Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mdstriker]

Last month, I was offered a contract with SMOE for an ASAP postion, specifically April 25th. At the time, I did not want to head to Korea before May and I also knew I would not have all my documents ready by this date. I asked if I could start in May and the person with SMOE said he would wait for my documents. He said he would give me a May starting date but didn't mention a particular date in May. He also said if I could still get there before May then that would be preferable, but if not, then, as soon as possible. Happy with this, I signed the original contract with the original date. SMOE told me that this was not a problem and that the date could be changed later on.

All my documents have now been submitted and I am just waiting on my visa from the local embassy, which, I should have by Monday 16th of May. Once I have this I will be ready to go. However, as it happens, the local soccer team I play with, will be playing in a cup final on May 25th and I definitely do not want to miss this. At the moment I am in fairly regular contact with the recruiter who is pushing to get everything done and to get me out there as soon as possible. The recruiter has told me to book flights as soon as I receive my visa. I think the recruiter is expecting I will have my visa in the next week and be able to go by the 16th or 17th at the latest

I was thinking of just casually suggesting a date for my arrival, such as the 28th, without mentioning the cup final, and see what they say. How likely is it that this date would be accepted? If they demand I go earlier I will probably go. However, I reckon if I told took a stance it is unlikely they would cancel my contract and try and get someone else out as this be more hassle for them and they would never get someone in such a short space of time. But even if the new date is accepted I don't want to come across as unprofessional right from the very start. Would they view me negatively because of this? What should I do?

[thegadfly]

It can't hurt to try -- suggest the 28th, and if they accept that, then you are golden. If they don't, then I don't know what to tell you. A job seems a lot more important to me than a soccer game, and if the school is hurting for a teacher, an extra week or two is a long time to wait....

As you said, you probably wouldn't lose your job over it...but I would avoid giving your real reason for the delay in any event....

[lifeinkorea]

You have your documents? DON'T LOSE THEM. Enjoy the game, enjoy Korea. I don't see the big deal in being so secretive. If they don't want you to enjoy 1 soccer game before you come, how are they going to be while you work for them?

You have your documents. Plenty of jobs out there and schools looking for teachers. These jobs come and go.

[CtotheB]

There's plenty of people out there who would give up that game to get a free ride with SMOE. I think it's unwise to try and delay the first day of your job so you can play a game. Stinks, but that's life, and employment is voluntary. Imagine if you got a job in the U.S. and you asked your employer if you could start on Thursday isntead of Monday, because Portal 2 was coming out on Monday. Probably not a good way to start off the job.

[mdstriker]

Of course the job is more important than one game which is why I am definitely not going to push it. I have no intention of doing anything that I think might put the job in jeopardy. I have copies of all my documents and I know there are plenty of other jobs but a public school position in Seoul was always my first choice. And I don't think it would be too easy to pick up another position like this at this time of year.

I suppose it's a case of me just wanting the best of all worlds and maybe I am being a little greedy. If I can delay the starting date, I will, but ultimately, if it comes down to it, the job will take preference. I think I will probably sit on it for the next week anyway and see what kind of vibes I am getting off the recruiter. Hopeully they won't be pushing it too much and if they seem kind of relaxed about the thing then I will definitely try and hold on for an extra week.

[ontheway]

This game must be really important to you. Not only are you willing to risk losing your job or at least irritate your new school and leave the students without a teacher, you will lose about $700 in net income to come 9 or 10 days later.

[mike in brasil]

If it's your first time coming to Korea then you'll need an interview at the consulate. Interviews at the SF consulate are only on Mondays and Wednesdays, for example.

Just drag your feet by a day or so in going to the consulate to turn in the visa number with fee and documents. It took me 6 biz days to get my passport back from them. (Then just drag out the interview date too)

Tell the recruiter in Korea that "you're going as fast you can" and that the consulate is a little "backed up". Before you know it, it'll be the beginning of June.

Generally the employers in Korea don't know the details of what goes on either with Immigration or the various consulates, so you can take advantage of that.

Considering you don't even have the visa number yet, you still have a lot of time ahead of you and will most likely be able to play in that beautiful game.

[cert43]

All this visa nonsence is really ridiculous. Either you want something or you don't. Where are your priorities?Is this what you want? REALLY? Then it shoudn't matter about everything else in your life.

Small 'things" will come again. However, you may never get another chance at Korea.

[mdstriker]

[mdstriker]

[cert43]

Well, the visa process IS taking taking longer and longer these days,so it may not even be something you need worry about NOW.

Its just if you have an opportunity, you should take it ( goes for anything in life really)..