Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mezdupa]

I came into work today to find that well 2 family members in my work place had a screaming row last night in front of students and others.
Today I got asked that although I work well am contracted to work 30 hours a week would I come in an hour earlier everyday because the Korean teachers feel discriminated against, cos i get paid more, would I work the odd extra class.........
Now these people have been gr8 to me since I came to Korea, and I wouldn't mind helping out. But I already come into work 30 minutes before I start, I was meant to have no split shifts and sometimes I'm on the premises 8 hours for 6 hours teaching. I know what I agreed in the contract and so did they and I pointed this out. My boss said perhaps I should come in an hour earlier to prep. But I prep really quickly, because I am an English speaker. The other teachers some in 2 - 3 hours before most days...........
I don't want to be nasty, well I couldn't and I want to speak to them about their misgivings, as I'm the first native English teacher, they have ever had. but they don't understand me properly when I speak. and yet they are lovely women!]
But I will not be exploited!
I also got a lecture, not so much about being mugged, but the fact I'd been drinking at a club and was ballaxed! Well I am 32.... my life is my own............
I do not wanna cause any tiffs either............ but how should I address this?
I am here because of the contract......... that way??
Help!

[chronicpride]

Just refuse and refer to the contract. If they pester, just refuse and refer to the contract. If they whine and offer more guilt trips, continue to refuse and refer to the contract. As a matter of fact, keep this line of approach with anything that they throw at you. Either they will get fed up over not being able to dislodge you from your position, or they will make veiled or open threats. To which you say anything that has 'labor board' in the sentence.

They are new to the racket and business deals with a foreigner, so they are as perplexed over our behavior, as we are to them. No need to do anything brinkmanship-wise unless they do first. Just be stubborn and refer to the contract, unless it escalates.

And don't fold on anything, without posting here first.

[dull artist]

I've kind of been in the same situation. My director is a sweet lady and my working conditions are almost perfect. Sometimes, however, she gets a bit 'director' on me and pulls some weird sh*# out of the bag. The thing to remeber is that a contract to a director is like kryptonite to superman. Usually, at the first mention of a contractual agreement, the 'I'm gonna F over my naive foriegn employee' turns into a 'hey, you sweet little thing, how about a doughnut?'

Although, I'm not claiming to actually know anything. I'm just relaying my experience. So maybe you can just chalk this up as 'some dude's experience.'

[mezdupa]

Thanks for your help!

[captain kirk]

'...the Korean teachers feel discriminated against. because I get paid more. and would I work the odd extra class...'

That must be an example of Korean 'circular thinking'. Kind of like a lasso in this instance. They must think you're so nice you bump into walls and apologize to the wall.
I have gr8 co-workers and bosses as well. And the bosses do have some sweet lassos.

[mezdupa]

[Grotto]

Be firm and polite but just calmly tell them that the contract you signed is the agreement that both parties agreed to. Again just say no thank you to any extra duties they want to foster off on you.

Stick to your guns because in Korea if you give an inch they will keep on taking until you implode.

[Son Deureo!]

The Korean teachers are complaining that they feel discriminated against? Funny how it never occurred to your boss to start paying or treating THEM better, just start treating you worse.

Don't fall for it.

[hellofaniceguy]

This has been covered many times in one way or another.
No one can use you unless you let them. KT's whin because of unfairness?!?! Give me a break! It's the KT's own fault for not getting the best contract for themselves. They need to band together..all over korea....and protest for better pay, etc...but they won't. So, KT's...until you all get together and protest for a better change...you'll just have to suck it up! Problem is..if you don't agree to work for what the school is offering...another teacher will! And the school owners know this. Discrimination? Hell, foreigners get discriminated against every day in korea!
As for giving in and doing what the school owner is asking, "come in one hour eariler"...yeah, for pay! If not...no.
It'll never change in korea...better working conditions at hakwons and other placese....it's all about the money and how much the owner can make. And by paying slave wages to KT's and having them work crazy hours and teach many classes...it's the KT's own fault. Tell the owner to stick it! They are doing it to you!

[FUBAR]

[Demophobe]

[Bunnymonster]

"Just say no, do you hear me, say no, just say no" -Grange hill gang offer us some sage advice which I feel is going to become my matra for the remainder of my time in Korea.......

[T-dot]

we all know most female korean teachers get a very bad deal. most get more and work and half the pay.

if you are friends with the korean teachers and feel like helping them out do it. you come in a half hour early anyways throw another 30 on it, but refuse the extra classes. you could even talk to the teachers themselves to see if they feel this way or if IT IS really the director trying to weasel out more hours. hagwon directors aren't the most trustworthy folk.

[mezdupa]

[mezdupa]