Korean Job Discussion Forums

NMonk · Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Location: South Korea

Hi, I am moving to Korea from the U.K in one week and am really excited but I have a few questions.......

1) my contract includes private accomodation, what can i expect? I really have no idea!!

2) I was told smart casual wear but this is different all over the world, would smart jeans, t-shirt and sweater be o.k?

3) I have a problem, I know that come July i will need a month off as my sister is having a baby, and I will be an uncle for the first time Smile

. I would rather quit after 9 months than miss it but want to do the right thing and see out my contract, should I tell the school and hope they are nice about it or keep quiet about it? I would be happy to take the month unpaid if needs be.

If there is anyone living in Jeonju please PM me, I would love ot hear from you and maybe go for a drink or something after i get there next week.

Clockout · Joined: 23 Feb 2009

Most fathers don't take a month off for a new baby.

mayorgc · Joined: 19 Oct 2008

crescent · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: yes.

So, you've accepted a position half way around the world, leave next week, and NOW you're ironing out the questions? Yes, this will work out just fine.

mtmelton · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Chillin' in Gwangju

Maybe you should inform them of this beforehand. It would be the more professional thing to do. You shouldn't just go there and then throw that on them.

No_hite_pls · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:53 pm Post subject:

No job in America would let you take a month off because your sister is having a baby.

conbon78 · Joined: 05 Jun 2008

First, I would like to apologize for the people's responses that responded first. Life here is not that bad and I really wish people that hated it so much would just leave.

With that said...if I were you, I would inform them of the situation ahead of time (like as soon as you get here) and let them know that you will take 1 month unpaid or that you are willing to just extend your contract for that month. In fact, I would probably tell them before you get here.

I don't know anything about where you are located, but sometimes the housing is good; sometimes not - depends. I would ask for photos ahead of time and ensure that you are willing to really enter into this contract because if you are not, then you should back out now, not later.

No_hite_pls · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 6:00 pm Post subject: Re: moving here

Clockout · Joined: 23 Feb 2009

ekul · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: [Mod Edit]

Sector7G · Joined: 24 May 2008

No_hite_pls · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 6:23 pm Post subject:

If you work at very nice public school it's possible you could get 3 to 4 weeks vacation in late July to early August.

redaxe · Joined: 01 Dec 2008

Wow, you guys are all jerks!

I had made a response but I deleted it right away because if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything. But your responses are much, much worse!

To the OP: If you are working at a hagwon, you will not get a month off. You will have to do a runner. But if you do that, keep in mind that you may not get hired to teach in Korea ever again, because they will probably put your name on the blacklist.

eIn07912 · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Location: seoul

The baby thing wont go over well. If you bring it up before hand, they'll likely find a reason to cut your visa and find someone else. The law is on their side here. I'd suggest keeping it to yourself till the last possible minute. Maybe you can find someone to fill in for you for that time, schools seem to be ok with that. You may just have to pull a runner though. Be warned though, they'll likely black list you and you wont be able to find a job here again, unless you legally change you name.

The apartments for newbies are pretty standard. Basic one rooms (studio style) with minimal furnishings, most of it second hand. Maybe you'll get a TV, maybe not. But you'll be able to buy things with your first pay check that will hit anywhere from 2wks - 6wks after you arrive, depending on your schools policy.

pjmancktelow · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Location: Seoul

i agree with some of this. be positive guys there's no great need to be down. however i agree also about point 3. not very likely.

in my opinion regards the baby thing you could just quit after month 7 or 8. work your notice out and lose the severance and airfare. the alternative if the school is good and you like it and they like you. you could extend your contract early and commit to a longer period of time. and then ask for maybe 3 weeks holiday around the time. ive known 1 person do something similar anyhow. but its a really big longshot. really. you'd be looking at quitting and losing the bonus/airfare. just my opinion.