Korean Job Discussion Forums

[crlb2006]

...I just got the word moments ago. I've already paid for an expensive ticket out. Is this happening to anyone else? Is there any recourse here, or should I just go with them on this one?

any thoughts or opinions greatly appreciated

[yingwenlaoshi]

Just go anyway. Screw them. You're not their prisonner. The reverse of let's not and say we did.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

You don't need their permission.

[Xuanzang]

They can only ask us not to leave Korea. They cannot ask for your passport or bar you from leaving. Just use your ticket and go. I have plans for Chuseok and I intend to see them through. There is as much chance of catching this flu in the dirty schools we frequent every day than from anywhere else.

[crlb2006]

is there any reason to believe that I couldn't just go and come back without them knowing? if I don't catch a fever, I won't be quarentined or anything on return, right?

[Xuanzang]

Public myth says the public school is informed if we leave the country. I've no idea about the truth behind that. I'm just going to go and not say a word. If they somehow did manage to find out then apologize profusely. Always easier to apologize than seek permission. As with everything else here.

In the worst case, you might end up losing 5 sick days but no money, and have 5 bonus days off (for the quarantine period)

[pjmancktelow]

just dont put the 100% details on the health card when you come back. just write the truth but omit details to make them find you. and i write really badly so they cant read it either. ou could try that.

[Missihippi]

My Co-T said they would "write me up" because they warned me not to leave. Also, you would lose 5 vacation days for the quarantine period.

*this is of course assuming you tell them and/or are caught.

[cdninkorea]

You should assert your right to do what you want for your vacation. Two ways you can do this:
1) tell them to go make love to themselves (I'm not allowed to swear, but you get the idea)
2) go without telling them

Either way, go.

[Goon-Yang]

Tell them swine flu is in Korea. You're just as likely to get it here as anywhere else. Then say nothing to them. Go on your trip and say nothing. Even if you are infected you can always say it happened in Korea.

[Epicurus]

I'm leaving. My brass knows, (and doesn't care) and no, I don't expect any quarantine when I return. They found out about it by accident but nothing was said and I was never "warned" not to go.

First of all, the threat of being "written up" is a completely idle threat. WTF does that mean, exactly??

are they going to write you up to ATEK? or what? whom? hahaha

Second, they cannot tell you where to go or not go during vacation time. By accepting their terms you logically leave yourself open to the same threat/suggestion during your longer 2 week plus vacation during summer or winter.

the threat of taking away your 5 days vacation I would definitely reply in a hearty suggestion to copulate with oneself.

Strategically, it really depends on your longer term plans and the relationship you have with your school.

if you are being treated SUPER well in every other aspect, and you have plans on staying beyond a year, then I might consider such a request -(though I would not during summer or winter ESPECIALLY if going to a country with equal or smaller infection rates than the ROK)

I can understand a temporary one time hysteria. and might bend to it if everything else is to die for.

Otherwise? no way!

tell your teacher the same thing I told her which was - I'm taking along some kimchi with me so whatever nasty things I may catch will be immediately eradicated!

[cruisemonkey]

Document the fact you were told (I assume verbally) today - September 21st. Your ticket receipt is dated.

Don't say anything - just go. If for some reason they find out (they would have to ask Immigration) and try to tell you the quarantine period will be deducted from your sick days or holidays, refuse to accept this... and show them the date on the ticket receipt!

If you had to go to the Labor Relations Commission, I'm sure you would win... of course, then, you probably will not be re-signed.

[Manuel_the_Bandito]

Would a Korean teacher be free to leave and return sans quarantine? How would you like it if your coteacher had to miss the first week back to serve a quarantine, leaving you to teach your lessons alone plus cover hers? Perhaps you could think about showing a bit more respect to your coworkers and school.

[Juregen]

[Juregen]