Korean Job Discussion Forums

always learning · Joined: 10 Apr 2011

I work at a hagwon that has tried to pull the usual stunts since I first started working: changing schedule, changing duties, not providing apartment items iaw. the contract, like a/c, etc.

Here's where I need advice. Do teachers usually stick out contracts for the money in situations like mine or do they decide to call it quits when it just gets too "slimey"?

The owner has been trying to cheat me out of money since my first month (taxes, pension, extra deductions). Each time I catch the owner, she feigns innocence and fixes the situation.

I thought after the first couple of discussions it would end, but it never ends.

I've been able to catch them in the act each time, but it's becoming very dysfunctional working in such an environment.

What's your take?

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

i'd give her 3 chances and be gone. Razz

DaHu · Joined: 09 Feb 2011

sounds like they've already had about 10 chances.. if you can do better elsewhere, do it, but I guess you'd have to leave the country until your contract date ended

I think that's how it works

Gorf · Joined: 25 Jun 2011

Read the "how to hammer your hagwon boss into submission" thread and then let the threats fly. There's no reason to not try to right the situation as much as you can.

What school are you at, and where? Also, can you elaborate on the problems with the medical/pension/fees?

always learning · Joined: 10 Apr 2011

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

It seems like you have already figured out the answer to whether or not YOU should stay or leave. Whether most other teachers do or not, is another story. Many actually DO stick around, but that's more often due to being ignorant of how things work here (e.g. fear of repercussions, misinformation about how a Korean would handle the situation).

In case you don't already know this, let's be clear about your situation. You are under no legal or moral obligation to stick out the contract until the end of the year. You probably wouldn't tolerate BS like this back home, and more importantly the average Korean employee wouldn't tolerate it here either (I've seen many Korean teachers leave hogwons because the boss was a *beep* and/or tried to shaft the employees.)

How you leave is another question. If you resign, then the owner will make life Hell for you until you're gone. He/She may even try to fire you to save face. They'll probably try to come up with a thousand reasons why stuff should be deducted from your final pay (and maybe even try to get YOU to pay THEM something). If you want to go to the labor board to (try) to force them to comply with the law then you can give them notice and then be prepared for a battle of wills. If you weren't paying into pension and health insurance, and don't have much to lose other than a few weeks pay, then consider doing a runner. It may end up being cheaper. Either way, if you want to spend more time in Korea, then start getting your documents ready for another visa application, and make sure you have all of them before you even suggest that maybe you'll quit. In the mean time, don't tell anyone that you're considering it. You may think that you're really chummy with your co-workers, but you'll be surprised when you find out that one of them ratted you out and told your boss what what they heard.

As well, just so that you know, a day trip to Japan is really cheap and once you're back in Korea, it's a lot easier to find a job on short notice than it was when you first applied from abroad. Recruiters and schools love it when they can meet an applicant in person. And it's a lot cheaper for them to send you on a visa run to Fukuoka than to pay your plane ticket over. Some will also like that you're in country because you can start working (illegally though) before you actually get your visa (which should really only take a week or two).

robinsoncrusoe · Joined: 22 Jan 2010

At the end of the day, it's your decision, regardless of what other teachers, past and present, have done or would do. Each case is unique and different.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

You can go anytime but make sure you get a reference for future employment from the wench.

Have a meeting with her and sit and talk about your future. Iron some issues out.

If she can't help you, then don't even list that position on your resume if you do intend to further stay.

If you have stayed 9 months, then you get a free visa transfer and yes then you would, of course, need for the schools to work this out.

nw25th · Joined: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Daejeon

screw that! why would you wanna work for a slimy crook?

marsavalanche · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Location: where pretty lies perish

we need more teachers like op

too many morons here making threads like "what is a pension? durrrrr"

Vix · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Location: Seoul

Just leave. Bosses like that don't become better people overnight and you will need to constantly watch them. Not worth it.

mollayo · Joined: 11 Oct 2010 Location: At the my house

Something else to take into consideration - how long have you been here? If you were to resign, you would have to pay back your airfare. It might be worth sticking around until your sixth month so you don't have to pay it back....Unless there's other stuff you have to pay. Also, how many days warning do you have to give if you resign? I believe it should be 30, but what does it say in your contract?

As other people said, ultimately it's your choice. Can you continue to deal with this? Do you want to? After the 6 month mark, the labor board can help, but if your boss gets angry about that (and that is most likely the case), you'll probably end up getting fired for some made-up reason.

Best of luck OP.