Korean Job Discussion Forums

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

So basically I arrived to school today and everyone was in a hurry. I find out last minute that there's a commencement today to close the year and that's why everyone is dressed up. Nobody told me so I'm in my casual dress and really uncomfortable. I was told all classes were cancelled and that I was to sit here all day.

So this thing is about to begin and the room is almost empty. I ask my coteacher if I'm supposed to go and she shrugs her shoulders and says if you want. Well my American ego is on a trip because I was not told in advance and was not invited. So i'm opting out. Especially because I'm not in my suit. Well when the Vice Principal was leaving he just kind of looked at me in a funny way and now I think he's ticked or maybe thinks I'm rude. When in reality he probably has no idea that I didn't even know of this damn thing.

The graduation itself was 2 days ago and I wasnt even invited to that or to the school dinner that took place. They did give me the day off. But things like this I'm never told of. They didnt even let me go on the school trip. So WTF is up?

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

They rarely tell me what's going on this time of year either. I end up finding out through the students. They do invite me to the school dinners though. I went in to my second school yesterday to find out I didn't have to go in to my second school yesterday, or until March it turns out. Yay extended vacation!

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

Yah I work at 4 schools and had that kind of happen to me also.

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

OK so the VP just walked in and invited me out for raw fish with the school.... in about 15 mintues! Very Happy

YAY I'm loved... Confused

Synn057 · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 7:56 pm Post subject:

Clearly your boss reads this forum and you have just caused him to lose face..... Very Happy

Now enjoy your fish!

__Synn

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

One minute you are loved the next you are hated. It's all very changable.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

That's why I only want to work at one school (well, two - a combined middle and high school). Yesterday was graduation and even though the students mostly all run off afterwards to have their food fights I wouldn't have missed it for much.

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

Congratulations you have just experienced the Korean Condition.

That wonderful moment when you have not been told something important or told five minutes and 20 days too late to do something.

Of course they will be surprise that you where not told. And disappointment that you did not know.

Remember you are supposed to be a Mind Reading, Fluent in Korean, Know all about English Grammar and Teaching, ready at a moments notice Waygook. Of course for those times you are not supposed to understand them when they want to talk about you in front of you. Or you should not know stuff like what is on your contract? Or correct your bosses or co-teacher English grammar and embarrass them.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

I would love to be ignored and not have to do all that crap that you're sorry you're missing.

You can't get your fish cooked? You MUST eat raw fish? I supposed they'll tell you where to sit and when to wipe your mouth as well.

buymybook · Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Location: Telluride

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

Here are my two patented solutions to the dilemma posed in the OP:

1. Always keep a necktie in your desk at your school(s).
2. Obtain a copy of the schedule at the beginning of the school year. Special days, such as graduation and field trips, are already highlighted on that schedule.

The "food fights" are when the students who graduated chuck flour at each other. I guess it's because it looks like chalk dust and shows they're free from that for a few weeks.

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

DEAR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS:

ASK QUESTIONS!!!

ASK
ASK
ASK
ASK

OTHERWISE YOU'LL BE LEFT IN THE DARK.

I'M LUCKY BUT, LIKELY, YOU'RE SCHOOL IS SHITE!

aboxofchocolates · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Location: on your mind

Sounds like your co-teacher dropped the ball and you are experiencing the fallout. There's really nothing you can do if your co-teacher doesn't think to inform you about stuff, and she's not about to tell the vice principal that you aren't participating because she forgot to tell you about an important school event. Don't worry about it too much, it's just one of those things that comes with being pretty much completely dependent on someone who doesn't do their job. Try to participate as much as possible in everything- noone is going to know why you're miffed, but if you've got a thousand watt grin on your face in all their pictures they might overlook your casual attire. Especially if you can get your co-teacher to explain you didn't know about the event on the spot! Always try to be more genial than your co-teacher, because they will always be more comprehensible than you.

freshking · Joined: 07 Dec 2006

Just go home 4 a bit and get yourself sorted. Koreans have misunderstandings amongst themselves all the time about these sort of things. They don't bother to prepare for anything unfortunately. I think it's kind of fun really.

GreenlightmeansGO · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Location: Daegu