Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wheek]

Is this normal? I just moved to Daegu a couple of days ago and my supervisor mentioned that they needed to make a new key for my lock bc my boss's wasn't working right. When I asked why the school needed a key to my apartment, he just said that that was how it worked here. Is that true? If it's standard procedure, I don't want to make a big deal out of it, but frankly, I'm really uncomfortable with the idea. My life is in there; laptop, passport, camera etc., and the idea of extra keys floating around makes me a tad nervous. Can anyone tell me if this is something I should be worried about?

[Roch]

Not cool at all, dude.

[crazylemongirl]

Change the locks, but don't use a local. That way they think they have a key and you don't have to worry about them having access.

[PaperTiger]

After experiencing what it's like to have a boss that has no respect for his employees as people and has no concept of privacy, I personally would not accept that type of arrangement. If they need access to your apartment for some reason, they should call you first and ask permission. The fact that they simply said "that's the way it's done here" is not only untrue but highly suspect. Unless there's an extra room and a chance that you will have roommate in the future, there is no necessity for your employer to retain a copy of the key.

There's been many a tale of bosses who want to snoop through your things to see what kind of person you are, sniff or steal your panties (if you're female, that is), or invade your privacy in ways you wouldn't consent to. Is there a deadbolt or a way to block access when you're at home? I don't like the thought of someone entering my domicile when I'm sleeping, in the bathroom, or otherwise indisposed (it does happen) and if I was a single woman I especially wouldn't like it. Don't become an unreported crime stat, man.

You could always have a Korean friend call a locksmith and change the lock without telling your boss, if you don't feel comfortable trusting a total stranger. Just tell them there was a problem with the new lock and you didn't want to bother them with it.

[denverdeath]

Yeah, change the locks and if they say anything, tell them that's how things are done where you're from.

[ilovebdt]

My school as a key to my apartment too.
I suggest you buy a tough box that you can lock with a padlock which only you have a key to and put all your valuable and personal items in it.


That's what I do.

ilovebdt

[annabel]

I've worked for two schools since I came to Korea, first a hogwan and now a college and both had keys to my apartment.

Sometimes they need to come into my place to check the gas or hot water meters, or to spray for insects, or to check for leaks in gas or water pipes. Happens every few months to me actually... I'm glad they're taking good care of my apartment! And if anything goes missing I know who to blame and would expect them to replace it; but I've been here for two and a half years now and nothing has.

[RACETRAITOR]

[seoulsucker]

[Rteacher]

What about the obvious reason that they need an extra key in case you lose yours or pull a runner?

[seoulkitchen]

Locks and front doorknobs are ridiculously easy to change. I advise you to change them as soon as possible. Especially as you don't know who lived there before you.
My old hagwon set up some new people in a new studio. One time while they were home, she was sleeping, he was in the shower, someone came in through their locked door and stole their wallets.
Someone obviously had a key. Since it wasn't the school (they didn't have an extra key) it was most likely the former tenant.

Change it yourself. It's cheap and easy!

(If you don't know how, pm me...)

[Col.Brandon]

Yes, make sure you can deadlock or somehow bar the door so that nobody can enter while you're there. And make sure you always dead-bolt the door when you're at home, otherwise some clown will just waltz on in...

It could be your boss or just some random saleperson, or maybe someone visiting your neighbour who has the wrong house. If you don't bolt the door you may find yourself literally caught with your pants down.

A couple of years ago I had a boss who was a lovely guy, but he made two short planks look like a computer. No matter how often I told him, DON'T COME TO MY HOUSE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT AND NEVER ENTER WITHOUT KNOCKING AND WAITING!! he always just nodded and smiled and ignored me... in one ear and out the other. He walked in on my successor and found her stepping out of the bathroom buck naked. Moron.

You have been warned.

[billybrobby]

[princess]

I believe every school has an extra key to your place. Last year, my roommate pulled a runner, and that's how they got in to see he was gone. I was at work and they went in to check if he was gone because he didn't come to class. Still, I think I will chnge my locks in the future or get my own housing.

[VanIslander]

not in my lifetime: i change the locks (it's not expensive)

with 24-hour notice i'll gladly let them in

you have to set the limits you'll accept, firmly but gently, matter-of-factly, as a basic need (my place is my space)

pick and choose your battles though (this is a nonnegotiable issue with me)

haven't had any problems to date, moments of hesitancy yeah, but it's amazing what a smile and a look of determination can do

here's how to test whether they have a key: "lose" yours, or lock them in, with the windows latched, and then approach your director about it. if they want to call the locksmith then conveniently "find" a spare key in your bag and all is set