|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
oatmeal
Joined: 26 Nov 2013
|
 Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 8:45 pm Post subject: Might want to leave school midway or break contract |
 |
|
The first couple years were glorious, the last couple years it's been
just going downhill since. There are things I still love about the job
and my school, but overall, I have found that I am no longer happy and everyday I'm feeling angry, frustrated, agitated, you get the picture.
This isn't an overnight decision, but one I have been thinking about for years now.
I don't think it's good for me to be angry/unhappy everyday. I also feel bad for the kids that I'm not in a good mood, therefore do not give it my best like I used to, and instead I'm finding I just want to whisk through everything and shortchanging their english education. I'm just at a point where I need to have a break. I'm not sure I can last until the end of the contract which is february, but I'm trying really hard to.
So my question is what happens if I decide to quit at the end of august?
Do I have to return some money (ie. the contract renewal bonus, the airfare bonus)? What happens to my severance and pension? Are those also cut in half or do they penalize you and take the entire year's pension/severance away?
Will I still be able to get my severance owing to me for the past 3 years and my pension for the past 5 years? Do I need to leave the country to get my pension or can I get it after I quit the school job?
Is anyone interested in possibly replacing me or swapping jobs? I was thinking trying to just transfer/swap with someone for just 6 months so that at least I can still finish out the contract, just in a different school. That would be ideal for me rather than to actually quit completely. That might also look bad on my resume or for future school jobs.
I need some advice, and I need to know what happens to my finances if I quit midway or if I can find a transfer? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Porksta
Joined: 05 May 2011
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Severance is prorated for the entire time you have worked, assuming you haven't gotten it early at any point during your employment. Pension cannot be touched, you get the full amount but you have to leave Korea to claim it. I am also assuming you are American. As for the contract renewal bonus and swapping jobs, it sounds like you are in public school so I can't help you there. I am sure your contract says something about it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
It's 6 more months. Do the time, collect your severance, and head for a chill area in SE Asia to recharge your batteries and figure out your options. You'll REALLY need it by then, so it'll be all the more satisfying.
Why deal with the extra questions and headaches involved by bailing a few months early. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
isitts
Joined: 25 Dec 2008
Location: Korea
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 3:29 am Post subject: Re: Might want to leave school midway or break contract |
|
|
| oatmeal wrote: |
| This isn't an overnight decision, but one I have been thinking about for years now. |
If you've been thinking about it for years, I would think you could last a few months. Right?
It'll pass. Don't worry. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Fallacy
Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Location: ex-ROK
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 4:31 am Post subject: |
|
|
| PRagic wrote: |
| Do the time ... |
This.
| isitts wrote: |
| It'll pass. Don't worry. |
And this.
Believe me, not a day goes by without daydreaming ... but still, I second both PRagic and isitts here. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wooden nickels
Joined: 23 May 2010
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 4:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Fallacy wrote: |
| PRagic wrote: |
| Do the time ... |
This.
| isitts wrote: |
| It'll pass. Don't worry. |
And this.
Believe me, not a day goes by without daydreaming ... but still, I second both PRagic and isitts here. |
+ This |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
oatmeal
Joined: 26 Nov 2013
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2015 8:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| thanks for your feedback. I do agree with you all, and my head knows it's probably the better thing to do (to stick it out for 6 more months), but man it's really really tough..I'm on the verge of snapping everyday and it really sucks. I hate feeling like this and I'm going downhill fast. I've always considered the job really easy and because I enjoy what I do, it's never been a burden in that respect. But my emotional state and mind is really bad and I realize that at some point, money and a job is not always worth it if you are losing your health and your happiness. I will try to stick it out. I just don't know if I can which is why I'm trying to prepare for the worst. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PRagic
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2015 10:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
You've recognized that it's an uphill battle, and you're sure not the first to be mired in angst.
Try just taking it a day at a time, a week at a time. Live for the weekends, and make something of them. Live for the 4 day long weekends and the holidays. In the scope of your existance, 6 months will be the blink of an eye.
IF you're getting paid, and IF you have a decent enough place to live, I still recommend sticking it out.
Everyone's breaking point is different, though, and we're all just armchair coaching at this point. Only you can decide when you've had enough. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Fallacy
Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Location: ex-ROK
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 12:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
After reading the OP's follow-up post, now I am not so sure. In the initial post, the OP posed questions about leaving with a focus on money:
| oatmeal wrote: |
| I need some advice, and I need to know what happens to my finances if I quit midway or if I can find a transfer? |
Honestly, I focused more on that than anything else written, and supported the consensus for gutting out the 6 months. However, after reading the 2nd post, this time focusing on the non-financial concerns:
| oatmeal wrote: |
| ... but man it's really really tough. I'm on the verge of snapping everyday and it really sucks. I hate feeling like this and I'm going downhill fast.... my emotional state and mind is really bad and I realize that at some point, money and a job is not always worth it if you are losing your health and your happiness. I will try to stick it out. I just don't know if I can which is why I'm trying to prepare for the worst. |
And going back to re-read the 1st post, also looking at just the expressions of distress:
| oatmeal wrote: |
| I have found that I am no longer happy and everyday I'm feeling angry, frustrated, agitated ... I have been thinking about [leaving] for years now. I don't think it's good for me to be angry/unhappy everyday. I'm just at a point where I need to have a break. I'm not sure I can last until the end of the contract which is february, but I'm trying really hard to. |
I am no psychologist, so let me start with that. I can perhaps give advice on financial matters, but I am not qualified for head shrinking. With that established, now let me offer a caveat: bag it if you think you would prefer to slit your ankles in a warm bath instead of facing another day of the status quo. Otherwise, gut it out if you are confident that you can will yourself to overcome any challenge. Only you truly know yourself; none of us on this board know you at all.
Okay? No suicidal tendencies or battling the demons or what have you. None of that. If you can carry on, then carry on, and PRagic gives great practical suggestions for how to do just that. Take it day-by-day and ignore the noise. However, if you are feeling emotionally unstable, mentally disoriented, and physically deteriorating, then get help, or help yourself, to find a more immediate solution. Someone perhaps wise once said this:
| Quote: |
| money and a job is not always worth it if you are losing your health and your happiness |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wooden nickels
Joined: 23 May 2010
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 1:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
| oatmeal wrote: |
| thanks for your feedback. I do agree with you all, and my head knows it's probably the better thing to do (to stick it out for 6 more months), but man it's really really tough..I'm on the verge of snapping everyday and it really sucks. I hate feeling like this and I'm going downhill fast. I've always considered the job really easy and because I enjoy what I do, it's never been a burden in that respect. But my emotional state and mind is really bad and I realize that at some point, money and a job is not always worth it if you are losing your health and your happiness. I will try to stick it out. I just don't know if I can which is why I'm trying to prepare for the worst. |
There is a point when it isn't worth it. If your mental and physical health are suffering for an extended period, move on if you really think it will make it better. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DaeguNL
Joined: 08 Sep 2009
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 5:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
| oatmeal wrote: |
| thanks for your feedback. I do agree with you all, and my head knows it's probably the better thing to do (to stick it out for 6 more months), but man it's really really tough..I'm on the verge of snapping everyday and it really sucks. I hate feeling like this and I'm going downhill fast. I've always considered the job really easy and because I enjoy what I do, it's never been a burden in that respect. But my emotional state and mind is really bad and I realize that at some point, money and a job is not always worth it if you are losing your health and your happiness. I will try to stick it out. I just don't know if I can which is why I'm trying to prepare for the worst. |
Look on the bright side. Summer vacation is coming up, then its a few months till winter vacation, then two months and you are done. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
isitts
Joined: 25 Dec 2008
Location: Korea
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 10:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| oatmeal wrote: |
| thanks for your feedback. I do agree with you all, and my head knows it's probably the better thing to do (to stick it out for 6 more months), but man it's really really tough..I'm on the verge of snapping everyday and it really sucks. I hate feeling like this and I'm going downhill fast. I've always considered the job really easy and because I enjoy what I do, it's never been a burden in that respect. But my emotional state and mind is really bad and I realize that at some point, money and a job is not always worth it if you are losing your health and your happiness. I will try to stick it out. I just don't know if I can which is why I'm trying to prepare for the worst. |
I see. Like Fallacy mentioned above, I kind of missed this part.
Truth be told, in spite of the advice I’ve given you and another user on these forums, I’ve had constant temptation to cut loose from my contract. (And I’ve been doing this line of work a while.)
I’m kind of concerned about the financial aspects as well. In my case, I can walk away from my severance as it would only be from one contract, but I can’t walk away from my pension.
So, you’re kind of wondering about logistics of money, should you decide to leave early, right? I’m actually wondering this myself…
Does anybody know if you can get your severance if you leave early and how you do it? With pension…I checked the sticky above and it says you can apply from your home country…though I was wondering if there are any hiccups with applying from your home country if you’ve broken your latest contract and the term hasn’t ended yet. Anyone know how that works?
As for leaving before completing six months, I’m pretty sure the punishments for that are only relevant during the first contract at your school, not subsequent contracts.
So, yeah, maybe if some of these logistical questions on severance and pension are answered, that can put your mind a little bit at ease when it comes to making this decision.
As for the psychological aspects, I would say if it’s really bad, start talking to friends and family back home who might be able to let you stay with them should you leave early. At least start that discussion with them. That alone can put your mind at ease.
Also, with regard to the money, look into getting it back…but for some peace of mind, if it’s causing too much stress, be willing to walk away from all of it. You know? People have done it.
In summary:
1. Check on logistics of getting your money.
2. Talk to friends/family back home and discuss options of staying with them.
3. Be willing, in a worst case scenario, to walk away from the money to save your mind.
After doing those things, see how you feel and then decide if you can slug it out or not.
Hope that helps.
[EDIT] I just noticed it's been about a week since your last post... How you holding up? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
schwa
Joined: 18 Jan 2003
Location: Yap
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 11:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Re: national pension
NPS has zero concern with why, when, or how you leave a contract. They just base their calculations on how much has been contributed into your account. Lump sum refunds can be arranged from home, but not as quickly or easily as in person in Korea. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
isitts
Joined: 25 Dec 2008
Location: Korea
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 1:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
| schwa wrote: |
Re: national pension
NPS has zero concern with why, when, or how you leave a contract. They just base their calculations on how much has been contributed into your account. Lump sum refunds can be arranged from home, but not as quickly or easily as in person in Korea. |
Thanks, schwa. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Fallacy
Joined: 29 Jun 2015
Location: ex-ROK
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 2:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
| schwa wrote: |
Re: national pension
NPS has zero concern with why, when, or how you leave a contract. They just base their calculations on how much has been contributed into your account. Lump sum refunds can be arranged from home, but not as quickly or easily as in person in Korea. |
This also applies to the private teachers pension scheme. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
