Korean Job Discussion Forums

[runclimb360]

I came to Korea for the first time in the beginning of this year and started working for a franchise with a bad reputation on the board. One of the foreign teachers I contacted told me that it was a good place, so I decided to go with it. I had a nice time in that tiny city and had mostly foreigner friends. After a month they told me that they couldn't keep me. They found me a new job in a bigger city, so I went along with it. The owners knew each other.

My new job is at a chain that also has a so-so rep here (labor). All of the teachers are nice and cool, my boss seems nice. People get paid on time and get their severances. There's even a manager to help me out. But, the repetitiveness of it is kind of getting to me and I have a lot more to do. And I don't feel like I'm that great of a teacher. It seems like everybody liked the teacher who was here before me. I've gotten one warning letter. They're trying to help me be a better teacher, but I think teaching kids in this hagwon isn't for me.

I'm thinking of going if I get into a grad/professional program soon (leaving without much notice, basically). I'd feel kind of bad for breaking a contract (I signed a new one, thinking that I was trying to make the best out of a strange situation). But on the other hand, I didn't come to Korea to teach at this school. I didn't really know what my options were if I didn't take the job at this school (to fly back home after a month?). If I finish the contract, I will have been in Korea for 13 months. I have a feeling that they could replace me with some Korean teachers who are mostly doing admin stuff now, if they have to.

I'm getting 2.1. I think the other foreigners are getting 2.2. My old school salary was 2.1 and they told me that I would get 2.2, but it said 2.1 in my new contract, and I just went with it. No pension or insurance. Same as my old place. Should I stick it out for 9 more months? I'm leaning toward exiting.

I feel like if teaching isn't for me, then I should take some steps toward a good career. I've worked abroad before and for me it's not the same feeling now. The nice thing is that I'm doing a lot of stuff outside with some Korean friends and I've seen some of the good parks of Korea. But it really doesn't compare to what I can do outdoors back home. I didn't really think that I'd miss it, but I do. I've offered to go, but it seems like they want me to complete my contract. I'm thinking that they're trying to protect their image. Maybe if I leave I'd leave right away and not bother with my apartment deposit and salary for the part of the month I worked. What do you think?

[Waygeek]

Sounds like you've made your mind up to bolt to be honest. If they haven't treated you that badly, maybe you owe it to them to be professional back. Any job is repetitive, you'll just have to suck it up I'm afraid.

[ontheway]

[YTMND]

[ttompatz]

If they are not substantially breaking the contract and you are getting paid in full and on-time... stick it out, save your money (you'll need it for grad school) and make the best of it.

9 months really isn't that long but that $10k (savings, severance and airfare) will sure come in handy when you are done.

.

[rollo]

I understand, you feel lost and lonely. Struggling a bit as a teacher. Relax. It will get much better. Much Much better.

You should Not bolt, You really hurt the schoola and the other teachers. Wait a few days think it through . the grad program will still be there. The difference is that you will have more money and you will have more confidence.

Talk to the other foreign teachers. invite them for a beer. Seriously, this is life, it is going to get better. Reach out to the other foreigners. They have all felt like you at one time or another. Be tough!!

[liveinkorea316]

In my opinion you can leave any time you want. I mean you don't need to have any hard feelings against the employer. They are SUBSTANTIALLY breaking the contract by not paying into your pension or health insurance. Try getting sick here then paaying that in full or go and ask how much it is to pay both of those yourself per month then you will realise ho much they are stiffing you.

The only reason not to leave would be friends you have here and not to hurt anyone here that you care about.

Otherwise do what is best for you since they have obviously not tried to keep their end of the bargain.

You should try and mention it to them before you bolt though to give them a chance to pay it to you or enrol you.

[nicwr2002]

What is your net salary if they aren't paying pension and insurance? If you are getting paid 2.1 then you should be receiving around 2,050,000 I think because of tax. If they are taking money out of your salary and not paying your pension or insurance then I would think about it. If not, then just tough it out for the next 9 months. Really 9 months isn't that long. Don't be so hard on yourself about being a good teacher or not. Do some searches online for ideas about what to do and just do your best. Try to hang out with your co-workers after work and see what they are doing on the weekends. If that's not your thing, then study for your graduate school work. I'm sure that will help make time go by more quickly for you.

[PatrickGHBusan]

Its a toss up as ttom said.

You want to go to grad school, so that 10K you could save in the last 9 months of your contract may come in handy.

However, if the school is cheating you and substantially so, then in your situation I assume running is an option as going to the Labor Board would not be something you would consider (time & effort required).


As for a job getting repetitive, this is normal for any job, including teaching.

Good luck.

[CentralCali]

[CentralCali]

[PatrickGHBusan]