Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

When you arrived in Korea did you have an escape plan? If so what was the extent of the planning?

[Gollum]

Escape from what?

War?

Bad school?

Stinky ajosshis in the subway?

What?

[J.B. Clamence]

I don't think that's something you really need to plan before coming. I mean, there's no advantage that I can see to making an escape plan before you come as opposed to making a plan here after you've decided to leave. What kind of plan can you make before coming that you can't make here?

[Son Deureo!]

I don't know if I'd exactly call it an "escape plan", but I came to Korea with enough money to buy a plane ticket back home, and knowing that friends and family back home would help me out if things went bad in Korea.

Any time you're going to start something new, I think it's always a good idea to have a fallback plan.

[kangnamdragon]

[busan_boy2000]

reading this board to much can lead to paranoia. true, things can go bad (they did for me the first time), but the hype around leaving either for a new job or on a midnight run is just that, hype. It is not hard. Your not going to North Korea after all. If things go sour it is incredibly easy to take a taxi to the airport and leave. Or if you are more responsible and adult, tell your boss that this isn�t working, he has 30 days to find a replacement, and get a new job. I think the chances are good that you will screwed in some capacity while in Korea (and you should be psychologically prepared for this), but don�t let this fear that builds up from reading all these posts get to you. It is much easier than people make it out to change a bad situation in Korea.

[busan_boy2000]

one more thing, since I didn't address the actual OP. Of course I had an escape plan, but nothing beyond a level of contingency that you enact in everyday life. So your question is a little vague � as an infinite number of scenarios could arise based upon your question.

My planning? If I understand correctly then, was to have a return ticket ready. But that is unfeasible for most people as plane tickets are expensive. Make sure you have a way to survive until you get paid or have enough money\credit to get home. Common sense really.

[rapier]

[Son Deureo!]

Funny, I've never had any luck negotiating with a hogwon boss without a solid threat in my pocket. Reason and practical alternatives never seems to be enough. Everyone has different experiences, though.

[chronicpride]

My advice, is that, if anything ever goes sour with you and your school or you and the culture, or you and anything else, post it on this forum, and you will have lots of advice on how to handle your situation.

As a token of advice to all newbs or prospective newbs, please consult with this board before you even think about running. A lot of us have been around for awhile and know the industry and culture's nuances and idiosyncracies and how to deal with them, and we can help and/or point you in the right direction.

As much as this board fuels a lot of overblown paranoia, I've seen a proportionate amount of good advice here on helping people in-country.

If you ever get in a tough spot, please post, before doing anything drastic.

[rapier]

When it comes to quite important decisions that would cause them some difficulties, you do need a solid threat. I had to quit at my first 2 hagwons before they saw things my way, and I've threatened it at my present one already (only been here 4 months). Quitting seems to be our only trump card.
However, at my last hagwon I put in a good effort at work, it was noticed, and the boss became much more easy going about granting different things: similar story here- I've earned some repect as a good and reliable employee, and my boss occasionally buys me lunch or compliments me, which is nice. He also throws any unwanted extra classes etc upon other teachers who have been known to cause problems or make a fuss...
I generally believe that if you show yourself to be a trusty and committed employee, they reward you with more leeway, understanding, and respect. its the people that arrive with a set of demands, tantrums and stresses that get sc**wed over.

[Homer]

Rapier...just curious...

[rapier]

[Homer]

Cool Rapier.

Thanks for the clarification man.

[just because]

My escape plan was to go to Japan. i knew it very well(had been there about 12 times) before I came here but it all worked out here. I even knew what city i was going to so i was prepared. Still have a Japanese bank account just in case.