Korean Job Discussion Forums

[garybliss123]

So yesterday I drafted a letter saying that I was unhappy with things as they stood in my academy. I put three main reasons for this. Firstly, that the academy took deposit despite it being illegal and not in the contract. Second, that the management are quite rude and third, due to their inability to deal with a problem student.

I work for someone who apparently i shouldnt write on here, but PM me if you wanna know (my mistake in signing up for them I know) and when we began they said they will help you deal with trouble students. In fact, they prefer it, because they don't want the students to quit if a foreign teacher scares them.

Anyway this student spent a couple of weeks just scribbling all over his books rather than filling them out. After a couple of weeks of trying to sort it, I took him to the counselor that they have for students like this. I took him three times.

Well, that was more than a month ago and since I told them yesterday that I am unhappy, their response was that "if you are unhappy we will give you three warnings and fire you". They are giving me one warning for this situation above despite my having done nothing wrong in any way.

Anyway I know about doing the midnight run, I get paid next Friday, but I don't want that to be the only answer.

I was wondering if people know what the labor board would make of this situation. Would they agree that any reason is valid, or can the reasons for dismissal be fought? A co-teacher can draft a letter in support of my actions if that helps?

[Mr. Peabody]

RUN! Seriously. Screw them before they screw you.

[SeoulNate]

I am kind of confused by your post.

Have they actually given you the three warning? Have they given you one at all?

Until they do, you do not have a case with the labor board. If they do end up giving you warnings for being unhappy, then you would probably have a case, but you would need a lawyer.

As far as the deposit goes, it is not illegal, you just should have stood your ground from the start.

[ttompatz]

If you have been employed for less than 6 months they do not need a reason to fire you (under labor law). You are legally considered to be a "probationary" employee. The labor board won't help you for a termination at less than 6 months.

Since you won't get a LOR (and they are not obligated to give one) your only option is the "runner".

Leave the day after you are paid.
Leave Korea and hand in your ARC on the way out (canceling your visa).
Return and start the job search again (you WILL need a new set of documents) and do a visa run to get a new E2 or choose a different country.

.

[garybliss123]

Yeah this is kinda what I figured. The run it is!

[RMNC]

Tom, couldn't he fight the deposit at the labor board, considering they never put that in the contract?

[garybliss123]

I called them twice. The first one said flat-out it is illegal and to get it back which is what prompted me.

The lady this morning said that yes, it is illegal, but they offered it back at the end of the contract, so don't make waves about it.

[Ramen]

[shifty]

OP, I wonder if it wouldn't be an idea to erase the name of the chain in your post. There's bound to be some mole of theirs sneaking a look at these boards. It won't be hard to narrow down who they're looking for in such a one-horse town.

And if your account name is your real name as well, then why not delete the entire thread?

You already sport one warning, why invite more?

If you can, try and ride this one out. Troublesome students are par for the course and you'll probably get the deposit back.

[RMNC]

No way, people need to know

[shifty]

[Skippy]

Good Lord Man - why make a fight! Was the student doing anything more then just not listening and not doing the work. If so I would just say to the higher ups the kid is not doing his work. Tell them again - if possible get them to sign something they understand what you said and stop. You did what you can and if they ignore the problem - ignore it too. Or just keep telling them and telling them. Stop trying to hard to teach the kid. If they later complain just say I told you guys you can not blame on me.

You do have to develop a certain level of apathy with the teaching at times. Remember your in a Hagwon and it is going to be business first and education second. Take that in mind. They school would rather keep a non working student that is paying then a hard working student that is not paying.

I can understand fighting and complaining about if they where messing with pay or pension or medical but not students. Still take what they just said on how easily they will fire you. I would continue with the job, just be more apathetic about the student and get your paperwork ready for the eventual hammer fall.

[garybliss123]

[shifty]

[Vox_Populi]

I don't understand which deposit you're talking about.