Korean Job Discussion Forums

[541_loosh]

Hi Guys,

I'm new here (to the forum and Korea).

I've read here a lot before and after I got to Korea. It's an extremely helpful resource.

Let me preface my questions with some information.

-I've been in Korea for 3 weeks.
-I'm on contract but don't have a visa.
-I go to get my visa in about a month and a half in Japan.
-I dislike my Hagwon and have an opportunity to move. My reasons for dislike are: 20-30 minute commute by bus. Small apartment without even a table or chair. All other expats that have seen it are shocked with how small it really is. The Twin bed literally takes up half the room.

My director applied for my Visa, or at least I believe that's what he did. We both had to go down to immigration and explain what I was doing. We told immigration that I was on a trail period and that I am doing unpaid training. This is not true. I am being paid in cash.

So my question is this: Now that immigration has all my papers am I stuck with this Hagwon? Can I jump to the other Hagwon? Is this risky? Like I said I am under the table. I'm not sure why my scheduled visa run is so far off? Is it legal to work in between getting the visa and the application?

Much Thanks!!

[wooden nickels]

ttompatz

HELP this guy out!

If the poster ttompatz sees this… he usually has the answer …

I think you need a working visa to be in the classroom…

[Chaparrastique]

yeah, you're working illegally.

Sounds to me like he's applied for your visa issuance number. You could always call immigration to check on the progress of your visa application.

You will only become legal however once your visa is issued, that is to say at the point of your re-entry into Korea.

This is why so many guys go awol on their visa run to Japan, lol.

[ttompatz]

You do not have a visa so you are not obligated to work for this hagwon.
I strongly suggest, if you are planning to leave, to do so the day after you get paid.
You are free to pack your bags and leave at your convenience

BUT

IF the hagwon applied for your visa confirmation number then you will have to wait 90 days for it to expire before another employer can apply for one AND you cannot get a visa for a different employer based on that confirmation number.

Be aware that if your employer is out of pocket for your air-ticket into Korea and he files a complaint with immigration that you owe money for the ticket then the new employer won't be able to get you a new visa until the matter is settled.

You MAY also need to obtain a NEW set of documents (CBC and degree copy) for a new visa application. (the price of a runner).
Obtaining those from inside Korea can take MONTHS at best (meaning a new job/change of job may not be possible at this point).

Your reasons for leaving are at best, trivial looking excuses to make up some reason to leave (they wouldn't stand up in a labor tribunal).
3 weeks in and homesickness or culture shock are more likely the case and things won't be much different with a new employer. It is the nature of the job in Korea.

.

[Chaparrastique]

[caribmon]

Your boss seems really cool, paying in cash.

Don't worry about the 25 minute bus ride.

I didn't even do a midnight run after the school I was at lost most of its students during the imaginary swine flu in 2010 and the director blamed me (the new teacher), then piled on 2 hours every day of "lesson prep" and had the head teacher (who was in love with me) watch all my classes and nag me all the time. It must have been very frustrating for her to get rejected by me and then have to watch me all day. And my desk was next to hers so she was constantly asking me questions trying to make any excuse to visit my apartment or go to Itaewon etc.

You got a cool job actually. Just buy a table or make one out of scrap wood that you find by the side of the road.

[FastForward]

[actionjackson]

[541_loosh]

Thanks for the advice on how to get out of the job; and also on reasons not to.

You're probably right, they are pretty trivial reasons to leave. I would absolutely not screw my employer over on the flight. I'll stick this job out and then after a year look for something different. Or maybe I find I love it here at this hagwon.

I'm always trying to better my position, and sometimes that's probably a bad thing. Being content is sometimes actually quite good. It's just hard when I know I could possibly(job available but visa complications) jump ship to a much better gig. And I believe my lack of loyalty to my employer comes form his willingness to jam me in the smallest apartment available. C'est la vie...


Thanks for the kind replies.

[PRagic]

Welcome to Seoul. A 30 minute commute is NOTHING. And as another poster inclined, it's just far enough away to ensure that you won't be running into students or their families.

Where are you located in Seoul? Sounds like you're in an older officitel. I saw a lot of places like that back in the day in Mapo. The downside is that if it is an officitel, you're going to get hit with pretty high maintenance fees despite the fact that it's a glorified box. Figure on about 120-160 a month for fees. Ask.

Furniture? Who cares. Ask the boss for a table. Or get on Craigslist and get yourself some stuff for 10 or 20 bucks.

Up to you if you stay or do a runner, of course. If you're getting paid, the students are OK, and they're not slipping in extra hours or BS scheduling, might not hurt to give it a go. You're going to be surprised just how fast one year can fly by.

[Troglodyte]