Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rookieglobetrotter]

I'm in my second year at a PS (EPIK) and looking to upgrade my job next year. I have a pretty good relationship with most of my super-nice coworkers in our elementary school (I've spent mucho won on presents and outings), but the way the teaching system is setup it sometimes feels worse than a parrot job.

Most of my coworkers like me (except the older ones who look at me like I'm an alien) but I'm just looking for any advice on how to tell my kind coworkers that I won't be renewing. Also it would be great if I could get a positive recommendation in my attempt for a better position (uni or english center) or that they won't be offended if I transferred to like a nearby HS (to work with older kids and perhaps actually teach more than what I've been doing).

I'm sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but from my experiences last year I am still not sure about the unwritten rules about NETs in Public School. In the traditional province I taught in last year, I learned that some of your coworkers will hold a grudge if you try to transfer to another school when you already have a job in Korea (they feel why would you change jobs when you already have one). I don't know if this is common behavior or not, or was just because I was in a traditional area. So last year after they realized that I wasn't any longer their responsibility they not only cared less about me but tried to hinder my progress to find another job elsewhere in Korea with exaggerations and perhaps lies. Most new employers like mine would call the previous employer especially if they need to transfer the visa like I did last year.

So I assume my current school will ask me if I will renew in the next couple weeks. I want to give them an extremely courteous "no" so they can still treat me as well as they have been doing since we still have 4-5 months left. Another incident like last year where I got poor recommendations (and placed on "probation" or like a 1 more strike I'm out thing) , and I'll run into same difficulties to get another job or have to leave Korea haha. I am still trying to learn more about the Korean temperament in the workplace as it appears more unpredictable than in a Western one.

Also if I just change public school jobs in the same province (or city), can they just transfer my paperwork or do I have to do everything again?

Thanks for any advice as my cortizone level always rises at the end of the PS year!

[Vagabundo]

[oldfatfarang]

Here's 2 face saving excuses:

1) Leaving Korea permanently at end of contract = "I'm sad to leave, but someone in my family is sick. I have to take care of them."

2) Leaving to teach at another school = "I want to become a teacher back home - and I need to get experience with different student ages/levels. Perhaps I can also get a position in another part of Korea so I can experience more of this wonderful country (bla, bla, bla)."

Ask for a reference now ("Because I have to look for other jobs"). Once they know you're leaving, your work relationships tend to deteriorate - especially at contract.

Good luck. Remember, you're not a prisoner.

[ThingsComeAround]

Vagabundo & oldfatfarang hit the nail on the head

I'd avoid using the word "no". Use phrases like: "in need of a change" or "working with a new group". Don't use negative words like -can't, leaving- in your explanation of why you can't stay, and are leaving to go to another school.

If they like you, why would they slander you when you try to better yourself?
I've had this experience as well, so believe me- you should now know if someone wants to ruin you before it happens. Since you have friends, they will vouch for you and push for you to get to where you want to be.

[randall020105]

One minute before quitting time, confidently stride up to the co-worker you've pined for since your first day at the job and say, "I love you. I want to always be there for you. And because I have a strict policy against dating co-workers, I am quitting for you." It won't turn into a relationship, but she/he may help carry your boxes out. Take as many office supplies as possible with you. Put them in your pockets, in plastic bags, etc... Loudly denounce inane school practices and cruel treatment from colleagues and, even if you don't mean it, the entire corrupt capitalist Korean system. Add more drama during the last part and violently throw your wallet into the trash. Demand to be escorted out by the Principle and Vice.


A good post-quit strategy is vital... groveling for your job may not seem the most dignified step, but pay attention... Even the cruelest boss often takes pity on the groveler while basking in the power that comes from receiving the grovel... hehe...
What does this mean for you, the quitter? Loss of pride? Sure. Disrespect from co-workers? Certainly. Severance pay? Just maybe.

[rookieglobetrotter]

Thanks for the advice everyone and for the laugh (Randall) .

I am getting the impression that how I tell them and how they feel is equal or more important than the act itself. Throughout the year I've bought gifts and took them out on outings. The thing is last year, I kind of did the same thing and there was 0 love and mucho hate when I left. It was hard to take to know that after all the hard work I put in, by the end of the year they felt I was a 0. When that happened sometimes I'm a little on edge when contract and other paperwork stuff is mentioned.

I think my current job is different, as the people here are a little bit wary working with a foreigner for the first time but we enjoy our time together. It's just that I'm at the time where I feel I need to develop as a professional, or I'll probably be more unhappy next year. It feels great to have the opportunity to teach instead of being handled with kids gloves here. So thanks again for the advice and I'm going to actively apply for more teaching oriented jobs.

Anyway, time to go play some table tennis with coworkers .

[rookieglobetrotter]

[southernman]

I said I was transfering because I wanted to teach extra classes.

I had the meeting with the Principle, co -teacher, vice-principle where they said that they would give me quite a few extra hings, but not extra classes.

I explained that sitting at a computer all afternoon was doing my head in and that I wanted to go to a school where I could teach more hours because I love teaching etc.

It wasn't said out loud but Its not hard for anyone understand and accept that you're just trying to make some more cash.

[sallymonster]

Just do what I'm going to do near the end of my contract: tell them you want to move closer to Seoul.

[southernman]

I transfered within the same province.

You just need a copy of your new contract for the next year, your passport and your ARC. I was also given some letter to take but Immigration didn't even look at it.

Immigration then just writes on the back of you ARC that you're staying until such and such a date next year and stamps your passport accordingly.

I was extremley surprised at how easy it was. As a bonus and by luck, the lady at Immigration had gone to my little rural school. She thought I was re-signing with that school and processed the whole thing there and then.

I was out of there in less than 20 minutes

[Skipperoo]

Sorry for highjacking the thread but I have a similar question; does anyone have protips for respectfully declining/putting-on-hold a position after a phone interview? I have several interviews coming up and I've no intention of accepting the first one outright before hearing what the other schools have to say, however I don't wish to embaress or alienate the recruiters who organised them as they have been very helpful.

[oldfatfarang]

[quote="Skipperoo"]Sor

does anyone have protips for respectfully declining/putting-on-hold a position after a phone interview? I have several interviews coming up and I've no intention of accepting the first one outright before hearing what the other schools have to say, quote]

Sorry, there is no magic "please-wait-until-I find-a-better-offer" excuse. If you don't say: "I'm coming immediately", your recruiter will dump your application and just ring any of the hundreds of waiting applicants.

[rookieglobetrotter]

[PRagic]

Though it may seem counterintuitive if you're not from Korea, the voice of experience has spoken true on this board thus far. Lie. Get letter of reference. Leave.