Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Blanca]

I recently had a conversation with my boss about booking holiday over Christmas. During the course of the discussion, it became apparent that when we had a Monday off for the most recent typhoon a few weeks ago, this came out of my 10-day holiday allowance. This, combined with the fact that the closure of the hagwon for 3 days during the summer, and projected 2-day closure during Lunar New Year also came out of my allowance, means I'll have used up my entire 10-day holiday allowance on a 1-week break over Christmas. Is this a normal thing to happen?

I should point out my boss is one of the good ones and I'm sure he wouldn't deliberately dick on me, and for the sake of one day's holiday it's not worth causing any kind of fuss, but it'd be good to get some input on this. I'm a bit miffed that I've not had a proper holiday and yet somehow have only got 4 days out of 10 left to play with.

[newb]

[KimchiNinja]

Yes this is Korean style. They count vacation days like accountants count pennies. Any excuse to take some of your vacation will be exploited.

Koreans get even fewer vacation days than Americans (which is already rock bottom violation of human rights low in my book).

Enjoy!

[Who's Your Daddy?]

Call in sick tomorrow.

[nicwr2002]

It's normal, because the contract probably says something like, "in accordance with the schools holiday time" or something along those lines. If there was a 3 day holiday at your school in the summer and it wasn't a national holiday, then yes that was part of your 10 days. Same with the next one as long as they aren't including the national holiday. If you are getting 2 days in lieu of the new year then take the rest of the 4 days you have left off at the same time.

[Keeper]

I had to work a Saturday to make up for the typhoon and I'll have to work New Year's. So yes, it does sound normal to me. They will work you and if they can't work you then it must be a vacation day.

[Stan Rogers]

My friend's school deducted 6 hrs of overtime pay from his paycheck to cover the hours he didn't teach for the typhoon day.

[goreality]

Not going in to work, not a weekend or national holiday, it's vacation. Makes sense to me.

[Dodge7]

[oppa637]

Sure, since you like giving away free money, you try it.

[Unposter]

This is something you are going to have to workout with your employer.

While I am not surprised your boss would ask you to sacrifice one of your vacation days because of the typhoon, I don't think this is something you have to do. Vacation means vacation. It is your choice in accordance with your work schedule. Your boss closing school is not a "vacation."

If you want to make an issue of this, I think it is legitimate. But, it is pretty typical for Korean bosses to be upset if you question their decision making (which is exactly what your boss's sudden pronouncement that you have taken "a vacation" because of his decision to close because of the typhoon).

I could understand your boss subtracting overtime but I cannot see how this is vacation.

Now, whether you want to make an issue of this is up to you. Minimumlly, you may want your boss to clarify such policies so you don't have any other surprises. But, I would not be taken aback if your boss becomes upset you questioned this policy. This is normal. It may sour your relationship but if you do not stand up for your rights, you will lose them quickly.

You may think of your boss as a good guy but this is potentially just one of many things your boss is going to start asking of you. It is up to you whether you do them.

[goreality]

[radcon]

This ia a hogwon. Is he giving a one day cash refund to the parents fore this typhoon day? He can ask you to make the day up, but he shouldnt just be deducting one day from your vacation.

[JustinC]

Lots of teachers had to go in to school that day, at personal risk, and desk warm. Your boss probably thinks he was doing the decent thing and not putting you in jeopardy. If you're not in work on a work day it's either taken as sickness or holiday. Thems the rules.

[Lazio]