Korean Job Discussion Forums

kathycanuck · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Location: Namyangju

It was my first day on the new job, just a morning orientation, and the head teacher informs me that they have scheduled a ceremony for Saturday to introduce all the teachers to the new students. My contract clearly states Mon-Fri and I don't want to set a precedent for scheduling unpaid hours on my weekends. Neither, however, do I want to start a new job by refusing the first request made of me. My thought is to show up, wait only until I'm introduced and then leave.Meanwhile I will inform the head teacher that I'm only agreeing to this because the arrangements were made before I had made my position clear, and that I will not attend any functions scheduled for weekends in the future. Any thoughts, advice?

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

Is this at a school or a haggie? I'd do pretty much what your planning. Do you have a liason with the english dept? Talk to them about it.

kathycanuck · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Location: Namyangju

Hey blunder, its a private elementary school.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Definitely go if it's a first introduction. Dress smart, too. What matters is your scedule. If it turns into a regular request you can put up a stand. Don't insult them on your first week.

And good luck with the job!

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

I'd go and say nothing. If it ever happened again though I would point out what my contract says.

It's probably just a one-time thing, so no need to cause needless aggravation by not going or saying something.

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

It's probably a one time dog and pony show. Hey kids...look at the white person.

Oh...Ah.

That's it.

Homer · Guest

Just go....they want to introduce the new teacher...

Saturday is a regular school day for students so perhaps they want to introduce you on a day when you do not teach and before you actually start?

As others have said dress well, be nice and don't raise a fuss this time. Leaving just after you are introduced might not be possible by the way....and it might be a tad rude.

If this request is made again after you start working, then go to your boss and voice your concerns.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Go in...it should only be for a couple of hours tops.

Go in, smile, dress sharp then ask if there is anything else they need you for. If no...take off and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

If they ask you for another Saturday further down the road, then pull out the contract and say sorry but all school functions requiring my presence will have to be Mon-Fri.

thursdays child · Joined: 21 Sep 2005

Totally agree with all the above.... go

If you say no now, you'll lose all respect from co-workers and won't be given favours in the future.

The role in a pub. school is a fine line between what you want, what they want and leaving doors open for future opportunities.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Keep your contract in the bathroom just in case you run out of paper. Flexibility is the key, and if you bring up the contract terms so soon, you'll just set a bad tone for the remainder of your term. It's not asking much.

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

one of the challenges to working here is being generous without reaching the point where you can be taken advantage of.

it's understandable that you don't want to be taken advantage of, but it's also nice to participate somewhat in your school's activities.

you will find that increased participation will pay off very well when you need a favor, time off, or something that's not covered in your contract.
being a stickler, right of the start, may put you in a bad light for the year to come.