Korean Job Discussion Forums

dulouz · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Uranus

The seriousness of my mothers ongoing illness is directly proportional to the snottiness of my hogwan director. My mother is becoming very ill.

Midnight runs and the like require that you not re enter/work in the country until that visa expires which means the balance of the time on your contract.

How does this work with the serious illness clause?

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 7:55 pm Post subject:

My contract stated that I had a 6-day paid holiday to run home, attend whatever funeral, cry and stuff, then get over it and come back to work. It said nothing about illnesses in the family.

If your mother is sick, and needs your help, and you want to help her, you really shouldn't get bothered by the consequences of midnight runs. You'll probably be caring for her for a while, which will nullify any desire to run back here quickly.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Food for thought-
Abusing this clause makes it that much more difficult for those who are really experiencing a death/serious illness in the family. I can think of few things more terrible than having to return home for a funeral only to have your boss not believe you because some lazy assholes had previously misused such clauses to make quick and easy exits.

I once thought of doing something similar to get out of a bad contract, and had recommended this method to others in bad situations in the past, but that was before a friend's father suddenly died while she was teaching in Korea. There are worse things than being in a crappy contract- please don't don't use this clause just to take the easy way out. Stand up for yourself and give notice.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Ditto the above....
Family comes before money. I'm not saying base yourself back over there permantly, but give her some of your time. Human contact is a wonderful healer.

gajackson1 · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 8:02 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear about that -

Contracts seem to vary a good bit; you may want to check the fine print. Most have death/illnes clauses regarding immediate family members; just take a look at yours & see what it says.

Remember that all Koreans have a VERY strong sense of familial obligation, esp. where their moms are concerned. You can always play up on that one.

Best of luck to you both, & keep us informed.

GAJ

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Hang on a second:

dulouz · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Uranus

My mom is sick, she really did have a stroke. Can't read, cannot write an address down if you tell her one over a phone. My dad can take care of her but not for long. This is border line but you'd ask, with no significant change, why leave now? Well, because I feel like it. Thats why.

Kyrei · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Gord · Joined: 25 Feb 2003

mack the knife · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: standing right behind you...

Listen to His Gordness, unless you have no intentions of coming back.

Damn shame about your mother. If I were you, I'd not be anywhere else other than by her side until she recovers.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Thanks for the clarification, and sorry to hear about your mother.
Ditto on Mack:
Do what you think is best, but it sounds like your mom could really use a visit from you regardless of how your director feels.