Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Adventurer]

I would like to say that I have benefited from many people on Dave's ESL when I was once a newbie and even after that with the solidarity they have shown to me when I had issues, and I have, hopefully, paid that forward with some people I've known who had to confront their hagwon bosses if they were violating Korean laws and international norms. I have benefited from the help of many people on Dave's, and I do care that all of us over here have a good working environment, and I do believe in the words of John Dunne "No man is an island".

We hear of the stories of people having to confront bosses and soliciting help, let us remember that many of us have been victorious, and we should remind hagwon owners that want to break the law that we are watching them, and we will help our brothers and sisters to obtain justice. I succeeded at labor my first year over here. I managed to learn many of the ins and outs regarding the various government offices, and I made sure to pass this information on. We do have to stick together. I am thankful for all the victories my fellow ESLers have obtained.

There is a popular Jewish saying that goes like this "If I am not for myself, then who I am for? If not now, then when?"

[ttompatz]

You and me both.

I am certain that I have earned a few karma points but more to the point, I am even more certain that many newbies were not burned/shafted/screwed over because of the collective information we ALL continue to share with each other.

To use another popular quote, "What goes around, comes around."

To those newbies out there, "Please, please, please do your homework BEFORE you sign on the dotted line." There is no rush and no shortage of jobs. If your school is in a rush, there is usually a reason for it and often it is not in your favor.

There are good people here in Korea, Korean and foreign. Life here is not always a horror story and there are options if you do run into trouble.

READ your face off. READ the FAQs. READ the stickies.

Some of them are old but the information from those who have gone before is still valid and can save you a world of grief.

Know the laws of the land BEFORE you jump off the deep end and issue ultimatums to your boss. Your not in Kansas any more there Toto. If you keep the law on your side you do have options and a means to fight back. You can win.

You CAN have a great time in Korea. It is different from home but after all, isn't that one of the reasons you came here in the first place? Don't let all the negativity here hold you back. Information is good for you. It is your armor as you walk through this strange land.

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