Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Squid]

I agree with another opinion that paying from a wallet is unnacceptable.
It indicates a lack of professionalism similar to what I encountered at my last gig.

I quit.

[VanIslander]

In Korea there isn't the same weight placed on payday. Sometimes you get paid a few days later. It's commonly done. However, if you only get half of your pay for the month, and the rest doesn't come in the next few days, or week or two, then that's very different.

I'd state that I need to get my full pay, that I understand that it may be a little late, but I need to have my pay. I would ask after two weeks, when exactly will I get paid the remainder. I would do it in a room with only the director and I, and no one else. Witnesses would only make the director lose face. Your relationship with your director is more important to your longterm happiness in the position. After getting the exact date, if the amount isn't provided on that date, I'd state I must get it in two weeks (giving the director an exact date) or else I'll have to give notice. If the director doesn't provide the funds on that date, then on that date I give notice that I'll have to leave in exactly two weeks because I need the amount of money (by which point, most directors will cough up the funds).

Anyone would be well served to let their director know they need to send money home every month, or save for an upcoming trip, or other set demand, that requires the funds of a full paycheque.

It sounds a bit convoluted, but the idea is simple: I am flexible but I need the money. No hard feelings and no loss of face. Remember: It's a practical issue, without the need to get angry or indignant.

I was paid late a few times until I had to nicely request a specific date of payment. Since then, I've had no problems.

Good luck.

[Mosley]

"In Korea there isn't the same weight placed on payday."I sure as hell hope you mean for the barbarian. For Koreans, payday sure as hell DOES have the same weight as back home. I've been paid late 4 times in 20 months. I asked veteran (15+yrs.) Korean teachers if they've ever been paid late. They couldn't even grasp the CONCEPT of late pay. They looked at me like I was putting them on.

It's a completely double standard.

[sparkx]

[TheUrbanMyth]

The "wallet" thing is B.S. That was pulled on me once. I walked out the door telling them I'd be home till I got paid. The Won Jang Nim then got on the phone and transfered the money (via said phone) to my account. Don't accept any B.S about missing wallets or checks or whatever. They can transfer the money with a single phone call.

[ulsanchris]

Late pay isn't something that Koreans don't put up with either. At my last job I and two other Korean teachers quit at the same time because the boss had been late with our pay a few times.
The stuff about the relationship between the boss and the employee is pure fiction made up by the boss. And it seems that the relationship is just an excuse by the boss to change a contract in a way the benefits him. Just try to change the conditions of the contract on him unexpectedly and see what your boss does.

[Gwangjuboy]

[peppermint]

It might be semi common in this "industry ", but let's face it. In most schools the Korean teachers get treated far worse than the foreigners. Substantially less pay, working extra hours, cleaning etc.

[Kristsoy]

[lush72]