Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SOOHWA101]

How in the world can you be doing so great at your job, receiving compliments day in and day out at how you are doing wonderful. But, just when they find out that you have chosen not to re-sign, everyone starts to shun you like you haven't showered for days. I almost sense a future "situation," whereby I will have to fight for my salary, severence, and even the loads of overtime I never agreed to do in the first place.

Why can't I get a pat on the back with a "hey, good luck in your life?"

There will be no happy happy party when I leave, like when the Korean teachers leave; instead, I have become a ghost. My stress level has just peaked.

[manlyboy]

Hmmm, you need to reassure them that you don't mean any disrespect, that it's not personal and that you are concerned about leaving the place in just as good a shape as when you got there, if not better. What I would do would be to politely walk into the common room, slowly raise my fist in the air and yell, "I'm outta here, ModEdits! America, ModEdit yeah!"

[redaxe]

Tell them that the reason for not re-signing is because your parents are pressuring you to go to graduate school. That's an excuse that Koreans can respect.

[crossmr]

are you leaving Korea? If so, tell them you have to leave to take care of your parents. Tell them you didn't say it before because you felt it was a private situation or something. They'll respect that and everything will be cool.

If you're not leaving Korea well you might have to tweak that..

[PigeonFart]

They're being unprofessional.

**** 'em

[eamo]

You maybe should have made up a BS excuse for not re-signing......... E.g. I have to go home. Mom is sick....... Koreans use face-saving tactics like that all the time.

To just refuse to re-sign without a specific reason will make the office politic chatterboxes turn against you.

They shouldn't, of course. A person shouldn't have to give a reason for not staying on. But, people being what they are.....

[SOOHWA101]

Definately all good advice, especially the "America, %#$ yea.

I was very diplomatic in my approach and explained that I wanted to take a break simply because I have grown homesick. When they pressed me, I furthered my explanation that I am getting older, and it is time I go back to school to finish out an advanced degree.

Mind you, their pitch to get me to stay, to which they began the discussion, was them offering me more class hours with less pay.
I then explained it wasn't even about the money...I was happy here, boss was super cool, etc...yada yada...

It seems that my explanation, as does every explanation that I ever give in a serious conversation here, is met with deaf ears. My reasons or explanations are never listened to; in my 3.5 years here, my experience with Koreans has shown me that they only care about their needs and how I can benefit them, placing no value on my well-being. Of course, this is the majority...but not all were like that. I met some wonderful people here.

I knew that I could have absconded with zero flack, but that would have required me lying and acting like someone who was affraid to be true to themselves. I told the truth...if they use that as an excuse to cheat me or treat me like dirt, then fook'em. But, what a poor way to leave Korea.....with that being my last memory.

[bixlerscott]

[Perceptioncheck]

[crossmr]

[Jane]

You probably hurt the 'jung' between you and the workers at your school.

Remember, would they be be loyal to you if something better came along? Probably not. And vice versa, my friend.

If you must get nasty, do it. Chalk it up to cultural differences and be relieved that you are leaving people that were capable of turning on you on a dime. It is disappointing, but it's business and you are no more than an asset to them, and they an employer to you. Don't let it spoil your overall experience.

[Perceptioncheck]

[I-am-me]

Koreans are children...you didnt know that?

[Forward Observer]

[The evil penguin]

Meh.....

I've been shunned from day one.....