Korean Job Discussion Forums

ejmlab · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Location: Pohang

I've been put into a tough situation by the foundation that runs my school. I'm obligated to do 2 weeks summer camp after classes end but unfortunately the camps overlap with my sister's wedding. To muddy the waters a bit here are some additional points: 1) my wife (non-korean and non-canadian) already has her temporary residents visa for Canada, 2) It's been 3.5 years since I've been back to Canada 3) My wife has met my mother but none of the rest of my family 4) The school will pay for my round trip ticket to Canada.

I'm curious what people would do in my situation

Khyron · Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Location: Japan

Is there really even an option?

You would regret it as long as you live if you miss your sister's wedding. Why would you even consider not going?

Since it's been so long since you've been home, you might as well enjoy it and stat the whole month! That would be my choice.

ejmlab · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Location: Pohang

To be honest I'm definitely leaning towards the 1 month option but it just got sprang on me today so my head is spinning and we need to purchase our tickets tomorrow. I was caught off guard because I expected the camp dates to be the two weeks immediately following the last day of classes. We had planned to leave just a couple days before the wedding and still fulfill the camp obligation. A perfect example of the whole "best laid plans of mice and men..."

The other factor is that I have an excellent relationship with my school and I'm afraid that if I just skip the camps and take the 1 month pay cut (as per contract stipulations) that I will also be on the sh*tlist with the foundation that runs my school. I have an excellent job with incredible benefits (roundtrip ticket every year, year end bonus, in addition to severance and pension, huge apartment in an excellent neighborhood, and above average base salary).

But anyways I appreciate your input.

Cheers

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

no question: take the full 1 month. You can thank us later.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

They just sprang this on you today? Staying here is not an option. I would try to arrange a substitute out of courtesy to your employer, but don't let this stop you from going.

ejmlab · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Location: Pohang

Thanks for the advice. It seems that taking the full month is the direction we're leaning right now.

Cheers

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Take the month and go to the wedding. Explain to your boss how important family is to you (they should understand that--they are Koreans). They have known for some time that you planned on going to the wedding...thus it is their last minute scheduling that has created the conflict. Express your regret for the inconvenience your absence will cause but assure them that you will help try to find a sub for the camp.

ejmlab · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Location: Pohang

Ya-ta Boy,

I'm going to do as you've suggested and fully explain the situation one more time, offer to help find a substitute and keep everything as positive as possible. Basically, I have this morning to wrap this up because I have to go downtown to pay for the tickets sometime today. I hope everything works out. Thanks for everyone's suggestions. You've really helped to clarify the situation in a short amount of time.

Cheers