Korean Job Discussion Forums

[drizzt048]

What are the rules on changing jobs with the new regulations? My boss wants to fire me 3 months before my contract ends. Will I be able to switch jobs without any hassle with a letter of release? Or will I have to leave the country?

[DongtanTony]

Always get your termination in writing...no exceptions.

The latest news I've seen is that if you've completed 75% of your contract...you may seek alternate employment, as long as you have been released from your visa and/or had your visa cancelled.

Termination letters are also considered letters of release.

Go to your local immigration office as soon as possible after obtaining that letter.

You will need current documentation...CBC (with apostille, if you are from the states, Canadians don't need it, just a valid consulate notarization...which are usually good for only six months), your diploma (same process as above), and your transcripts...you'll more than likely be subject to the health screening as well.

You should be clear for sponsorship from a new employer.

Start searching now...submit your docs ASAP upon cancellation...if I were you, I'd get my visa canceled in the a.m....travel to my new place of employment by the p.m., and start the submission process.

It should only take a few business days and you could find yourself in Japan next week.

Good luck!!

[drizzt048]

So I can't just transfer the remainder of my visa time to a new school? That's what my boss is saying I can do.

And I thought you had to go to your home country for a visa run now?

[DongtanTony]

Your visa is specific to your employer...you cannot simply "transfer" your visa.

If you have completed 75% of your contract...you're free to go.

Get that letter...termination, release, whatever...just have it state your full name...his full name...his school address...any and all personal information you can get on him (his residence number...school registration numbers...yada yada)...have your passport, ARC, and old contract on hand when you go to your immigration office.

You do not have to go back!! In fact, you're eligible to do a visa run for a new employer...provided you have full documentation (CBC with apostille, and diploma with apostille).

Your boss is either misinformed...or lying.

Supposedly...obtaining employment with public schools here in Korea is an even simpler process, with proper documentation.

Public schools will gladly welcome you with open arms...you are eligible!!!

Get that letter!!!

[DongtanTony]

The only thing you would have to go back home for is the interview.

You were hired before the new visa regs.

You have completed 75% of your current contract.

Plus, the interview is for first time teachers.

Again....get that letter!!!!

[drizzt048]

The problem is that I only want a 3 month job. I'm going to grad school in August and need to save up some money before then.

[DongtanTony]

Good luck!!

3 months...you'll need to find a "desperate" school.

You'll probably have to pay your way to Japan for the visa run.

You'll probably have to pay your way home...unless your current employer has promised you a ticket.

3 month contract...no way with a good school...you'll need to locate a desperate situation.

Transfers are not possible.

[DongtanTony]

And...I would never advocate illegal work....

However...

If you're Canadian...get the visa cancelled.

Maybe leave for a day or two...come back in on a tourist visa...

Find a desperate school...and work on your tourist regs.

Good luck.

[drizzt048]

Well, he's promised me a ticket, but he also didn't give me 30 days notice, so he's entitled to give me an extra months salary.

[DongtanTony]

Is he entitled? Or are you entitled?

Big difference.

Are you entitled...technically yes.

Are you going to waste your time fighting...brow beating...going through fruitless phone calls and debates with the labor board....

I repeat my theme...good luck.

Plenty of posters here sit on their given pedestals and pedal their "holier than thou" advice from a perched position.

Bottom line...have you negotiated your ticket?? Do you have it in your hands??

If you don't...reconsider your position...or reconsider your negotiations.

Are you the same guy I was reading about who completed a year...only to get fired 9 months into year two??

If you are...no need to go home...but you may find yourself in the precarious position of illegal employment.

If it doesn't bother you...why should it bother anyone else.

Get your ticket home...go to grad school...leave this place with as decent of memories as you can.

Good medicine.