Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kardisa]

I'm at my wits end with my current hagwon, as we're about to change owners for the 2nd time in 4 months. This, combined with the fact that my s.o. is moving across the peninsula for a new job, means that I'm now contemplating how to quit my job. My newest contract does not give a minimum number of days/weeks for notice, so I'd like to find out what the average is. I want to be nice, but I also want to make sure I get my full last paycheck.

So, how much should I give? Two weeks? A month? Just do a runner and not worry about it?

[Riker]

From what I've read on these forums you would be much better off pulling a runner. Your boss will most likely try to make your life crappy anyway he can if he knows your going to quit.

[jrwhite82]

Give 30 days if your boss is kind and hasn't screwed you out of anything.

Give nothing and quit right after pay day if he has screwed you out of money or something else.

But do be aware that you will need to get a release letter to change jobs easily...or do a visa run with new documents if you can't get a release letter.

[Troglodyte]

How much notice did the last two owners give YOU when they sold the school and essentially fired you? Personally, I would just tell them that you don't want to sign on with the next owner and then leave. They can't force you to sign with the next owner, and if you're sticking around in Korea for a while, then you can try forcing them to pay up your last salary.

In fact, you're in a bit of luck because your second employer (the second owner) didn't pay for your flight over so they can't ask you to pay it back. If he is selling the school then he can't make ANY deductions because he's the one breaking the contract. I'd say just don't sign the new contract. Wait until the school is sold, then move on. If he doesn't pay you, go to the labor board.

[ontheway]

The owner can sell the school any time and it does not constitute any breach or breaking of your contract. It is Immigration that requires that you file new documents, not your contract. As long as the new owner doesn't attempt to change the terms of your contract, you must fill out the new documents for Immigration and continue under your contract, only with the new school. Selling the school and changing owners does not, by itself, end your contract with the school.

In the case of the OP, he reports he was given new, changed contracts. So, someone, and it's not clear from the posts if it's been the new owners or the original owner, has most likely terminated the original contract, and the 2nd contract. It sounds like the OP has already signed and therefore accepted the terms of a new 3rd contract.

OP. Since you can change jobs easier with a letter of release, and if you have been paid and treated fairly, you should attempt to give reasonable notice - at least 30 days and 60 days if you can. You should prepare a termination agreement whereby you guarantee to stay for that length of time and that you want a letter of release and all payments due. First submit your resignation letter stating what you intend to do and offer. Then talk about it. Then, if all goes smoothly, you can bring in the agreement.

As to employment contracts in general, if you write your own agreement you can have terms regarding your rights should the owner wish to sell the school. This can include payment of all year end amounts as of the date of sale, guarantees of all payments due, approval of buyer or other such terms.

[Sector7G]

I'm not sure, but isn't there a loop hole when a new owner comes in? As in either side can void the contract if they want? Or in your case, just not agree to the new contract, as Trog said?

[kardisa]