Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cohiba]

My friend gave me a number a while back for
some students looking for a teacher. (A referral)

Recently I have had no free time so I haven't called
them. He phones me up today and demands to know why
I haven't called them and that I am making him look bad.
I couldn't believe it. The RVE! Isn't it my business who I
call and who I don't? Shouldn't he have told me in advance
that I MUST call them? I have given and received many
referrals in my time but this was a first for me.

What do you think?

[plato's republic]

Nice avatar Cohiba! Who's the chick in red???

[joe_doufu]

You are numb. Are you paying him, or are the students? Obviously either way he profits when you teach them. Not to mention the fact that he could refer them to somebody else but you said you wanted to teach them... meanwhile, the students are waiting for a teacher and might lose interest or find a teacher elsewhere, while you're taking your sweet time. Of course he's going to call and encourage you.

[ontheway]

OK, since you said "a friend" gave you a referral for some students looking for a teacher we have to assume some facts. Joe Doufu assumed the "friend" is getting paid somehow. I will assume your friend is a real friend, or acquaintance, and that this was done without monetary compensation. Also, it sounds like "private" teaching. (secret illegal classes)

Your friend probably was "showing off" his contacts (you). This will earn him some "brownie points" with the people who are waiting for you to call. They are indeed waiting for a teacher (probably urgently) and you are making your friend look bad. Your friend, of course, has made some promises he shouldn't have, but so it goes. If you can't teach the class, tell your friend that you can't and call the number and explain that you aren't available to teach them. Tell them both that you're sorry, but you're too busy, tired or whatever.

(You didn't ask about whether you should or shouldn't teach this kind of class, so I won't comment on that.)