Korean Job Discussion Forums

dcwm81 · Joined: 18 Sep 2007

I got fired.

Now my director wants any other school that hires me to pay him 1.4 million won to help him subsidize recruiting costs for the teacher that replaces me otherwise he won't release me. (I know the number is ridiculous.... thats not the issue here)

It was brought to my attention that if he doesn't release me, then that means he must keep paying. Any truth to this? (I know he sure wouldn't want to pay me, but it seems somewhat logical. If he hasn't released me from my contract, then I am still under my contract)

Also, can he even do this? He terminated the contract. He doesn't want me to work there anymore. But apparently I can't work anywhere else either because he's a douche bag?

Help me out here.

PGF · Joined: 27 Nov 2006

What's his reason for the firing?

Tell me how big a *beep* he is and I will help you. really. pm details.

dcwm81 · Joined: 18 Sep 2007

Its nothing major. He wanted me to do unpaid work, away from the school, that wasn't in the contract. Basically, it was a "Seminar" to sell all us white-folk to the moms. Three and a half hours of Korean on a Wednesday morning. Needless to say I didn't go. But some co-workers filled me in on how uber-lame it was.

The contract is all about me as a teacher and my duties as one. But there is part of it that says I must keep up the "higher education of the institute according to their policies and programs". Apparently doing this "seminar" was a policy and/or program in his mind. Although, the policies and programs are referring to the classroom.

I personally don't care. He is changing the way the school operates. I just re-signed and started my new contract. I didn't re-sign for all this though. Even most of the Korean staff quit. (2 out of 4)

I already have a school lined up. Just need that LOR.

PGF · Joined: 27 Nov 2006

And he fired you?

As in you are not going to work now?

What are the details?

Go to labor MONDAY

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 11:28 am Post subject:

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 11:35 am Post subject: Re: Letter of release

dcwm81 · Joined: 18 Sep 2007

Received my notice in writing Friday. He gave me 60 days notice so he can find a replacement. Last day is April 30.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 11:45 am Post subject:

How maganamus of him.

PGF · Joined: 27 Nov 2006

Adventurer · Joined: 28 Jan 2006

He has to go to labour for his 1.4 million. He could stay in the apartment. However, it may cost him some money if he has to wait a month for labour to rule. I think he should pursue him. I've been in a similar situation, and I had to take my employer to labour. She threatened me and so did her husband, and I said they go to he** basically, and that if I had to stay in their country for another year and fight them in court, I sure was going to, because they shouldn't think that they should do whatever they want to us foreigners. Anyway, he is contractually liable to pay the teacher if he doesn't release him. OP, as I said earlier you should have gone to labour even before getting fired to plan your battle. With many Koreans if you upset their sense of "honour" even though you are just going by the contract like most people in the world do, you will have to deal with this behaviour in some cases, and they will try to extort money. In the US or Canada, your boss could actually be in jail for extortion, blackmail.

PGF · Joined: 27 Nov 2006

Donkey Beer · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

If he fires you he'll have to cancel your visa. If he refuses to cancel it you should go to immigration and tell them that this douchebag fired you.

I'm not sure about the new rules but if your visa is canceled you should be able to get a new job. I went from hagwon to hagwon and was never asked to show my letter of release.

Adventurer · Joined: 28 Jan 2006

Donkey Beer · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

How is he firing you and saying he won't release you? Is he refusing to cancel your visa? Were you given a written notice of termination?

If he hasn't given proof that you're fired, I'd just chill in the apartment and refuse to leave until proof is given.

Getting fired is actually better than quitting. If he fires you the visa should be canceled.

What's the name of this school?

dcwm81 · Joined: 18 Sep 2007

I have been given a letter saying that he fired me and included my last day of teaching.

You are also right. I think getting fired is better than quitting. Especially at my school, CDI. The contract is very pro-employer, but getting fired saves me 1 million won. Quitting has a penalty of 1 million won to subsidize finding and training a new teacher.

I think any CDI teacher should keep this in mind for the future (if they haven't already)

I think my boss is very bitter because he gave me an ultimatum of "do this or quit", and I did neither. He wants his 1 million won.