Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rosebud1111]

I have been teaching in Korea for a little over 6 months now. About three months ago, I noticed I was having problems with my health (I was getting sick often and realized my hair was coming out more than normal, which began giving me more and more anxiety). Up until this point, my hair has gotten worse to the point of my crying every night and day, calling my parents to calm me down, and it's just all around incredibly heart breaking for me to see my hair slowly disappearing. I think it's because of stress and the way my body reacted adjusting to my life here (it was not the water).

I've had my korean english department co-worker take me to get blood tests and check-up about a month ago and I was told I was completely healthy. As it worsened this month, and my anxiety and panic attacks increased, I had her take me to a psychiatrist and they gave me a low does of xanax. it doesn't, i'm completely distraught and i just want to go home and not lose all of my hair.

unfortunately one my co-english teachers (i work at a hagwon, there's five of us) is leaving for a month vacation for the end of her contract just now. i want to leave immediately because i can barely make it though each day right now, but i said i was willing to wait a month until she returns.

i want to leave immediately, though, if they make me refund my plane ticket coming here.

my contract states that:

"Both parties have the right to make the contract null and void due to one or more of the following circumstances:

A. The health of the teacher is such that it is deemed impossible for him or her to continue to work.
B. Blatant misconduct by the teacher either professionally or otherwise.
C.If the teacher / school submits an advanced written notice of one month (30 days)"

....and several other examples that don't apply to me.

"Notification Requirement:

A. The school or teacher may annul the contract by giving a minimum of one month (30 days) advance notice in writing.
B. If the school seeks annulment, reasonable and adequate grounds must be provided in order for the contract to be dissolved.

etc.

Under "Airfare" it says:

C. However, in the event the teacher fails to complete the full contract term, he or she will reimburse the school the total cost of said airfare.


So my question is, if i have a valid reason (my health / a one month notice) to annul the contract, does that mean I am not liable to pay back the airfare they paid for me to get here?

Please help me, I really appreciate it. My school and co-workers are great and I don't want to leave them, especially extra short-handed, but I am really struggling day-to-day right now and I just want to go home.

Thanks.

[YTMND]

Just do a midnight runner. After getting paid, go home.


I do not want to see you die and I hope you get better.

[Beeyee]

[YTMND]

[schwa]

Just go.

What you describe is not an "emergency health" situation, at least not physically. You're clearly already set on going home to the folks. You're just not cutting it here. Thats okay, not everyone does. You dont have to play up the sick card.

The hagwon will deal okay with the repercussions.

Note to others signing first contracts:
A reasonable contract stipulates that you dont have to pay back airfare if you complete 6 months, not a full year.

[Beeyee]

People suggesting that the OP just up and run astound me.

From what I can tell, the school is being quite reasonable in letting the OP leave after a month. The OP signed the contract knowing that they would have to pay the airfare if they bail mid-contract. The OP now wishes to break the contract and must therefore morally keep their side of the bargain.

People wonder why lots of hagwons are now starting to ditch the pre-paid airfare perk.

[young_clinton]

[ttompatz]

[dg7104]

It's either 6 months, or 1 year, and you don't have to pay back airfare. I'm not sure what yours says.

If it's SOOOO terrible, and you are desperate, i would simply withdraw all my money, book a plane ticket for a day or two in the future, then excuse myself to the bathroom. (sound of running footsteps, and screeching tires)

HOWEVER. I tell you the SAME THING I TOLD a Canadian girl who was homesick after about 4 months in Korea and was crying and wanted to go home, and I said this:
"Listen. Finish your contract. It's not a seriously long period of time. You need the work experience, money, and discipline to handle unusual/difficult things. Network with people. Learn to relax, and learn to have fun. The time goes by pretty fast if you have goals, and keep busy." --she finished her contract.

I say the same thing. Join a gym or exercise. Catch up on your reading. Travel around a little bit. Hang out with friends and cry on their shoulder, then take them out to dinner. AVOID ALCOHOL, it's a depressant. Don't worry about the hair stuff. Hair grows back your entire life, it's like lawn grass.

Get on facebook, there are pages for people in Korea. Take a bus or train somewhere and see something, stay in a cheap hotel, and take a bunch of photos on the weekends.
Watch your favorite t.v. shows that are all over the internet. Set up Skype or buy a laptop and set it up to call or video-call home.
Go to a spa and relax, or even the local jim-jill-bang. In 6 months it will be March 2014, and spring time. No sense in going home now with winter coming.

Talk to your co-workers, and have them brainstorm a bunch of stuff to do. I will check back on this thread and see if you have any more problems or questions.

[ontheway]

OP, you should try to finish your contract, it's your best personal and financial decision. You do have emotional health issues, however, so if you need to leave early you should give the 30 day notice required. You have stated that:

[Beeyee]

[young_clinton]

No my school sort of begged me to work some overtime at $10 an hour, which I did with no problem. It was a rural school and they didn't have much money. OP if you're losing hair and feel threatened with other health problems, book a ticket and leave either now or after your next paycheck which ever is most appropriate for you.

[ttompatz]

[Juregen]

[robbie_davies]