Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mog]

My contract ends on May 17. In the time that I was here, my sister announced that she was getting married on April 30. I had originally planned on leaving on the Friday morning (the date is a Saturday) and coming back on the Tuesday.

Today my director tells me that I can get out of my contract at the eleven month mark. She says she will pay half the severence pay. I haven't had any reason to doubt her word on the matter. In fact, I have feigned ignorance (although sometimes it was true) and she has followed pretty much what I've seen needs to be done (according to Dave's, anyway).

Should I do this? I don't believe I'm going to be losing money. It'll cost around $1000 dollars to fly home and back. If I leave early, I lose 950,000 won. The tradeoff is on my side. I have to make sure about that plane ticket. Maybe that's what makes it yay or nay.

Thoughts, suggestions, and such are appreciated.

[the saint]

Well, we can't make that decision for you. FWIW, my sister has been married twice and set the date when we were out of the country both times. She knew when we were coming back but didn't arrange it so we could be there. Seems like your sis has done the same so you might want to wonder about that before you go waaaayyyy out of your way to be there.

In my case, I'm glad I missed the first wedding anyway

What does she say when you tell her that you wonder if she could wait one more month?

Personally I wish I had half the people we had turn up to support us at our wedding stay the distance and supported us in our marriage. Instead we have a handful. They are way more important to us than those who actually attended the ceremony.

But it's your call...

[mog]

I actually told her to not mind me when she chose the date. I figure it's HER day. She should make the date, not her brother. I gave her my blessing on choosing the date. I formed my initial plan, as stated, so I'd be the one to earn blame, not my sister.

[J.B. Clamence]

That's very noble of you. However, I think it would be wiser to ask your sister to wait a couple weeks. Considering that we're talking about 7 months from now, I don't think your sister would care that much about two measly weeks.

[captain kirk]

Go, man . It's family and they tend to 'last forever'. Compared to your job and the Korea experience. It will probably give you a different perspective on things in a good way, seeing everybody in that situation, your Sis getting married.
I asked the boss just 30 minutes ago if I can leave ten days before contract end to make it back for Christmas. Haven't been back to Canada for four years. I think it'll change my perspective on life. My brother and sister and relatives have become forgotten to me while here. I'll be getting a dose of 'what's it all about, Alfie' seeing those I grew up with older, themselves at different situations, with more kids, different jobs, etc. It's a crossroads/nexus I have the opportunity to catch. Usually otherwise locked up in a contract.
Cheers, man.

[Zyzyfer]

Only half your severance?

[HamuHamu]

I say go for it...just leave early.

If you plan to fly home for it anyway, it isn't just the money for the flight, but the jet-lag, the effort, the lost pay, etc. To come back for what - two weeks??

I think it's pretty fair of your boss to only offer half of the severance, considering that she will either have to bring someone in half-way through a session (assuming you're at a hagwan) and mothers dont' like that, so they may throw a fuss. And, technically, she doesn't actually owe you a penny. But you're right...what has she said about the return flight home?

Perhaps negotiate to help her with the recruiting efforts to replace you, in exchange for a full severance and full flight -- if she doesn't have to pay a recruiter's fee, then she may be happier to give the money to you?

A teacher at my school recently left 3 full weeks early, for the same reason, and the school paid the full severance and the full return flight home. We were all pretty surprised at wonjeongnim's generosity, but she was also the best teacher the school had probably ever had, and I think the manager knew that, and wanted a way to say thank you. Not ALL directors are insanely evil!

[canuckistan]

Wouldn't wongjangnim owe you 11/12 of your (supposed-to-be-prorated) severance pay?

[J.B. Clamence]

[mog]

If I get a plane ticket, I calculated I will have lost $300 for not working one month. About $1000 if I don't get the plane ticket. If I stay one extra month for $300 dollars, would I look kind of foolish?

[FUBAR]

I know some people who have taken off the whole month of work and then worked the following month to complete their contract. They received their full severence that way.