Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lioness]

I'm new to the boards (although I've been a longtime reader) and need some advice.

I have been in Korea for close to 4 months now and have decided to leave my current hagwon for too many reasons to name. Luckily, I'm here on an F4 visa which means I don't need a LOR (I'm a gyopo) and have already secured a new job (I signed the contract weeks ago). Due to the bullying, power trips, unreasonable demands, fake complaints, given the most and worst classes/schedule, working every Saturday, etc., etc. (that I've endured without complaint), I relished the moment I could screw them over by bailing without a word. The plan was originally to skip out on everyone, but I've since rethought this plan. I would like to be unemotional about this situation and leave in the best way possible. Considering my new start date is only a few weeks away, I will be leaving them with around 2 weeks to find a replacement (it states nothing about giving a notice in my contract). My main concern is that my contract requests not only for airfare to be reimbursed, but one month's salary in addition (if an employee breaks the contract early, UNLESS they are medically unable to continue). I have heard that contracts written solely in English are not considered valid under Korean law (which mine is written in English only). Also, it states that the contract is considered void if an employer breaks their agreement of providing medical coverage under the Korean Medical Insurance Union. My question to you is whether it states a time period in which an employee must be insured because I have yet to be? I became very ill with a sinus infection, throat infection, and developed a nodule on my larynx due to abusing my vocal cords when I should have been resting my voice (by teaching and working 6 days a week while extremely ill).

I was wondering if I could use that as my out, either that they didn't provide health coverage, or my illness itself. Being that it states that an employee will be dismissed of their contract if they can not continue for medical reasons, should I attempt to go that route? I provided a letter from my doctor that stated I should not even speak/teach, but if I had to, I should talk on a mic and have a humidifier in every room (which obviously didn't happen and I showed up for work anyway). The doctor even implied that most teachers would quit teaching with my condition. I am better now, but I truthfully have had a tougher time (physically) adapting to Korea than most others. I considered being honest (it actually seems like they're trying to get rid of me) and giving them the "what did you really expect?" routine, but figure that might cause further problems. Basically, I'm trying to make it so everyone is happy and I am able to start my new job in May. If I can avoid repaying my airfare and one month's salary, even better obviously. i just feel strange lying and pretending I'm leaving the country because of an illness, especially since I will continue to work in the same area.

Your serious advice in how I should go about this is much appreciated everyone! Thanks in advance for your help!

[cruisemonkey]

Get a white envelope and give a 'gift' of X manwon to your doctor in exchange for his/her little, red 'chop stamp' on a letter explaining why you are medically unable to continue employment. Problem solved.