Korean Job Discussion Forums

CanadaCommando · Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Location: People's Republic of C.C.

You've got nothing to worry about by doing a runner, legally. At least so the Canadian Embassy told me. If they (being immigration) try to hold you at the airport call them I was told (or your appropriate embassy as the case may be)

If your boss is an ass, I would totally worry bout giving notice. I almost pulled a runner, felt guilty, and gave notice and got screwed outa a month then and there. Took it to labour relations, and now god knows where the complaint went.

You dont gotta run right away anyway-you have 10 days from the Termination of Employment (ie. you not showing up) to get out. Just crash at a buddies. Probably less messy to slip away right away though.

If ya dont have your alien card (which I stupidly left behind) it will cause ya a bit of hassle. Got stuck in a small room with 2 angry men from immigration grilling me till I asked to contact my embassy. So make sure ya just drop er off.

Korea Newfie · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

Kristsoy · Joined: 23 Mar 2004

i agree with mr. pink that notice of even 1 day is a really really bad idea

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

CanadaCommando wrote,
I almost pulled a runner, felt guilty, and gave notice and got screwed out a month then and there. Took it to labour relations, and now god knows where the complaint went.

Unfortunately, this happens too much.

Joerg Baruth, a pastor, said, "Koreans must treat their foreign workers humanely and improve Koreans' image before it's too late."

Baruth said, "I can't understand how the Korean government makes foreign laborers do difficult work based on Korea's economic needs while refusing to protect them." Of the countless foreign workers he has met, 60 percent have appealed to him to help with late wages. http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200403/200403290020.html

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

I'd like to to further reinforce that opinion.... if your boss is an a$$hole then forget about giving notice!

Even "nice" bosses, who seem totally honest and fair, who don't get on your case, pay you on time in full, who always seem friendly, who'll buy you dinner sometimes and ask if things are OK, if your apt. is OK etc.... may try to rip you off, to give you as little money as they can when it's time for you to go, all with a smile and a pat on the back! All under the name of "business" I guess. So definitely don't give notice to someone who is not "nice" at all!

That's my opinion and experience anyway.

They were good at this "nice" act in Taiwan too! Don't trust when it comes to your money.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

How about this...because even if a school is treating you like crap, it's hard to just run on them if you are anethical person...even if they are not ethical!

I might run, but not as a mystery disappearence. Give them "proper" notice, send it courier, even...from Incheon airport on your way out! Just write "I resign this position effective immediately."

No legal standing whatsoever, but might make those of us who have to do the right thing to sleep at night rest a little easier.

Korea Newfie · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

The Man known as The Man · Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 5:05 pm Post subject:

Don't give 30 days you will make it just as bad for the next teacher.

These pricks need to be taught running is a great way but be sure to mail a photo of you with a note extneding best wishes once your out

Don't mind Homer-he has good intentions but his being the resident apologist isn't clear to newcomers not familiar with Dave's cafe

Wishmaster · Joined: 06 Feb 2003

Never give the 30 days because they will make your life hell and cause you more stress. The midnight run is a sham. You can leave in the middle of a pleasant afternoon while your classes are about to begin. There is no secrecy involved. Nobody can force you to teach English. If your situation is that bad, leave. Always remember that you have to look after yourself first. Never sacrifice your own health for a corrupt director. Walk to the airport...no need to run.

kidcharlemagne · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

my first boss was a complete jack*ss, so i just left after work in the middle of the week. i left food in the fridge and papers and junk in the room. he was the owner of the apt, so scr*w*ing him over on his place and the job made me fee like a million bucks. i took the train down to busan and the boat to fukukua. i kept the alien registration card as a souveneir. while in japan, i got a new visa at the korean embassy and came back to seoul four days later. that was seven years ago but i doubt much has changed - or... possibly alot has changed and they'll give you hell when you come back in. but either way, just go.

Bubbliee · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Location: Kelowna, BC Canada

hereinkorea · Joined: 28 Mar 2004

Well if there's nothing to the whole 'running' process, why do I hear so many horror stories of people getting stopped in Immigration or something and not being able to leave for some reason? Is there any truth to it or is that a load of crap?

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

[quote="Barking Mad Lord Snapcase"]If you can trust your boss,

Barking Mad Lord Snapcase · Joined: 04 Nov 2003

[quote="Grotto"]

ryleeys · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, MD

Out of curiousity. I was paid on Friday (so the last payday was real real recent). On Tuesday, I plan to make a vacation demand (one straight week off when my father visits)... this will be the first request I have made since I've been here. Basically, if she lets me take the vacation, I'm cool. But if not, I'm outta here.

If I just put everything I own in a bag, can I go stay with a friend in Suwon for a week while trying to find a cheaper plane ticket? Or do I need to pay $2000 and get on the first plane out of here?