Korean Job Discussion Forums

[aweitzm1]

Has anyone ever had to go home during their contract period for a special occassion? My sister just got engaged and wants to get married early next year. It will break both our hearts if I cannot attend the wedding.

How respective are Korean Employers to letting you go home for a wedding? I am just starting my contract next week and I do not know how I should approach the subject of needing to have a week off. I am thinking of waiting a while to tell them and see how the job goes.

I am just wondering how others have handled similar situations.

[mogbert]

Back in 2006, my school allowed me to go to Switzerland for two weeks for my brother's wedding. My situation was different than yours though. I was starting my second contract with them. It was during Chuseok or exams (I forgot which) so it was really only 1 week of classes off. And I offered to go without pay if that's what it took. My Co-t, P, VP and the POE discussed it and allowed me to go. I had a really good school!

[ThingsComeAround]

I had a buddy of mine make the case that he had to go home for his sister's wedding in Mexico. Lucky for him, he had a good relationship with the admin- but he had to take unpaid leave in order for them to allow it.

[cincynate]

They are going to wonder why you waited to tell them. They will surely assume that you knew about this earlier. However, this is the typical Korean Motif, to wait until the last minute... so I don't think it will be a problem. Just calmly explain to them that you have to return home for your sister's wedding and you will gladly take the week unpaid. I've found if you ask for things, you rarely get them.. If you just tell Koreans what you are doing, they usually just go along with you.

[AsiaESLbound]

How could you tell them in advance of a parent passing on? Yes, I know. I know. It's lying, but liars seem to get more out of a business situation.

[aweitzm1]