogue or get it behind you?

Incidentally, I had the same problem once. The path of least resistance failed, so I took the 'rapier' method. Fire with fire. I prefer the Good Samaritan role, but in reality it works against you unless you are facing a Good Samaritan. You are not.

And prep' yourself for a worst case scenario. Keep your eyes open for a better situation elsewhere. Sounds like a hole of a place to be stuck at cache...

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

I had a similar situation.

I had "rejected" the girl before (I guess) and she had a hate on for me. Whenever possible she would be snide to me, call attention to any possible mistakes I made and talk to EVERYONE (even students) about me. It was funny to watch actually cuz she would be rude to me right up until the director walked in then it would be "Hi Ed, how are you today!!??". lmao

Anyways, I did alot of the previous options.

I played the nice guy and took it on the cheek for abit.

I checked my teaching to make sure there was little to pick at.

I got witnessess (coworkers) to make note of her "bias".

Finally I put her in check when she stepped over the line. This was a very smart girl and it wasn't easy... but the wicked always mess up.

It took 6 months but in the endshe was FIRED and disgraced. All the while she could have stopped her shyte but some ppl never learn.

Give the options a try, but above all.. stay true to who you are, she'll foul up eventually.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Generally the only one you have to worry about ultimately is your director. Keep on a good, polite footing with him, and you'll be fine.. when he starts giving those sour greasy looks, then you have to do something..

Actually the "free flow of information" at the workplace can have its advantages. If you want the whole hagwon to know how you're feeling or whats annoying you, you have only to spill the beans to your "confidante" nice Korean teacher, and within an hour or so, everyone will know your thoughts and the behavior will change, without so much as a confrontation needed...

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

I would talk to her.

If that doesn't work...not sure how to advise you. Emotions are a part of who we are, and if she doesn't listen to common sense, I can see you getting pissed.

The PC bang incident shouldn't be a worry IMO. Just politely tell the director and the female teacher, what you do on your OWN TIME is non of their business.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Skywalker26 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Location: Up the Kyber Pass

I have worked with plenty of these types...and not just K-workers either....
I am honest and upfront about what I do with the kids, my personal time etc..but I omit certain details...for example I went to a noraebang with a couple of my high school students at my old school on a Friday night, and I told the director first thing on the following Monday saying that I "ran into" the students on Friday night...didnt say what I did, or where I went...I just said that I met them briefly.

I can understand the whole idea of 'when it's my time I can do what I want'...but I can also appreciate the 'reputation' of the school deal as well. You just have to use your common sense.

I find that if I want something done or I want a change in the school's procedures then I would tell these certain persons, but anything else I just keep to myself.

If it is a case of the K-worker just being downright vindictive then go to the boss, invite them to dinner and/or drinks and then at the appropiate time (which I gurantee that THEY will bring up before you do) voice your opinions/ideals about the the K-worker or anything else you want to get off your chest. This has worked for me anyway.

I mean it's all a game when you look at it. First in.....best looking teacher!

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

She is clearly spineless. Confront her face to face and she will be so embarrassed.

cacheSurfer · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

**here is my follow-up...

well, after classes tonight i approached the subject and asked if she had a problem with me. she said that she didn't....so i asked her why she kept talking about me.

her response was that...she didnt mean for it to cause any problems. the girl said she was sorry and we ended the conversation.

i didn't loose my cool. i kept it short and simple.

the next time it happens i will have to start yelling. i gave my warning and hopefully everything is goes smooth. (only 1 warning) Evil or Very Mad

or should i have just went off? Shocked

haha. i really do hope she understands.

later.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Harvard Material · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Cache; the next time - if you are unfortunate enough to be caught up in a next time - you don't do any yelling at her. You get someone else to yell for you. It will be taken much more seriously...believe me. Get a representative to yell for you on your behalf. Preferably a representative not related to the workplace.
I hope your prob's are now over with 'c'-worker, but it could be a sham on her part. Don't waste anymore breath on her. You talked to her and took the civil route. If she doesn't appreciate it?

When a person looks for a fight they deserve to be in one.