Korean Job Discussion Forums

formerflautist · Joined: 30 May 2006

Seven months and I'm not friendly enough. That's neither here nor there. The point is that I'll be out celebrating this weekend. I need suggestions on good places to go in Seoul.

alabamaman · Joined: 25 Apr 2006

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

Were they right or wrong? Are you friendly enough? To whom, the kids or staff?

formerflautist · Joined: 30 May 2006

I'm surprisingly cheery. Things have gotten pretty bad at my school. Last week my supervisor threw a pen at me because he was angry. I'm not really surprised. I just wish it wasn't so early in the week because I just need to go out and dance until the early morning.

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

Threw a pen? I don't think we're getting the full story here...

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

hmm....

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Chin up, lots more where they came from.

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

formerflautist · Joined: 30 May 2006

Was the school totally wrong in the fact that I was unfriendly to some of the students? Umm, yes and no. I'm pretty reserved and I don't warm up to people too quickly. I've only been teaching my current level for a month so I haven't really had time to warm up to all of the students. Not a whole lot I can do about it now. I'd be better at teaching adults anyway. But again, it's not a big deal. I'm just looking forward to having fun this weekend.

sillywilly · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Canada.

Yeah, you'll have to review your contract and double-check exactly how friendly you were supposed to be. Rolling Eyes

You're better off. Sue for assault! can you do that in Korea?

bhog · Joined: 22 Mar 2006

Sorry to hear about your situation...
As a (not well-informed) newbie who actually hasn't even arrived in Korea yet, is this something to be nervous about? Shocked

I mean, are arbitrary firings a regular thing...as in the ol' boss might be watching the bottom line and fire you before you are due a year-end bonus? I mean really, not friendly enough? I've been a tad concerned about this sort of thing as it seems the employer seems to have all of the power given visa sponsorship, etc.
OP, are you in public schools or private?

Dev · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

In Korea, simply not being liked by your co-workers can get you your walking papers. They smile at you, but that doesn't always mean they like you.

Don't worry about buddy. I am sure you did your job well. You'll get another job - maybe a better one.

zappadelta · Joined: 31 Aug 2004

Yea, what are you supposed to do? They want you to be happy and smiley and cheery all day, which is understandable because most of us are around children. But then at the end of the day, they stick you with some bad news. "Oh, by the way, we want you to come in on Saturday for a level test." Or, "Did you hear about the report cards? They go out every month now, not every 6 months." Or, "Sorry, but, your pay will be one week late." How can you be happy when these types of things happen pretty much every day, or at least once a week. When I get informed of these things, it sticks with me for a while, and I don't want to be happy or even pretend to be happy.

babtangee · Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:04 pm Post subject:

This thread has just pissed me off. I think I'll throw some pens at my boss when I go to work today.

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

Schools hire and fire at will.

Not friendly enough means not good for business.I don't like having strange children climbing on me.I don't consider it very bloody charming at all.That makes me unfriendly?I'll take that.

More importantly,get what money is owed to you and yr lor.

What was with the pen throwing thing???