Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Swampfox10mm]

You can get a months pay out of him after he fires you illegally, if the Labor Board is involved.

I'd probably ask my boss if this sounds like a better deal for him while you take a month off to recover and search for a new job after being illegally fired.

[Chris.Quigley]

I agree with the Labour Board suggestions.

First explain to him that it is not in his own best interests to fire or threaten to fire you. It will cost him more money to replace you than allow you the 1-2 weeks of sick time to recover. Sympathize with him as much as you can. Explain, if you have to, that unexpected illnesses are part of doing business, especially when you are dealing mostly with people.

If this doesn't work tell him, in a calm, business like, unemotional way, that if he decides to fire you you will have no other option but to go to the Labour Board about it. Explain to him the legal consequences of you doing so. Also explain that he will likely lose and this will cost him even more money. (Use this as a last resort).

Likely he is only bluffing. My suggestion is that you quit and get a new job as soon as possible (like after your 6th month). I cannot imagine working for someone so heartless.

What is stupid about hakwon owners like him is that he doesn't realize the value of Human Capital. It is in his own best interests that you are engaged and enjoying your job. If you like coming to work, this will reduce stress and improve performance and productivity. In the end, the bottom line ($ in the bank for him) also improves.

What is even more funny is that employees who enjoy their jobs...according to studies this is... actually demand less pay!!! I would rather work at an awesome hakwon where I am treated well, and I don't have to fight for everything in my contract for 2.1mil a month, than work at a hakwon where I get treated like crap for 2.2-2.5mil.

Some Korean hakwon owners have difficulty connecting the dots unfortunately. Treating people likes cogs in a machine is a poor human resource management strategy. In the end, you should take pleasure in knowing that his business likely will not survive. Too much competition for crappy hakwons.

[Menino80]

[Lazio]

Make an appointment for the surgery. As mentioned before, try to make it happen around some National Holidays. Find a substitute teacher who will cover your classes while you are not there (craigslist) Pay the sub. from your money and get your full salary. Problem solved.

[CentralCali]

The boss is unable to hire a substitute teacher? Also, IIRC, many (if not most) contracts stipulate a maximum number of sick days and any days taken off after that for illness or injury will be considered non-paid days.