Korean Job Discussion Forums

guangho · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:05 am Post subject: A shaggy hakwon story

I'm on my way out the door in May (or, if I can be pitiful/threatening enough, early June), after 5 months, which I am told is the usual time for haggies to do some "spring cleaning." This is no time to debate the whys and hows and I'm not even posting the schools name, because they're not necessarily evil- just greedy and short-sighted. Anyhow, this is the post where guangho asks, nicely, for job leads, contacts, bags or cash or myriad other goodies you perfect strangers can through his way. (Jobs being number one.) I'm also thinking about just packing my bags and going off to a nearby country to get my CELTA if there is one starting up soon. Any leads yet on that front? A shoulder to cry on would be nice too I suppose.

guangho · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:21 am Post subject:

Shaggy update: The boss wants me out of the apartment on the 5th of May, even though he has not given me a 30 day notice in writing. Any ideas other than pulling a Ruby Ridge?

peppermint · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:36 am Post subject:

about the apartment- read this thread for some ideas http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=35414&highlight=

As for the rest- if you're working for less than six months, there's not a lot the labor board can do for you. Best option- be polite, ask for a letter of release and start emailing your resume to anyone who'll take it.

I hear worknplay has a few public school jobs that need filling ASAP.

guangho · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:45 am Post subject:

My contract requires a 30 day written notice. I suppose that has some standing, no?

bosintang · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:02 am Post subject:

You may want to follow the link above and check in with the EFL-Law guy, but as I understand it, the labour board will not get involved if you have been working for less than 6 months.

That said, if it was me in your shoes, I'd bluff. Insist that you are supposed to be given 30days notice as per your contract, and settle for nothing less than a LOR (Letter of Release).

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Make them fire you.

Get a letter of release written in English and Korean -- both stamped with a Doejang. Must be stamped. Very important.

guangho · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:41 pm Post subject:

That's pretty much it. My director blew a gasket when I mentioned the words "labor" and "board" in that order. My contract says that either I give them a 2 month notice or they give me a one month notice. I'm gonna be old fashioned and stick to my contract- guess I'll get my notice today at our weekly meeting/guangho bashing.

P.S.: They're expanding like crazy- 6 branches- so if a recruiter calls you about a haggie job in East Seoul with a director named Thomas, politely decline.

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

even if it's in your contract, the labor board may not help you. as i have learned through comparing my experience with others on this board, it depends on the interpretation of the law by the labor officer you speak to.

the bottom line is, labor law takes precedence over contract law.
labor law says you are not entitled to any notice having worked less than six months. your contract says otherwise, so it's basically up to the officer you speak to.

best thing to do is remain as diplomatic as possible. if you are fired, the release is automatic, but you wouldn't want to antagonize the bugger to get it.

guangho · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 6:19 am Post subject:

I'm expecting the release letter in the next few days and I do have 5 months of pension payments waiting for me- btw how do I claim that?

EDIT:

This is open season on guangho time- throw out anything and everything you can think of that has helped you survive an entire year at even the *beep*iest of hakwons. I figure those nuggets of wisdom would help me even at CDI, where I'm interviewing tomorrow.

guangho · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 7:36 am Post subject:

The saga continues: Today I was getting my degree notarized in Gwanghamun and came in late. The following conversation ensued:

Boss: Why are you late?
Me: Got my degree notarized so that I can go on my visa run before starting work in Ansan.
Boss: You're leaving?

Aidge · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Location: CA

I may have a good idea for a new job for you starting very soon! Do you like the suburbs alright? Its a smaller school... Good people.

guangho · Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 4:38 am Post subject:

Thanks man it's just that 1) I already accepted the gig in Ansan and 2) I would rather swallow a gallon of lye while being probed by Lyndie England than work in a hakwon ever again. Unless it's Homer's hakwon. Maybe.