Korean Job Discussion Forums

Widsy97 · Joined: 16 Jun 2010

Hey everyone,
My girlfriend and I have been in Korea for over 2 years now. We have come to the conclusion that to stay here until December, as our contract states, would be too long. Just have had enough of the school, the small shitty apt, the country and the VERY FEW Koreans who STILL give us the "Ugh, foreigners" look.
So, we have to decided to leave here around the summer time.
We have not approached our boss about this. We are looking for advice on how to approach him about such a matter.
Can anyone help?
We know that we probably wont get our severance or flight home, but to be honest, we don't care. We just want OUT!
Help appreciated.
Thanks.

tottenhamtaipeinick · Joined: 05 Sep 2010 Location: Canada

Do you work in Kangnam or Jamshil? If so can I have your job?

conrad2 · Joined: 05 Nov 2009

Why wait until summer? No better time than the present.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Just run.

Book your flight for a day or two after you get paid so that you can visit your bank and withdraw the cash, send it home, what not.

You could do it the legitmate way, give your employer 30-60 days notice.

This way you could still get a good referance from your employer for the small chance that you do decide to return. Get a reference letter in writing, stamped and sealed and make sure they can back it up at a later date.

Widsy97 · Joined: 16 Jun 2010

Well, we could run, but I dunno. It;s just not in us to put other people that work here in the shits, you know!
Sorry, don't work in Jamsil or Kangnam.
Any other advice?
How about collecting pension? Is that still ok?
We're not comin' back, so we don't need to worry about reference letters.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Check the stickies in the Job Forum about claiming your benefits.

Widsy97 · Joined: 16 Jun 2010

If we are upfront about it will he come lookin' for money from us? 'Cause if he does I'll freak out.

Gaegeum2003 · Joined: 08 Jan 2011

It all depends on your employer. Personally, I would keep it from them as long as I could and then spring it on them. That way, they can't do too much to you. Maybe two weeks before hand. As you said, you dont plan on coming back. Just say it's a family emergency and leave it at that. If they ask, just say it's a private thing.

Good luck!

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

ESL Milk "Everyday · Joined: 12 Sep 2007

Just tell him the truth.
It's not complicated.

ontheway · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:49 am Post subject:

Have you been at the same school all this time?

Has your current boss paid you your salary and all benefits on time?

If so, just give the proper notice according to your contract. If you like your school, fellow teachers and the students, give as much notice as possible.

Widsy97 · Joined: 16 Jun 2010

We were at one branch of the franchised school for 1 year. Then another branch of the same franchised school for the last year and 3-4 months.
We've been lookin' into flights outta here and stuff. Don't wanna lose money from this, especially not our last paycheck.
One teacher broke his contract before because his mom was sick (emergency). He never got his last paycheck.
One teacher was let go and he got everything plus his flight home.
Seems a bit backwards, but then again, it's the way this country seems to run, ALL THE TIME!

ESL Milk "Everyday · Joined: 12 Sep 2007

Unfortunately, I think it's pretty common to have to fight for your last paycheck here... once I left early on so-so terms (not great, but I didn't do anything terribly wrong), and then wasn't paid on time...

So I just went into the hagwon and wouldn't leave until I had my money... they really didn't want the students to have to see me hanging around there because I hadn't been paid. once I wasn't paid at all, but that was because I left too quickly so I just decided to forget about it, which still makes me angry to this day.

So yeah, giving yourself some extra time in Korea before you leave wouldn't be a bad idea... if you don't trust your boss and you have the time and money, you could take a vacation to Japan or something and come back as a tourist... that way, if he somehow cancels your E-2, you're not screwed at immigration... it shouldn't come to this, but you never know.

So yeah, in Korea, if all else fails and you have nothing to lose, cause a scene... the bigger the scene, the faster you'll get results.