Korean Job Discussion Forums

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I have 25 vacation days to use this winter. My winter camp is finished January 23rd.

I planned on take my vacation starting that monday(Jan. 26), all the way to Feb. 28th. I haven't been home in a while, so I was going to spend over a month at home.

After my school approved the vacation, I bought the plane tickets. The plane tickets were bought on a Korean discount website, and there are no refunds. Now they come back and say, "School is in session the beginning of February. You can't use your vacation those days."

I told them that I already bought the ticket that is nonrefundable, and they said, "You worked public school last year. You should've known already there was classes those couple weeks in February."

What should I do to get those days off? As a last resort, I guess I could just use my sick days, but the school will know the reason isn't because I'm sick.

icnelly · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

THEY approved the vacation: hold them to it. 2 weeks isn't that big of a deal, and they can make any concession they want.

woodstock · Joined: 15 Feb 2007

You're entitled to your holiday time as stipulated in your contract. The very same contract they trott out when they want you to work supplemental classes during winter and summer breaks; or help with editing/rewrites for their English newspaper. In my first year in PS I had my holiday schedules dictated to me by my school. My vacation time was disjointed and I ended up losing one full day of my holidays while trying to be accomadating. No more Mr. Nice guy. I book my time in advance. Secure the appropriate approvals and then buy my ticket. You were given their approval and it seems like your using your allowed holiday time. Pack your bags and have a great time. To allow them to save face give them the option of refunding your ticket in full. They won't and you'll be off.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

Well I would tell them your going and if they dont like it they can fire you. Or if they dont let you, you'll quit. Its mass communication problems like these that make this country hard at times. Just be calm and tell the VP/Principal that it was approved in your opinion as told by you. If they dont understand, do the above.

Offer to use your sick days but I doubt that'll shake them. You can always get another job in Korea.

kiwiliz · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Location: New Zealand

Ask them in reality how many english classes there will be, in my schools I think there is actually only one English class in that time.

If it is only a couple I am sure you can point that out to your Pricipal and ask him to be kind..considerate,,,realistic...or bribe him with duty free whiskey!@

sojourner1 · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject:

You might look for a new job. Talk to your coordinator and go up on the vacation issue and even seek a transfer. Teachers do put in for transfers, especially to larger towns or cities and so can you.

To my understanding, no PS has classes in February, except for a couple days graduation ceremonies in the second week, but teachers come in the last 2 weeks to get ready for the new School year which begins on March 2nd. There're just being hard asses to you, because there's something wrong in your relationship with them.

icnelly · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

Dharma_Blue · Joined: 11 Oct 2008

PKang aren't you leaving that school anyway? Who cares? Just stick by your guns, say you had already been given the impression it was approved, and that's that.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

Funny, I was told to be back by the 4th of Feb, but I've no idea why. Last year, semester 1 didn't start until March 3rd, which meant I had the whole of February off. Anyone any idea why they're asking us to come back for the start of Feb? I'm guessing it's just a ploy to get get me back at my desk.

JJJ · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Location: Seoul

You and I AND the school, all know there are no "lessons" per se. Just some games, videos, babysitting during that time in February.

If they want to pay for the ticket change, then fine, keep them happy. If not, I say to you, have a great holiday. Sounds like you'll need it.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I got everything worked out. Had a meeting with the Vice Principal.

I explained my situation, and my VP turns to my Coteacher and asks her, "If you can cover for pkang0202 and don't mind him taking his vacation these days, I don't see anything wrong with it."

About now I'm thinking that if my coteacher wanted to really screw me over, she could do it at this moment.

My coteacher says its not a problem and says I don't have to come those days.

The VP says she approves and everything is cool...... for now.

Looks like I got over the first hurdle, but I'm not optimistic. I'm just waiting until the day before my vacation starts and the school pulls some crap like, "Oh, we just heard from the education office and they won't allow native teachers to take off. Its in your contract that says you can't take vacation on days school is open."

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

timetotravel · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: korea

this happened to me in august. the co teacher told me the VP and P approved it and then turned around and said the days didnt work and i couldnt miss class time....well i just told them it was too late, the flight was booked and i couldnt change it.
they were pissed but i went and missed two weeks of school and that was that. when i came back tons of teachers complained and said it wasnt fair i got more vacation time then they did and that they didnt want to pay taxes anymore because some of it went to my salary which i got for not working....tons of ridiculous reasons to be mad.....
but they go over it.....
just tell them you cant and your ct told you it was approved and thats who you trust when it comes to such issues.....