Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jeni_escobar]

Well the moment of truth has arrived, and I can't say I'm completely shocked. Before I took this job I talked to my recruiter about the possibility of getting vacation when my husband has his leave from Iraq, and he said public schools are more flexible than hagwons and that I could talk to my school about it. I've been talking to my handlers (the people who negotiate between me and administration ) about it since I started 3 months ago, and they always assured me we'd work something out. Of course they understand my predicament. I have absolutely no control over when my husband gets his leave - it's now or never! I knew when I was signing the contract it was going to be a problem though... my husband is arriving later today, and I have arranged to take 1 week of unpaid leave to spend with him. For the second week, I had arranged with my "handlers" to come in for 1 class in the morning every day, and then leave early "sick" every day, so their paperwork would be ok. I didn't like that, but I understood the bind I was putting my school in. They had been really good to me so far, so I figured I'd take what I could get.

Today I was told I should go say goodbye to the principal before leaving. My primary handler went with me and he spoke to her the entire time, didn't look at me at all, kept pointing at my folder but wouldn't touch it, and otherwise displayed lots of body language that told me all was not ok in administration-land. He didn't even bother saying goodbye to me after all. While we were walking away, she explained that he wasn't happy about my plans for the second week. I had already figured that much out... Of course I understand their situation.. I signed a contract, yada yada yada, but that doesn't change the basic equasion. They are smoking crack if they think I'm going to come in to work and be the SECOND teacher in a class while my husband sits in my apartment alone, while I could be spending time with him. I explained to my co-teachers that I didn't think I would be coming in the second week after all since I would have to work more hours.... that he is here now, that this is my time with him, and that this might be the last time I ever see him alive. Of course I understand the situation the school is in.

Sooo I'm supposed to call two of my co-teachers and talk to them next week. I think I'm going to be fired, in which case I might as well skip coming to work at all. It really sucks because I love my school, and I love my co-teachers, and they've all told me what a good teacher I am, and I love my students. It really can't be helped if they're going to back me into a corner on this though. How long do you think I'll have before I need to get out of my apartment?

[Underwaterbob]

I seriously doubt you're being fired. Koreans make a huge fuss over anyone taking time off for anything short of a life-threatening illness, and even then... They take their work (or at least their attendance at work) very seriously.

and yeah, you did kind of shaft the school since it's the beginning of a new term and your students will be missing out on your teaching for a couple weeks. Your husband seriously has zero control over his leave time?

[Otherside]

Ok, let me see if I got this striaght?

You signed a contract that makes NO mention of this whatsoever, just took the recruiters word that "public schools are more flexible than hagwons". Then, school bends over backwards and gives you a week unpaid leave. Then for the second week, they say you should come in for a class and go home early. You agree to all this. Come judgement day, your principal isn't too happy with situation (which you even admit is understandable) but doesn't change his mind, just pouts. You then decide that "I didn't think I would be coming in the second week after all since I would have to work more hours..blablabla".

[prideofidaho]

Are you sure the principal isn't just expressing disapproval? Sometimes they do that and it's completely innocuous.

Also, depending on your contract (public school??), you can call in sick for 'x' amount of days without having to show a doctor's note.

Either way, I'd just see it through....kinda dumb for them to tell the P straight up that you're planning on using sick day 'time' in order to not work, could have just kept that a secret...I dunno.

[Gaber]

You're with GEPIK? You could offer to come in till lunch during week two. 90% of classes at public school are over by then (in my experince). Your husband could have a lazy morning, and then in the afternoons you could be together. Might be a viable compromise.

[jeni_escobar]

Maybe he was just pouting....

And yes, I did sign a contract, yada yada yada. But the only reason I'm here is because my husband got deployed to Iraq. Seeing my husband now while he's alive, whole, breathing, and happy is more important to me than ANY job or ANY thing. Period. I've been talking about his leave since I first arrived at the school, and no, he has absolutely no control over it.

[sineface]

Well. I say screw the school. They would think nothing of screwing you, if it came down to it, you can bet your a$$ on that. If they fire you, they fire you. And yes, it will suck, you'll have to find a new job, new place to stay, etc etc. But in the grand scheme of things, we all know that spending this time with your husband is far more important than any esl job you could lay your hands on. If it were me, and my school tried to make me feel guilty for spending 2 weeks with my husband, who's away from you for a year, in a freaking war zone, I'd quit out of principle. But that's just me.

Also...

[jeni_escobar]

I knew you'd understand. I hope they don't fire me.... but I'm willing to accept that as the consequences of my actions if they do. Because I could never live with myself if I made the wrong decision, putting money or esteem over what's really important... and I have no doubts about what the right decision *is* in this case.

[asams]

Do NOT give into the school on this. There is no reason for you to sacrifice seeing your husband for a job.

If I were you I would tell them I was going to spend time with my spouse and if they didn't like it they could shove it

Family is more important. ESL jobs are a dime a dozen

[Underwaterbob]

The "right" decision would've been to not sign the contract until you got them to include the stipulation that you'd be able to get time off for your husband's leave.

[sineface]

[quote="jeni_escobar"]I knew you'd understand. I hope they don't fire me.... but I'm willing to accept that as the consequences of my actions if they do. Because I could never live with myself if I made the wrong decision, putting money or esteem over what's really important... and I have no doubts about what the right decision *is* in this case.

Yeah, you're right. If you don't spend this time with him, you'll look back in 5 years, when Korea is a mere distant memory, and kick yourself for thinking that your loyalty to the school would be worthwhile. Because it won't be. Hell, not even 5 years, but another few months when your dying to see him and have him home, and Korea has had it's time to *beep* you over a few more times, you'll regret not spending the time with him. And hey, on a totally lighter note.....I hope you guys have an awesome time, you both deserve it.

[jeni_escobar]

[Underwaterbob]

In retrospect, I don't mean to sound like an ass. I hope you have a great time with your hubby.

[sineface]

[bobbybigfoot]

Op,

Bring your husband to work and have your handler introduce him to your boss. Have your husband be very cordial and have him thank your boss for being kind enough to give you time off. Once he puts a face to your situation, he may soften up.

Your husband could even read a sentence of thanks in Korean.

Further, your husband could sit in on one or two of your classes. This way you are still together.

Burning your bridge seems unnecessary.