Korean Job Discussion Forums

ingroup_vice · Joined: 23 May 2009 Location: Kangnam

I'm sure this has been done before, but I didn't find much recent information through the search function. Any related stories or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

My first job in Korea didn't turn out so hot unfortunately. I was happy with my life there outside of work, but the company was not behaving in a way I could tolerate-- not honoring the contract, breaking labor laws, you can imagine.

I wanted to leave notice, but a Kyopo colleague told be I would be screwed royally if I did so. She recommended that I just go, and so that's what I did. For those who are anti-runners, I'll mention that my leaving did not affect students and I owe my boss no money. Actually I let them keep a weeks salary in case I owed anything I wasn't aware of.

So, now I may consider returning to Korea, but I know the past job isn't something I want to have as a reference. Can I just leave it off the resume? Or will prospective employers eventually find out that I previously had a Korean visa?

Nexus11 · Joined: 29 Nov 2006

You can just leave it off of your resume. However, you can only return if your previous visa has expired OR you got a letter of release from your previous employer.

When/if you return, please do a better job researching your job. If you fail to adequately do this, take your lumps and give proper notice.

Olivencia · Joined: 08 Mar 2009

There are times though you can do all the research you can and the higher-ups may turn on you for whatever stupid reason....you looked at them the wrong way...you grimaced once etc etc. This is Korea where teachers are treated and looked upon as garbage. If you need to do a runner again just do it. No regrets.

Nexus11 · Joined: 29 Nov 2006

If they "turn on you for grimacing" then give 30 days notice and leave. If you don't agree, then insist on a contract that allows you to quit without giving notice.

Olivencia · Joined: 08 Mar 2009

If you insist on asking for a contract without giving notice they will simply hire someone else.
Just leave....whenever you want to. This is Korea. It doesn't matter - just like you don't really matter to them.
Thems the facts.

Freeghen · Joined: 01 Oct 2009

If it is was a horrific situation and you just couldn't handle it, then do a runner. Otherwise, you should have just given 30 days and left.

I recently gave 30 days, and it is the longest 30 days of my life - let me tell you. But I feel slightly better knowing that there can be almost no repercussions if i ever decided to come back (probably won't).

I really really considered doing a runner, like you, I was treated badly and my employer has not been following my contract (I could go on forever about everything but won't) - but I called the labor board to file a complaint and ask what my options were - they strongly recommended 30 days or your employer can file a lawsuit against you for breach of contract and probably a bunch of other crap - chances are this will not happen, but it is a poosibily. And guess who is the losing side in this situation??? - You!
A weigook can't win here - ever.

Sadebugo1 · Joined: 11 May 2003

vegetable · Joined: 03 Sep 2003

In my first job someone ran and left notes for most of the teachers that he was he doing so.

That being said he did leave us in a predicament as we were left to cover his classes.

I know people run when the situation is impossible.

I worked for a school that fired me with only 3 weeks left in my contract and only ten days notice. I got a notice in writing and went to the labour board in Seoul. They obviously did this so as not to pay me my severance pay.

Up until that time there were few problems with the school.

The labour board was full of complaints from labourers and they didn't give much concern to a foreigner who was making 2.5 million a month with housing.

Regardles, I was left without a job after having been offered a contract renewal for 6 months. As a foreigner too despite high wages there is not the family and cultural support that is a silent, yet, significant factor back in one's own country.

They scheduled a meeting to discuss this with me and I accepted their offer although not immediately. At the meeting they informed me of some bad news which was that the owner had told them that I was to befired. They cited some vague issues none of which had to do with job performance or contract violations. I had steered clear of getting too involved with them personally although I was friendly in the office with co-teachers. I was the only foreigner working there.

I didn't pursue the issue with the labour board too much as I had to find another job and a place.

In retrospect, I could have pursued the whole thing more agressively but was reluctant to based on discussions with other teachers and for fear of being labelled a disruptive foreign teacher in the eyes of the community.

I had worked at another hagwon prior to that and had had no problems whatsoever. Completed my contract and was even awarded a teacher-of-the-month.