Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bluethree]

When I asked my public school for a renewal this year, they said that due to potential budget issues they could only offer me a three months extension with the possibility of more later on. Keep in mind that I'm at a school with more than one foreign teacher and I'm working at an after school program funded by the city I'm in (though the contract is still GEPIK). So bringing up budget issues didn't seem too unbelievable to me.

They told me that I would hear concrete news about staying in October. It's now November and they are still just telling me that my chances "look really good" but I have yet to get a direct answer. I've *tried* being patient and understanding but I am starting to feel very worn down by this. I've started asking about it more frequently as I only have two more months to go before the 3 month extension is up. But still nothing concrete.

I want to stay at this school because it's otherwise really really good. But I'm going to need to hear news soon: if I can stay, then getting a ticket for my home leave will be a hassle. If I can't, then I have a much shorter time in which I can find new work. Any advice as to how to deal with this?

[illvibetip]

[brickabrack]

"How do I handle this?"


Man up and keep living.
Seriously, full court press. Bug the sit out of them.
Good luck.

[J Rock]

This might sound rough but they might not like you and are trying to find a replacement, and for some reason if one doesn't come through you're the last resort.

You're chances are even greater of this being true if you are possibly overweight or just flat out ugly.

Sounds harsh but it's the way it is.

[bluethree]

^Could be a possibility but I saw the two co-teachers (only two since it's an after-school program) I've worked with fill out my evaluation forms (they filled them out in the same room I was in and I got a peek even though I'm not supposed to see them) and they rated me pretty well.

Also the other foreign teacher working at this program is a similar situation though his contract ends later than mine and thus he hasn't gotten any renewal/extension yet.

I've been sending polite requests every week but I'm going to ramp things up a bit and quietly start gathering the necessary documents and starting the job search early.

[Died By Bear]

Always have a plan B. In Korea it's a rule that should never be broken.

[illvibetip]

[lifeinkorea]

[bluethree]

^That's what I *should* have done. I stayed because my school is otherwise pretty good and I didn't want to face an uncertain market right away.

Severance was paid a few weeks ago so that's not an issue.

[bluethree]

So I'd like to stay in Korea even if things don't work out because despite all the job BS life outside of work is fantastic. I'm getting all necessary documents and starting to look for new work now in case things don't work out at my current job (most likely they won't).

But I only have two months left on my extension, and if I can't find something new by then I'd still like to stay. Is it possible for me to go back home for a bit, then come back on a tourist visa while studying Korean at a hagwon or something while looking for new work?

And can I get my pension for my current job even though I plan on coming back, or do I have to wait until I'm going for good?

[Died By Bear]

That sounds like a plan. I knew plenty of people that returned on a tour visa and went looking for a better job.

[Junior]

[wiganer]

Simply put - it is the law to give you 60 days notice, so monday morning - go to your co-teacher and ask for a meeting with the principal in regards about their desicion to re-hire you. They have to give you an answer now. It doesn't look good from here though. If they wanted to keep you on they would have done. What it looks like to me that they have already got someone they really like lined up and this person is probably tying up odds and ends getting their shit together before getting the green light... This is where you then get told with a shrug of the shoulders 'sawreeeeeeeeee - we have to let you go' I would not trust them as far as I could throw them.

With all the regulations - anything can happen to delay/trip up a new appointment and they would rather keep you on in reserve rather than go without - I would insist Monday morning on an answer off them. Good luck because it is not looking good as regards you staying on.

[bluethree]

That's what I'm going to do. First thing Monday morning I'll tell my co-teacher about it and send a message to the teacher who's in charge of hiring for the after-school program (not the same person).

If I find something new before December, is it possible to just transfer the E-2 to another employer?

I'd also like to add I don't think they're being entirely dishonest about the whole thing as my Korean co-teacher for the program and my foreign coworker are in similar positions, though their contracts end at later dates than my original one. (the "budget issues" aren't just about my job, but the after school program in general) But yeah, there's definitely an element of feet dragging and indecisiveness about letting me stay on :/

[oldfatfarang]

OP. I've been through the re-newing process several times. Here's my thoughts: Your school isn't that keen, and you are too keen.

I would:
write to your school asking Yes or No.
Give a timeline for a definite answer (in writing)

Also:
get your documents together
Look for another job.

I've had a school practically begging me to re-sign, we even got the contract signed and it went to the POE - and then they Bait and Switched my vacation (twice). Naturally, I recinded my re-newal application.

Point is, even if you get future employment in writing in Korea - things can changeee.

Good luck.