Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

I have a dilemma and would like some input from my fellow expats. Yesterday I had an interview to teach a pretty bright 5th grader once a week. I might also teach his 3rd-grade sister in the future, and the mother said she could recommend me to other mothers. I don't work much in the afternoon, so this might prove lucrative.

Today, the wife got a text message from the kid's mother asking her to prove that we're married. I protested but begrudgingly allowed my wife to send an SMS of our marriage license. The mother texted back that she couldn't read it clearly and asked that I bring it for the first class early next week.

The mother said her husband has heard a lot of bad news regarding English teachers, and in his mind (hers, likely) proof that we're married is proof, somehow, that I'm not a miscreant.

I told the wife that on principle I'm tempted to refuse, but she complained that if I don't do it the mother will think we're liars. To that I suggested I bring the marriage paper, show it to the mother, and then tell her that as a matter of pride I won't be teaching her son. I'm seriously considering it.

What would you do?

[wylies99]

Expect questions like this if you want to teach children one-on-one.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[crossmr]

2 and 4.. show her the paper, tell her you're offended and refuse to teach her kid.

[okokok]

Yeah, definitely show her the proof and then refuse to teach.

Trust me.... it may look lucrative now, but this woman will only cause you headache after headache and it won't be worth it.

[Kurtz]

How much $$ you getting? If it's very lucrative, or if you're living on a diet of gimbap and instant noodles, and are often seen on subway stations with your hooded jacket over your head begging for change, I'd take the job.

If not, give the nice lady a look at your certificate then tell her you're not for sale.

[moosehead]

walk away, please, for your own self-respect, and explain to your wife she needs to understand it just not the way things are done in our culture; dealing with people who are so suspicious and cynical is only going to bring you grief, one way or another.

[BS.Dos.]

I wouldn't have a problem with it. For whatever reason, they've got old school values and obviously attach great significance to the constitution of marriage. If by producing your marriage certificate results in you growing in their estimation, then it may result in other 'lucrative' doors being opened for you. Placate them with the marriage certificate and whatever other conciliatory gestures it takes to win them over, then take their money off them and smile all the way to the bank.

[wylies99]

[Ya-ta Boy]

Money is never everything. Politely show her your marriage license and then walk away. There will be other opportunities.

[Michael_75]

[JongnoGuru]

[Oreovictim]

Maybe the mom is worried about immigration issues. From what I hear, the parents can get fined, too, if you're tutoring their kid on the wrong visa. If she wants to see a marriage cert. because she's really religious and wants to make sure you're not "living in sin", then I'd refuse.

[JongnoGuru]

[Scott in Incheon]

Better is to ask for proof that she can pay...ask to see her bankbook and then ask what her husband's salary is...you can't be too careful.

Exchange documents...and then refuse to teach her kids. You have been here too long for this kind of thing.