Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dr.Caligari]

Yeah, I know this is an immediate target for criticism -- i.e. 'why the hell did you pull a midnight runner in the first place?'

Well, believe me, it was my last option from a job straight out of a David Lynch film. And like most of those films-- it all started out so... normal..... *shudder.* I still feel strongly that it was the best decision I could have made for myself in that situation. There weren't really other options.

That said-- I would like to be able to return, but I don't know what my visa record is like. I asked immigration a ton of questions before actually leaving, and to be honest, they were really nice, understanding people. Some of the workers I spoke with had actually worked at hagwons before and knew the kind of crap situation I was in. All the same, they said they wouldn't be able to provide a black and white answer on my future visa status -- they said it would come down to what the boss chose to attach to my record, and that they wouldn't reveal after the fact what was in my records. They said that, like it or not, the law favored the boss (no surprise to people reading this.)

Anyhow, it wouldn't be a big deal finding out if I were eligible for another E-2 if it didn't take such an emotional and monetary commitment to come over again and start the job search (there ain't no way I'm finding a job from abroad again...)

added info: Today's date is about a month after my original visa would have ended.

Anyone with war-stories that can shed some light on my chances?

[joe_doufu]

Where did you make your "run" to? Taiwan and Japan are both just a short hop away and you can easily get a good paying job in either place.

[JacktheCat]

Your sources at immigration are right, it all comes down to what, if anything, your boss reported to immigration about your midnight run.

Best case scenario, your boss shrugged his shoulders, found a new foreign monkey, and you can get a new job when your current E2 expires. Worst case scenario, your boss went ape shit and had your ass blacklisted for 5 years.

And, as your sources said, there is no way to find out short of applying for a new visa.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Yes, it does depend on what, if anything, the boss attached to your file.

I was one of the unlucky ones. I tried to switch to a better job after 6 months on my first job. It didn't work. While I was out of the country the ex-boss attached 'something' to my file. I came back and found a terrific job.

I came in to the office one day and was called over. The Korean 'CIA' had been in for a visit checking on me. They had 'heard' I was a bad guy. My new boss laughed at them and said I wasn't all that bad. I stayed 4 years.

I changed jobs during the Collapse of '97. After a month or so at the new job I was called in and asked why the government thought I might be an industrial spy. I explained that I couldn't be a spy of any kind because my Korean sucks but that most likely the original first boss had put something in my file. I called my great second boss and asked him to come up to Seoul and explain. In addition, the new boss had his grandfather, a former National Assemblyman, come in and explain to the newest Korean 'CIA' that I was not an industrial spy. I kept that job as long as I could stand it...about 8 months.

Moved on to job #3. This one was for the Korean military. There was a 'hold' on my security clearance. I talked to one of my students who happened to be in the Korean military security. I explained to him what had happened. He laughed. He said, "Don't worry about it." He made a phone call or two. The matter was dropped. I stayed 4 years.

I started job #4 on Sept. 1. Haven't heard any reports so far of a visit by the CIA.

The short answer: If your boss puts something in your record, it can be a hassle, but not anything to seriously worry about. Once you start the job your boss will pay up or do whatever else is needed to keep you. If he has sore knees, that is his concern, not yours.

[Dr.Caligari]

hey guys,
thanks for the responses, it makes me feel SO much more relieved. So I take it that the 'blacklist' is more like a warning list, and there may be fines.... but not a hard, unbreakable rule stating that I can't work here again?
If so, its nice to know that while it will be a big hassle, that it can, in the end, work out. That's a heck of a lot better than a permanent ban, placed on me by immigration, REFUSING to allow a boss to hire me.

Now, are there any 'red flags' a boss can put on the visa so that I'm actually stopped at immigration in the airport? I mean, I didn't owe him any money or anything, but who knows? The boss told me if I ever came into the country again, I would be arrested. ... and no, there's no hidden story to this, I didn't do anything besides pull a runner. I assumed it was flat-out b.s. from a very shady businessman.
Again, any further horror stories would be appreciated. Immigration is not going to tell me in advance, so I can only learn this one from other's experiences.

To Joe Doufu's question:
I've been travelling around taiwan as a tourist since leaving, and its a cool country, but I know I wouldn't want to live here. The job situation seems a lot better, but I don't jive with the culture as much. With the exception of hagwon bosses, I'd say Koreans are nicer. (hey, it's just one man's take on it.)
The student visa option in taiwan is great, and I think a person could have a fantastic trip here studying at a chinese language hagwon. People looking to just teach privates would do well to look into it....Ain't for me, though, I think.


Thanks again.

[napoleon8]

Would going through a different immigration department help any? For example, if you ran out of Daegu, trying to get a new job in Busan? Anyone know?

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Homer]

As it was said...depends on your former boss and what actions he took.

His actions then depend on how pissed off he was at you leaving or at how determined he is to make sure you suffer consequences if you try to return. This would all tie in to the reasons you left and how he perceived that.

Most of the time, directors simply move on and find a new teacher. You will find out when you apply for a new E-2.

[jajdude]

[jajdude]

[Tiger Beer]

[jajdude]

Good call Tiger.

That's what I figured. The year is up, all is Ok on re-entry. None of this bitter Mr. Kim out for 5 years crap. This is not the DRPK. I figure once the deal is done, it is done. Come back if you want and teach more.

[TheUrbanMyth]