Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HarryMorgan]

I got fired. I was an "employee" under contract, but booked as a "contractor". I raised my personal unhappiness over the situation a bit more than I maybe should have, and I got slammed with the news this week. Overall, I think I did a decent job (I had over a year of experience beforehand, and I'm still relatively young), but insisting on being legally employed, as well as passively threatening labor board repercussions, certainly didn't help my situation.

I've been in Korea five months now, I will get a LOR, and (assume I will also get) my last paycheck. They have been afraid of me reporting them since I initially threatened to do so. Big chain, too. The parting is something I see as mutually beneficial, though I'm at a crossroads on what to do myself.

I'm not really asking a question here (though any advice would obviously be appreciated); I'll look for a new job here, go to China, or go home. This wasn't a bad job, but the person who takes my place, is going to unknowingly be walking into a private contractor situation. Obviously, I was told to keep my mouth shut. But I will probably see this person next week.

No poll, but I'm wondering... Would you: A) Tell the individual as soon as you see them outside of the school B) Keep your mouth shut permanently C) Keep your mouth shut until you get your money, then meet them at your former residence, and inform them of the situation? (Edit: Apparently, I am now asking a question.)

I don't think they're flying anyone new in, so my replacement is probably already here.

I've chosen C for now, but my conscience says A.

[Wildbore]

Tell the new person immediately.

We should not stoop to the same levels as dodgy Hagwon bosses.

Also, since you plan on staying in Korea, you could follow up with the labour board or civil process to get any money your boss tries to steal from you.

[koreatimes]

You're going to camp out waiting for them to take a smoke or something? What if they aren't a smoker and don't stand outside the school during break time? That's a lot of stalking for very little reward. If they are already employed (no pun intended), they already signed the contract.

Plan C is the best I think. This time, if you saw a way to go to labor board, mention it to them. Have them NOT mention any of this to the school, and then they could go to labor board and you can back them up in court. That's my dreamier plan. I don't know if it would ever reach that stage, and again it's a lot of preparation for very little reward.

You could just do Plan D, move on. Nothing wrong with that.

[Skippy]

Plan L - Lazy. If you get a chance or a phone number - tell them. Maybe post up on a blacklist or two. Expend the the least amount of energy.

What is the benefit of tracking and telling? Well maybe you can give the screw to your boss but very likely you may not.

[HarryMorgan]

@ Wildbore

I agree with you. I think there should be a standard for us to look out for each other, at least somewhat.

@ Koreatimes

It's right by a subway station in an area where I have a few friends (including a Korean girl who lives in this apt. building), so I will visit again. And the replacement will assuredly be living here, as the boss owns the place (and has frequented my room while I was at work). So, while I agree it's a strange tactic, it wouldn't be too much trouble. Thanks for the advice in your second paragraph, though. That's a good idea.

I assume the labor board wouldn't give a hoot, post me working there, but I still figure I'll give them a ring unless Skippy's Plan L doesn't consume me, which is likely. It just puts a bad taste in your mouth to get flown all the way over here, not receive the legal benefits afforded to you by law, then get fired over it. However, I can only blame myself for missing the 3.3% tax rate in the contract.

[minos]

blacklist

[thegadfly]

Harry,

I am curious -- did you have health insurance, and did your boss pay into pension? The lack of those two things go hand-in-hand with the 3.3% tax rate and the "contractor" status....

[HarryMorgan]

[TheUrbanMyth]

[thegadfly]

Well, the lack of health coverage makes it potentially dangerous, and so I am on the side of telling the person, then. The tax rate and lack of pension are money issues, but no health coverage is both money AND safety....

[Reggie]

The new teacher is just one guy, so maybe it would have limited effect.

Perhaps you could organize a specific month as Midnight Runner Month and get the word out to foreign teachers throughout Korea. If everyone who feels cheated leaves almost simultaneously after a payday of the same month, it would have a more profound effect. December would be the most obvious month to choose, since the midnight runners would make it home in time for the Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, and New Year's holidays. Plus, it would be much harder for schools to find replacements, with a lot of potential teachers not wanting to leave home right before the holidays.

[koreatimes]

For Americans, Thanksgiving. That is something we traditionally celebrate more. A muslim or jew wouldn't celebrate Christmas.

[jamasian]

If you're going to see them anyway you might as well tell them. The only money they really owe is the paycheck right? So the board should try to help you demand the money if they try to opt out.

Telling one person is how things get started. It's telling no person that leaves us in bad situations.

[young_clinton]

See if they are willing to give you a decent recommendation, that is if you list them on a new job application. If not, slam them anyway you can. As soon as the handwriting is on the wall, tell the new guy everything.

[HarryMorgan]