Korean Job Discussion Forums

Aelric · Joined: 02 Mar 2009

Basically what it says on the tin. When my renewal comes up with EPIK in October, I want to stay in the same school, since I realize I've lucked out with my co-teacher/handler and VP this semester and they will be there next year as well. What I'm worried about is that I may not get severance for this year if I don't actually leave the school. I checked my standard EPIK contract and can't seem to find an answer, and I don't want to ask the VP unless I have to since that would probably be bad form only half way into the contract. Has anyone stayed at the same school on an EPIK contract? Did you get a severance bonus for the first year? If not, was your next year a double bonus or were you just screwed out of a year?

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

You'll get the severance bonus. However, for me they usually take their merry time to give me the money, like a month or 2 later. I just kept on gently reminding my ct until he/she got around to bothering the administration girls in the school office.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:58 pm Post subject:

You should get your severance either on your last payday (I did) or on the last day of your contract.

Aelric · Joined: 02 Mar 2009

I guess to add to this question is how likely is it to stay at the same school upon renewal? I seem to be well liked by the teachers and students, but I know that some school prefer to keep turnover high. Was it difficult to convince the VP to let you stay or was it as easy as just asking?

Straphanger · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Chilgok, Korea

When I signed my second contract with my hakwon, I was told I will be paid my severance from the first contract two days after that first contract ends. It just so happens that's payday. In fact, until I asked (10 months in) when payday was, I didn't actually know what day I was getting paid every month.

I don't have to wait weeks or hassle anyone. It's a great place to work. All I have to do is keep enrollment up, and it is.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

LarrytheGiraffee · Joined: 12 Feb 2006

If you are at a Public School, let them know in advance that even though you are re-signing you would like your severence at the end of this contract. Severence is something that is technically paid when you actually leave a job but by law we have the right to collect it at the end of each year. At my school, I have to fill out a form each year if I want it paid at the end of the contract. It only takes a moment to fill it out.

There is no reason why you should have to change schools.

timetotravel · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: korea

i work for EPIK and i renewed last year.
i stayed with the same school, i just told them i wanted to stay and it was never an issue....
also i got my severance on the actual day it was owed to me....
but i did have to ask about it, if you let them know you are aware of what you are owed and are expecting it I dont think there will be a problem!!

broken76 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008

The regulation on severance is that you receive it after the end of your term of employment as long as it was over a year. So if you stay at the same school for 2 years you will get 2 years full severance at the end of the 2nd year. Even if you don't complete the second year you are supposed to get the full first year severance as well as a prorated severance for the 2nd year. Severance needs to be paid within 2 weeks of your last day of work but most schools will pay on the last day of work or the day after. If there are any problems collecting severance the labor board is a great place to go to help grease the axles.