Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Newbie]

What would you do in my position:

F-2 Visa. Wife and kid. 6-7 more months on the ROK

Current job: Mon-Fri, actual teaching is only 4 hours a day. But with the commute, prep, homework crap I'm out of the house 2:30-10:00. (last 6 months had shorter hours, but someone just quit and we can't find a replacement). Nice place, never given any hassles. Cool American manager that I'd hate to leave high and dry. (that sounds bad -- if it were a cool Korean teacher, I'd hate to live him high and dry too)

Prospective employment: Mon-Fri, 2:00 6:00 straight teaching. 45,000 won/hour. 5 minutes drive from my home. Next to no prep. No homework. This job gives me a lot more time with kiddie and eases the pressure on my wife.

Obviously the new job is better for time and pay, but I'd feel like a real *beep* breaking out of my contract early just for the sake of money. Even if I give 4-6 weeks notice I just hate to screw my co-workers.

[The Grumpy Senator]

I have had a similar situation. I decided to stay because the school I am at has done nothing wrong. I signed a contract and therefore I should complete it. All that "word of honor" stuff.

I also have a little one at home and my day (including travel time) is 9am-8pm. I know the stress of not being home to help the wife, but what kind of example for the little one are you if you do not honor your commitments?

In the end it is your choice, I hope my post helps.

[Newbie]

[Saxiif]

Breaking the contract would be pulling a runner, giving people a month's notice and then quitting is just standard in the business world. No reason not to do it if the new job is legit.

[seoulsucker]

Never forget that YOU are providing a service for your employer. You don't owe him anything other than ample time to find a replacement. Give 'em two weeks, take the new job.

[nomad-ish]

family always comes first in my books. which do you think your daughter will appreciate more when she grows up, a father who kept his word on a contract or a father who spent a few extra hours a day with her?

that's just my opinion.

edit: obviously i voted to quit, however i would still give my employer's the proper 30days notice

[kimchi_pizza]

If your manager is cool meaning reasonable and understanding why not be straight-up with him and tell him the situation. He may have a family of his own and understand and possibly come to an agreement that will benefit the both of you. He may even give you an additional monetary motivation to stick around.

If not, I'm old school and hold contracts inviolate unless the other party reneges or an unforseeable problem comes up. It's good to see some others here feel the same.

[Joe.In.Seoul]

[stevemcgarrett]

You're a good guy, Newbie.

My motto: family comes first (unless you're an on-call doctor).

These are your child's most formative years. Whatever regrets you might have down the pike about running, you'll have more if you miss out on these fleeting days with your child. Think about it.

Give some notice and emphasize it's for family reasons, and offer to assist him in finding a replacement, at least by providing your contact info as a reliable reference for prospective employees.

Then make the break.

[Ya-ta Boy]

You said you are only staying here another 6 or 7 months, so if you move to the new job, you'll only be staying about half a year. That's not really very long. I recommend staying at your present job. I disagree with the idea that you don't owe someone to keep a promise. You said the boss has been good so far, so he's keeping his end of the deal. I think you should, too.

[isthisreally]

Give acceptable notice and leave. This is business. And with all that work your hourly rate probably isn't that good. So even though your employer is nice and everything, they are still taking advantage of you in a sense. That's just how businesses work you know? I also agree with family coming first.

[TheChickenLover]

Your family is FAR more important than any job.

I'm surprised you're even asking this one. If it was me (& this has happened to me once), I would simply pack up my stuff & leave. Life is short, make a decision & don't look back. Family is always 1st regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Chicken

[Typhoon]

Give proper notice and leave. You only owe that to your employer. You owe a lot more to your family. The 9-20 month mark for kids is amazing as they start walking, talking and being more like a real person. The transformation is amazing to see. You should be there to witness your child growing up. A job is just a job and your family should always come first. Give proper notice and be honest about the situation.

[Typhoon]

double post

[VanIslander]