Korean Job Discussion Forums

kahuna21 · Joined: 26 Aug 2010

It almost pains me to say it, but I've been considering making a run in the coming month.

I'm not homesick or anything like that, but the hagwon job has been getting a bit ridiculous.

The guy has lost my diploma, doesn't give healthcare, doesn't give pension, and recently, he hasn't paid people what they're due (I don't fall into this category, or I'd already be gone). Plus, my class load has yet to be below 40 and the unorganized scheduling has me onsite 12-13hrs most days.

I've witnessed a couple of other teachers - foreign and Korean - leave since I started. He's made the leave hell for all of them, which is why I've decided to jump ship after another payday.

I'm not concerned about visas or anything. This was never a career move, just a year long experience. Rather than deal with the visas and trying to find a six month contract (I'm 6 deep, and only planned for 12), I'm just going to go hang out in Europe for a while and then return home to the US.

Anyways... I've been trying to search the forums, and it's not helping. I'm preparing myself to do what will be the most irresponsible/immature thing I've ever done in concerns to employment. I feel leaving out of no where will be bad enough, but I'm considering reporting the lack of healthcare and pension before leaving to help the other folks (and future folks). Is it possible to report this guy and leave? Will an 'investigation' take place if the whistleblower isn't present? TIA

I'd like to add that I'm aware working at a place for 6 months without healthcare and pension is my own fault for not educating myself on contracts properly before flying over here. I'm hoping to help another poor uneducated soul like myself.

Hawkeye Pierce · Joined: 22 Jan 2010 Location: Uijeongbu

kahuna21 · Joined: 26 Aug 2010

Hawkeye Pierce · Joined: 22 Jan 2010 Location: Uijeongbu

With the whole facing saving business, you probably should tell him that if your diploma is not returned by a certain time, that you will consider that it was stolen and call the police. Enjoy watching him sweat and do the Korean mad rush to find it. Someone was responsible for returning it to you, and it's not your problem.

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye

Hawkeye Pierce · Joined: 22 Jan 2010 Location: Uijeongbu

iwillteachyouenglish · Joined: 07 Jul 2010

Forget the diploma you can get a new one back home easily. Sheesh, let's focus on what is important, the cash. Do you really think that new diploma will cost as much as a month's pay? Probably a 10$ fee buddy.

Complaining will just tip him off that you might be about to run and then you won't be leaving with that last paycheck.

Leon · Joined: 31 May 2010

RMNC · Joined: 21 Jul 2010

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I agree, demand it back. If they don't give it back, be prepared to call the police.

recessiontime · Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 4:40 pm Post subject:

it's just a piece of worthless paper that doesn't merit you a job back home. Forget about it. It's your own fault for giving them the real thing instead of a signed copy, just learn from it.

I'd honestly leave.

kahuna21 · Joined: 26 Aug 2010

I'm not so much worried about the last paycheck... the day just happens to fall before some vacation plans, so I might as well wait for it - it is money.

The diploma is principle. But not the main topic here... Do I need to be present to sick the labor board or another entity on the guy for his other fouls?

Thanks everyone for the diploma advice. Never thought of it as a police-able issue.

chicken_punch · Joined: 26 Aug 2010

You should wait until you get your pay, then go in and give them a one day deadline to hand it over. If not, call the police and the pension office. Be on a plane the following day knowing you made their next month or so pretty crappy.

Changwon Charlie · Joined: 22 Aug 2009 Location: Changwon

All people on here telling the OP to call the police because of his lost diploma make my laugh. The police won't do anything except maybe have a chuckle. It will be a long way at the bottom of their list of priorities.

OP sounds like a bad situation but even over lost pay the police will do nothing. Why would they do anything about a lost diploma????

War Eagle · Joined: 15 Feb 2009

Also, your employer is not required to give you pension and healthcare in a particular, but common, situation. To save a little money, some hagwons will list you as an independent contractor, rather than an employee, with the labor board. This lets them off the hook of being responsible for your pension and healthcare. But, look at your paychecks. You should only be taxed at 3% because of this.