Korean Job Discussion Forums

VTsoi · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Location: Seongnam, ROK

I work at a hagwon and my contract finishes in mid- March of this year.

Today my boss asked if I would stay until the end of March, though she said I could still leave on the 15th if I want to.

Keep in mind, she's been generally trustworthy and honest. I've always been paid on time and have never had to do anything unreasonable or un-contractual.

In, a perfect world, I'd probably simply say no, since I'm about ready to go home. However, since I plan to continue teaching English (in Russia), I feel that staying longer could be a boon to a reference from her and (possibly) not staying could make a reference from her a little more cool.

I'm thinking of agreeing to stay in return for getting my bonus right away when I finish. (I'd otherwise have to wait a month or so while opening up online banking in Korea)

Is this a reasonable request? Should I be asking for more? Should I get it in writing or does the fact that I'm working post-contract prevent me from making any legally binding agreement? Will it make a difference on my recommendation?

Thanks for your help.

LAtoSeoul · Joined: 06 Sep 2011

If she wants you to stay longer, that means you could make more money. If you are training new teachers and making sure that the school is ok for the year to come. Ask for more money.

Rutherford · Joined: 31 Jul 2007

It's normal to get your bonus on your last day of work at a hogwan, though I think it might be in the law that they have 30 days to send it to you. Public schools often send it to you 30 days later but they also don't generally cheat you out of it. I wouldn't leave Korea before getting my bonus.

See if you can get your bonus on the last day of your contract (before the 15 days). Then just have her pay you an additional half month after the 15 days. Gives you peace of mind and helps your boss out.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

May I ask which Hagwon you are working at?

VTsoi · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Location: Seongnam, ROK

^ Its a non franchise small school in Bundang. Only one other foreign teacher and two Korean teachers including the boss.

VTsoi · Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Location: Seongnam, ROK

also my arc will expire so I assume that I would need to get an extension.

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

You need an extension yes. Also, for the extra 2 weeks you are working get everything in writing.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Wanderingteacher · Joined: 08 Jan 2012

I did it online last year with nothing but my ARC number and a written reason- took less than a day to get approved. I used one of the Korean government websites- I'm sorry that I forget which one, but just search a little bit on Dave's.

For your excuse, don't say you're being asked to keep working- say you need to get ready to leave and need to say goodbye to your friends, etc.

Also, you can switch your visa to a job-seeker's visa to stay questions-free for another month.