Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Freeghen]

Sorry if somthing like this has been posted before, but I am just curious.

I recently got a new employer (hagwon was sold), before I was working 6 hours straight with a 20 -25 min break and the food was provided by the employer.
My new hagwon boss has me working 6 - 7 hours a day with no lunch break. I only have 10mins between each class to do some paperwork and then run up to my apartment and grab an apple or something. By the end of the day I am hungry and exhausted.

How long do all of you get for a lunch break / dinner break? Am I entitled by law to a certain amount of time to eat after a certain number of hours worked?

Thanks.

[mavsfan5]

I teach 29 hours a week at a hagwon. I get to work at 1pm to do lesson plans and actually have classes from 2:50-9:00 with no scheduled dinner break. I do have a period off from 7:30-8:10 so I use that for dinner. If I didn't haven't have the period off, then I'd only be able to use a 10-minute break to eat. It used to be that way but our schedule changed last month, so I understand where you're coming from.

[nomad-ish]

i think they're supposed to schedule a 30 minute break for every 4 hours of work... i'm not 100% on that though.

[Gnod]

The Korean Labor Standards can be found through a sticky at the top of this forum.

Basically, if you work 4 hours or more, you are entitled to 30 minutes of break time. If you work 8 hours or more you are entitled to 1 hour. The time does not need to be consecutive. For this reason, the 10 minute "breaks" between classes are often counted as break time.

This is your time, you can not be required to check papers, or partake in any other work related functions. Break time and prep time are separate.

I'd suggest preparing several quick foods before your day starts, and have them with you throughout the day. Boiled eggs, sandwiches, nuts, and fruit can be great ways to keep your energy up.

Remember to take care of yourself. I knew a teacher who wound up on the floor vomiting on himself because of low blood pressure (brought on by too much work, stress, and not enough food). I informed the director and her only response was, "He'll probably be OK in a few minutes, don't worry." Eventually the school realized that he wasn't getting better and they took him to a hospital.

If the owners/directors don't care enough to give you time to eat, then eat during class if you have to. Use it as a conversation starter with the class.

"Teacher, why eating?"
"I'm hungry."
"Why hungry?"
"Because I'm worked like a dog."
"Teacher, dog?"
"In some eyes...Yes, in some eyes..."

[linky123]

I work 6 hours straight. 5 min breaks after each hour.