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| Will I get fired? |
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| Total Votes : 30 |
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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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 Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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[double post
Last edited by edwardcatflap on Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:43 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Edwardcatflap, do you disagree with that? |
All we know is that one or more kids thought the teacher smelt of smoke and mentioned it to their parents. We don't know whether that or those kids said that the smell was unbearable and bearing in mind their teacher was spending most of the lesson in close proximity to them, they felt they had to do something about the situation. I suspect they didn't say that and they just mentioned that their teacher smelt of smoke. Probably with a kind of yucky 'isn't it disgusting what adults do' kind of expression on their darling little faces. I think most sane, common sensical parents would say something like 'yes your teacher probabably smells of smoke because he smokes and don't even think about taking up a disgusting habit like that yourself' and leave it at that. |
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jrwhite82
Joined: 22 May 2010
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| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:45 pm Post subject: |
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| greatunknown wrote: |
We really don't have to debate whether or not smoking is acceptable at my workplace. The lingering tobacco smell on my clothes is an issue that was brought to my attention that I will remedy as best I can. It's a bad habit. I should not smoke at work.
There is nothing to dwell on here. |
Exactly. Honestly, OP, I get the impression that you are a nice enough guy who is also capable of taking a long hard look in the mirror and adjusting to fit into a work environment and social situtation. How you got yourself into so deep into this situation without realizing it first kind of baffles me. |
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jrwhite82
Joined: 22 May 2010
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| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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| edwardcatflap wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Edwardcatflap, do you disagree with that? |
All we know is that one or more kids thought the teacher smelt of smoke and mentioned it to their parents. We don't know whether that or those kids said that the smell was unbearable and bearing in mind their teacher was spending most of the lesson in close proximity to them, they felt they had to do something about the situation. I suspect they didn't say that and they just mentioned that their teacher smelt of smoke. Probably with a kind of yucky 'isn't it disgusting what adults do' kind of expression on their darling little faces. I think most sane, common sensical parents would say something like 'yes your teacher probabably smells of smoke because he smokes and don't even think about taking up a disgusting habit like that yourself' and leave it at that. |
This will be my last comment on the topic of smoking in the OPs thread, but you are making a number of assumptions. First of all, we don't even know if a student complained.
The OP said that the director told him "sometimes you smell like cigarrettes".
So your entire theory, while plausible, is not based on any of the facts. Regardless, it has gotten to the point where it needed to be addressed. Either paying customer(s), valued coworker(s), and/or the supervisor have complained about it. So it needs to be addressed. The OP is handling it.
This is not a crusade against smokers or an unreasonable request by any party. No one is demanding he quit or not smoke at work. They are asking he doesn't smell in a manner that bothers others. The OP is handling it reasonably too. He is either going to stop smoking at work, or freshen up after his smoke break to make himself more enjoyable to be around.
If the OP walked around trailing farts behind in every class, crop dusting his students, while I'm sure some (most?) kids would love that, do you think it would be acceptable? I really feel the issue here is not smoking, but just the distracting smell that most people find to be unpleasant. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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your real problem is that the recruiter is sniffing around - maybe telling the boss that he/she can find him another teacher for less money than what you're making because jobs are scarce right now - so even tho he likes you, money saved next year is tempting - so he's thinking maybe you aren't the best teacher he thought you were.
have a sit down with him - after work, if possible, even share a drink or 2, and let him know how serious you are to work there, how much you like it, and want to stay (if you really do). (you do know how important it is to do this at least once in a while with your boss, right?)
cower and shrug and he thinks you aren't to be trusted (even if it's just because you're really intimidated), will believe the recruiter and you'll be history, maybe sooner than you think. |
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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:01 pm Post subject: |
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| No one is demanding he quit or not smoke at work |
If you smoke at work you obviously have to do it in the few minutes between classes and you will therefore come into class smelling of smoke. This is true of all smokers. So if you tell your staff not to smell of smoke you are essentially telling them not to smoke between classes at work. Since smoking is legal and does not affect your ability to do the job you are paid for in any way, I think it is an infringement of rights to forbid people to do it on the basis of one or more, let's face it, overly sensitive people. The problem is, the issue of smoking has become such a moral crusade that people think themselves justified in saying someone smelling of smoke is a problem in the way they wouldn't if the person smelled of kimchi or curry. |
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greatunknown
Joined: 04 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:33 am Post subject: |
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| edwardcatflap wrote: |
| Quote: |
| No one is demanding he quit or not smoke at work |
If you smoke at work you obviously have to do it in the few minutes between classes and you will therefore come into class smelling of smoke. This is true of all smokers. So if you tell your staff not to smell of smoke you are essentially telling them not to smoke between classes at work. Since smoking is legal and does not affect your ability to do the job you are paid for in any way, I think it is an infringement of rights to forbid people to do it on the basis of one or more, let's face it, overly sensitive people. The problem is, the issue of smoking has become such a moral crusade that people think themselves justified in saying someone smelling of smoke is a problem in the way they wouldn't if the person smelled of kimchi or curry. |
I happen to agree... But this debate isn't why I started this thread. In many professions in my home country it is not permitted to smoke (teachers, police officers, firemen, even bus drivers in my home town). I don't disagree with this policy. I believe it is for the greater good. I plan for my own sake (and health) to get with the program and stop smoking. I was actually nicotine free for 2+ years before I came to Korean and had a relapse. I can do it again. I plan too.
Update: I tried to approach my boss today (Wednesday) to see if his demeanor had changed. I explained that I really hoped it was possible for me to complete my contract, and that I enjoyed my job and wished to continue working for him. His response was "I understand what you are saying. I still have not spoken to your agency (recruiter) I will speak to them today and we will have a meeting soon."
I have updated my resume stating that I will be available for work as of mid to late April. I sent it to a few recruiters and have already had a few bites. I am starting to feel like it would be in my best interest to have a very serious meeting with my boss. I am seriously starting to wonder if the (slim chance) of getting paid severance is worth fighting for.
What do you all think?
Last edited by greatunknown on Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:56 am; edited 1 time in total |
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YTMND
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Location: You're the man now dog!!
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| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:49 am Post subject: |
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| Edit: I have been thrown under the bus by a co-worker. I am shocked to learn this. Go's to show you never know who you can trust. |
Blame game. Shove it off on someone else. If I were a smoker I would wait until the end of the day, last class. If you can't wait, then you have a smoking problem in my opinion. The drinking issue should be obvious too, for the same reasons. If you can't wait a few days, then you have a drinking problem.
It wasn't your co-worker, it was you deciding to smoke and drink. |
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GreatUnderachiever
Joined: 08 Apr 2011
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| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:57 am Post subject: Re: Am I about to get fired? (advice please) |
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| greatunknown wrote: |
| My boss watched on the CCTV |
what? do all schools have CCTV for the bosses to spy on in Korea? |
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greatunknown
Joined: 04 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:58 am Post subject: |
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| I need to look into this a little farther. I will keep you all posted |
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TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Location: Retired
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| Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 4:54 pm Post subject: |
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| edwardcatflap wrote: |
| Quote: |
| No one is demanding he quit or not smoke at work |
If you smoke at work you obviously have to do it in the few minutes between classes and you will therefore come into class smelling of smoke. This is true of all smokers. So if you tell your staff not to smell of smoke you are essentially telling them not to smoke between classes at work. Since smoking is legal and does not affect your ability to do the job you are paid for in any way, I think it is an infringement of rights to forbid people to do it on the basis of one or more, let's face it, overly sensitive people. The problem is, the issue of smoking has become such a moral crusade that people think themselves justified in saying someone smelling of smoke is a problem in the way they wouldn't if the person smelled of kimchi or curry. |
However smoking IS affecting his ability to do the job...people are complaining. And let's face it, even back in the West if customers/co-workers were constantly complaining about how a worker smelled...that worker would be told to shape up or ship out. And no that's not an infringement of human rights...it's a condition of the job.
It's really not a huge imposition to pop a couple of breath mints into your mouth or give your jacket a quick squeeze of some Febreze. |
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FaceFaceFace
Joined: 12 Jun 2011
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:48 pm Post subject: |
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| YTMND wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Edit: I have been thrown under the bus by a co-worker. I am shocked to learn this. Go's to show you never know who you can trust. |
Blame game. Shove it off on someone else. If I were a smoker I would wait until the end of the day, last class. If you can't wait, then you have a smoking problem in my opinion. The drinking issue should be obvious too, for the same reasons. If you can't wait a few days, then you have a drinking problem.
It wasn't your co-worker, it was you deciding to smoke and drink. |
...and deciding to not do the work. More gets noticed than you might think. |
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Mix1
Joined: 08 May 2007
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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Don't over-think it too much; your boss is making up any minor excuse to get rid of you. You can't really win once he decides, but he'll play with you regardless to keep you on the defensive. It's a power game used a lot here.
If you make more powerpoint presentations to satisfy him, suddenly the story will change that you use them TOO OFTEN. Or that one slide had too many words or something stupid like that.
If you get the kids laughing and talking, suddenly your classes are not 'serious' enough, so you change that and suddenly they aren't 'fun' enough.
See, there's no end to the illogical BS he can conjure up. And that's not even counting the 'complaints' from students, which he can basically make up on the spot or exaggerate to fit any scenario. The truth often doesn't matter much here, if he wants you out, you're pretty much out already.
Prepare to move on. It will feel good. |
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wishfullthinkng
Joined: 05 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:56 pm Post subject: |
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i think a lot of the younger teachers who haven't sharpened their game and proven themselves with their own methods have a very brazen attitude about not wanting to do what the boss says and do not realize that even though they are in a school, that their principal/headmaster is still the boss. and much like any other job, you have to listen to your boss whether you like to or not. some would also assume that their bosses are incompetent, etc., because that's what most people think of bosses, but that's just a generalization.
basically what i'm blabbing on about is that you need to play ball. fight them and you will find yourself jobless.
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yeah. I got the memo. and i understand the policy. and the problem is just that I forgot the one time. and I've already taken care of it so it's not even really a problem anymore.
ah. yeah. it's just we're putting new coversheets on all the tps reports before they go out now. so if you could go ahead and try to remember to do that from now on, that'd be great. all right. |
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YTMND
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Location: You're the man now dog!!
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| Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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| Now, you know it's up to you whether or not you want to just do the bare minimum. Or uh...well, like Brian, for example, has thirty seven pieces of flair, okay. And a terrific smile. |
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