Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sketches by boz]

Hi guys,

I'm six months into my first ever Korean teaching contract at the moment and wondered what happens re severance etc if the Hagwon was to close before the end of the contract.

The situation is that back in the summer there were about 160 students at the school, and that the total has now fallen to about 135. I'm worried that, if things continue in the same vein, the school could close (of course I realise the school could get shot of me at any time anyway).

Just wondered if anyone else has been in a similar situation, I'm the only foreign teacher at the school so not only do I feel that I must somehow be at least partly responsible for it (god knows how though, I turn up and try my best every day) but nobody at the school ever tells me what is really going on!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

[OculisOrbis]

you aren't entitled to it so your employer probably won't give you anything

[sketches by boz]

Fair enough, thought that would be the case to be honest- just wondered whether the situation changes after 6 months is all.

Putting the financial issues to one side, then, has anyone been at an academy and encountered this kind of situation, how did you cope with it? I really want to see the time out and honor the contract but finding things very stressful!

[Zaria32]

Under Korean law severance pay is owed only if you complete a year's employment. It doesn't matter WHY you didn't complete a year if you don't...for example school closed, earthquake, unfairly fired etc. etc.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

You are not legally entitled to any severence. However, I would try to stay on good terms with the management and try to negotiate (firmly but nicely) a pro-rated or partial severence. The owners may prefer giving you something so that you will teach your last classes and leave on good terms rather than the hassle of fighting and poisoned morale. This may sound a little naive but this is what I did in a similar situation.