Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cubanlord]

A lot of foreigner sentiment (from what I have gathered) is that they only want to do what's in their contract and that's it. They don't want to go to the extra meetings, they don't want to help the school find another replacement; nothing.

I understand that a lot of people will stand by the thought of "it's not in my contract". Consequently, little is done which means little to no recognition of the foreign teacher. Why not be a valueable asset (besides the color of your skin or your appearance) to your school, your students, and your students' parents?

Is this type of behavior, the unwillingness to go above and beyond of what is asked of you, the same type of behavior you would enlist when working back in Canada, The United States, Australia, or whatever country you are from?

[kat2]

I am completely willing to help out my employer as long as I get the same from him. I just left a blood sucking job and I refused to do anything to help. However, I love my new job and am willing to help out here and there, go to extra meetings, whatever. Its a give and take. It all depends on my relationship with the boss.

My last job at home, I was totally willing to do anything they needed. Some weeks I was there working 60 hours. I didn't care. I loved my job and the people I worked with. The only reason i left, was that I couldn't take it living in America again.

[Mr. BlackCat]

When I started at this current job I did everything that was asked of me and even more because I like to do a good job and be that 'valuable asset' you speak of.

Then I noticed that I was doing about 3 hours of extra work every day with no compensation while others were in and out without even being asked to proof read a document. Then I noticed how 'chummy' this particular co-worker was with our boss. It didn't take long to figure it out.

There's a fine line between being easy-going and being a doormat. Once I started saying no to things I was labelled a complainer and dificult, especially by Mr. 'Close friends' with the boss. Even to this day I do much more than some others, but draw the line sometimes. Just last night after work I was told to make a lesson plan for my entire summer camp class...by this morning. Turns out half of it was for this other guy.

The thing is I'll do almost anything for my students without thanks, but don't expect me to do other people's jobs. The more you care about what you do the more some people will take advantage of that fact.

[vox]

When I think of going above and beyond, I think of gathering what you've learned about your own operation and applying it to make it better for yourself and for everyone involved. But how can that be encouraged in a culture which values working hard over working smart?

IMHO, I find a lot of popular Korean administration practices quite inefficient and wasteful, especially of other people's time. I thought it would change in the business sector, but it doesn't. It is quite common to see people do nothing for weeks on end, then furiously work day and night and not see home or the family for those precious weeks before the quarterly report is due.

I did go above and beyond a lot and even though there were measurable results and good payback and happy parents it was still received with confusion by the director/ staff, too much explaining... So I just do what is in the contract now, but not because I won't lift a finger. Quite the opposite in fact. But using one's brain is supposed to result in less hassle, not more.

Somebody once told me Koreans are just too used to doing what they are told and some can't even process it when you say anything other than yes. I didn't believe it for a long time, but eventually I learned that saying yes and then doing it your way is 99% of the time the best way to go.

As for back home in the West, when I go above and beyond in my job, I fully expect it to be recognized and compensated, and more importantly, that's what happens. In Korea, it's a big gamble, most often the director just says, 'okay that's the new watermark for what I can expect from you for the same pay.'

I think the main recurring theme is disrespect for other people's time. It's just not yours to take. You have to pay for it, or ask for it, and if it's given you better have something nice to give in return, especially if you will ask for it often. I have never seen this mistake made of any western employer.

[Dan The Chainsawman]

It depends on the school. This current school I do not give a
shit. Why should I bother to put out extra effort for a place that lies, steals and cheats me almost weekly. My new school I come to understand is much better and I think I will be much more inclined to put out extra effort.

[Hater Depot]

When I start a new job, I do anything asked of me, and more. I enjoy going the extra mile especially for my students. But if my boss or manager decides to treat me poorly or not recognize my effort... guess what, I stop. I've been lucky and had only wonderful bosses back home, but in two jobs in Korea I've had only idiots and greedheads.

[khyber]

At my hagwon it was difficult not to do things that weren't in my contract cause it seemed like every thing was in my contract.

I usually go above if the boss is fair and/or I really like (wanna keep) my job. Because i'm a sucker, this is more often than not.

But yeah, I don't like that doormat feeling, or that feelign like you're being taken advantage of. If the job isn't accomodating me at all, I won't accomodate it.

[Cerriowen]

Give and Take.

If they're treating me right, I'll do what ever it takes to help the school out.

When it comes to the kids though, I'll do what ever I can for them, regardless. What ever I put in to it I (usually) get back in positive energy.

[The Chewbacca Defense]

So far my uni has been treating me right. So if they ask a favour I have no problem doing it. They are more than willing to help me when I need them so it should be returned. I have limits and they respect that.

[ella]

Yep. That's the kind of person I am. Always have been, always will be.

[Grotto]

[TheUrbanMyth]

For once I am with the majority opinion on this. Treat me right and I will go above and beyond what the guidelines state. Treat me with disrespect or in a shabby manner and I will do the bare mimimum.


Don't be a doormat.

[Captain Corea]

I worked for a school for 3 years andgave far more than what was ever expected. After 3 years though it came to a point where the manager was making money hand over fist and not truely willing to share it (in any meaningfull way). I left and now work for myself.

Never been happier.

[RobinH]

I agree with most of the posters as well. I'm always eager to please when I first start at a new school. I want to make a good impression, among other things. But, after I've been at a school for a few years and see beyond the surface details, I am less willing to go out of my way for nothing.

If I get along well with the staff, I have absolutely no problem doing something that's not in my contract. But, if I feel like I'm getting the shaft, forget it.

The staff at my last uni was helpful, for the most part, and did a lot of things for me that I felt were not in their job descriptions. One student intern would order my cat food online for me using his Korean ID, for example. In return, I would help them out when they needed me. A huge bag of candy for the office staff helps a bunch too!

[The Chewbacca Defense]

I know it sounds lame and some will say 'WTF?'....but it never ceases to amaze me what doing small things like bringing in a cake or a small gift when one has been overseas can do for a teachers reputation.

I do it every couple of months and I have had no hardships when I request something....and for the most part they leave me alone,

So Chewie's tip of the day:

If you are having problems at work bring in a treat that everyone can share....its well worth the 15,000 won in the long run!

And it has nothing to do with 'sucking up' I just find that less Sh!t is heaped on me when i do!