Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mpalazuelos]

Hello,

I need your help solving this problem.

Back in January, I signed a contract with a hagwon that was in a rush to get me to Korea because I was replacing someone that left without notice. There wasn't any start date nor end date on the contract. (Yes, I know! huge mistake of mine. I know everything regarding severance and flight etc. There's no need for you to mention those things. What I need help on is: how do I solve this problem).

I entered Korea on February 11, 2016. My first day at the hagwon I still work at was February 12, 2016. I trained for 3 days and started teaching classes thereafter.

Not too long ago, I remembered that there weren't any dates on my copy of the contract so I went to immigration to get a copy. I saw that the dates were wrong. It said my employment started on February 1 and will end on January 31, 2016. I told the person that gave me the copy: "The dates are wrong. What do I do?" She replied, "Ask your school. Not here." Frustrated, I called immigration hotline. They said, "Your school could've modified the dates on the contract by submitting subsequent documents but you can't access them because you didn't submit them." (To me, this made no sense because how can an employer be allowed to modify dates on a contract without notifying the employee or getting the employer's signature. Ridiculous but whatever.)

So, here's my question. How do I solve this problem. We are on vacation right now but on Monday, I go back to work. Any advice? Should I wait till my 12th month starts (aka January 12). Should I play coy and request a copy of the contract from my school and, then ask them why the dates are incorrect and if they've corrected them? Any advice/ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

[ttompatz]

I don't understand why it is an issue for you.

The job will end on Jan 31. Under the terms of the contract you will receive your full bonus (since it says your contract started on Feb 1) and other contracted benefits.

Sign a new contract if you plan to stay or look for a new one if you are not.
February is a good time to find a new job.

IF they give you problems over the full year requirement for your severance then you can make an issue out of it. Don't make it an issue if it isn't one.

Otherwise, you are free from your obligations 12 days early. Lucky you.
IF it is an otherwise good employer then sign on for another year. There shouldn't be a problem.

If not then find a new employer, change countries or return home to continue with your original career.

Don't make a mountain out of a molehill if you don't need to.

.

[mpalazuelos]

[denverdeath]

Basically, easy, answer to your question, is the question of what dates are on your ARC? That can help more of us respond in a better way...

Did they pay you your full salary in March for your 1st (February) month, or was your pay pro-rated?

As ttompatz said, as long as you're getting paid for what you've done, it shouldn't be a big deal. However, make sure that aren't trying to make you overstay your visa. And, yeah, two weeks more of work SHOULD be compensated via severance and pension. Then again, were you paid an extra (near) two weeks back in March last year for just a little over two weeks' of work? Check into your medical, pension, and severance payments, please.

Get a copy of that on-file contract at kimmi, QUICK!

[denverdeath]