Korean Job Discussion Forums

[david218533]

Hi Guys
I just want to ask about taking a day off work.
Currently I'm working in Incheon at a public school.
I need to take a day off on Friday to pick up my sister from the airport...
I asked my co-teacher and she asked the Vp and they said that I can't take time off during school sems...

Is it the same with every other public school in Incheon... Your advice is needed...

[fugitive chicken]

nope, you cant do it. All vacation days are for non-school days only. You would have to take a sick day....but as they already know about your situation, they may dock you.

[david218533]

So, is it possible to take "unpaid" leave?
My sister is coming into Korea at 11am... I do need to pick her up as it's her first time in Korea

[jonpurdy]

They're being tightwads. Most schools would just write it down as early leave or whatever. Just take a sick day now.

[ThingsComeAround]

I want to ask:

Is this your first contract?

Not saying it to be mean, but you screwed up by asking for permission to leave. Back home it would be polite and your boss/chief would let you go right? Here they use it as practice to say 'No'.

You should have said:

"I'm leaving early Friday to pickup my sister at the airport."

While not polite (by our standards) they would understand this is something important to you that you will have done. By asking they don't feel they have to oblige you and your request.

[drunkenfud]

All these public school scenarios depend entirely on the management of the school you're at. A request one school may grant will be denied by another.

That said, they may be prepared to give you paid or unpaid leave if you don't have any classes on the Friday. If you have some scheduled, perhaps you could make arrangements with the homeroom teachers to swap the days and times. In my opinion the VP will be more likely to grant your request if no classes need to be cancelled.

[ThingsComeAround]

Yeh- the above poster said sick day.

That's what you do. Go to school and tell your co-teach you have to see a doctor (if she is cool, i wouldn't bet on it tho) and just leave.

[david218533]

Actually this is my 2nd year... I usually take my leave during the winter and summer breaks (that's no problems)... But, it's the first time one of my family members have come over to visit...
I guess I'm still learning how to ask them.. Maybe, I'm too nice here hahaha

But my Vp, follows my contract to the letter... I now wished I could change to another school.. Maybe, they will be much more flexible...

[tanklor1]

Incheon isn't that far from the airport. Why not ask her to either go to you or wait there until you can collect her?

[david218533]

I know it's not too far from the airport... I'll try to make other arrangements with my sister... but thanks for all your advice guys really appreciate it!

[rookieglobetrotter]

be careful if you take a sick day when your not sick. Last year I took a sick day (and was sick) but wasn't home when my CT visited me (went to gfs so she could take care of me) after school. After that point, things went sour with the quickness.

Schools will usually accept a request if its about family though, family is a big thing in Korea. I myself switched my vaca to attend my sister's wedding this September. If they say no, best thing may be to tell your sister to take a direct bus to your area. There's so many ppl at the airport to help you get where you need to be.

[ThingsComeAround]

[Fox]

On the rare occasion that I've asked my school for a day off, they've never said no. The same is true of other people I know. In fact, one public school teacher in my town even recently took a day off to go pick her brother up at the airport.

[Poker]

It all depends on one's relationship with the school. There is no standard. Some are more willing than others.