Korean Job Discussion Forums

[juane414]

So, I realized that my Hogwan is basically disregarding my contract. Why Korea is the only modernized country that doesn't view contracts as legally binding documents is beyond me... At any rate, I was up for hours last night reading about the various dirty tactics that Hogwans use against their English teacher employees, and how they can screw you a thousand ways to Sunday, I started to wish that I had found some of that information five months ago. I'm starting to think that it was a really bad decision to come here. It seems like I'm just going to get screwed, and anything I try and do well just get me in deeper.

Is it really as bad as I think? Can anyone offer me some good new or some encouragement? Between horrible exchange rates, impending war with N. Korea, and abuse from my boss, I feel like there is no reason to stay here.

[cruisemonkey]

Cheer up! It's not all bad - there's cheap booze and cigarettes.

[PRagic]

Relax. You could just be over reacting. A lot of times, people new to the country think that Owner Kim is plotting against them at every turn. In reality, the things that are an afront to many westerners don't even pop up on the radar in the Korean phyche.

Are you getting paid on time? If yes, then count yourself fortuntate.

Are you being asked to work several additional contact hours, but not getting paid overtime? Then we're talking about something that is NOT a cultural miscommunication. However, if it makes you feel any better, they're not screwing you over because you're a foreinger, they're screwing you over simply because you work for them!

The long and short of it is that unless you provide specific information, there is no way of knowing whether or not you have legitimate gripe, or whether you're making a mountain out of a molehill.

[juane414]

Well, so far I know that I am being asked to work more hours. I will know on Monday if I will be paid overtime. I'm assuming that I will.

I'm not overly paranoid, I just have an appreciation for law and politics. I find it absurdly shocking that this country functions the way it does! Even the legal system itself seems flaky!

[nene]

[juane414]

Great advice guys. This makes me feel a little more comfortable.

[losing_touch]

Seriously, you need to take a chill pill. I would suggest Xanex. You aren't in Kansas anymore. You cannot superimpose your values on everyone around you. You cannot assume the entire world works like things do back home. Koreans are not western. The line of thought here isn't quite as linear as it would be at home. The collectivist nature of things reveals itself time and time again. This is true in Korea, China, Thailand and all of Asia. If you can't adjust, then maybe you should take a long look in the mirror. Why can thousands of other English teachers in Korea do it? Why can't you? If you have some problems, just sort them out ......

[saw6436]

don't over worry. I've been here 10 years and worked for alot of hagwons. Never been cheated or had problems with any of them. Dave's is full of negativity because people tend to post only the bad things in life. There are plenty of bad hagwons out there but there are also plenty of good ones.

Once you understand Korean history and ulture you will understand theit attitude concerning "law and order". Doesn't make it any better but at least you will understand it.

[nene]

Yeah, things are different here. I think LT is being unnecessarily harsh, but it is a real adjustment for most of us to be able to operate in this culture. Personally, I think that adjustment is really good for you. Be forewarned though, it's tough.

[losing_touch]

[dmbfan]

[losing_touch]

[cruisemonkey]

[waseige1]

[plynx]