Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Spixe]

Just like topic says, I need to leave Korea due to family problems. I'm only halfway through a year long contract. I'll need every cent I can muster for the trip home, etc, but I think the contract states that they can not pay me a months salary if I break the contract, or something like that. Is there anything I can do? I know I can wait until my last paycheck and just "run" but I don't want to be a *beep* and leave them hanging, they already had that happen twice on them by two Americans, and they were scared to hire me because I'm an America, but I promised them I won't run. So is there anything I can do to not get pay taken away for breaking the contract?

[ttompatz]

[jrwhite82]

If it is something like a family emergency I would say to give proper (30 day) written notice. Especially if the school and the owner has been kind to you.

If they are constantly screwing you over then just run after payday.

[oldfatfarang]

[lifeinkorea]

If you really need 1 month's salary, I wonder how you will survive back home.

Also, if you have been in Korea since 2008 (as indicated in your profile) you have some pension money collected (should have).

Check with the pension office.

[jrwhite82]

Furthermore, check your contract. They are not allowed to withhold pay if you worked for it. They can only withhold pay to pay for your incoming flight ticket if it is stated in the contract. Or if it says you will pay for a recruiter to find a replacement. Try to post your contract on the review thread and explain your situation and I will review it today.

[Spixe]

This is a University. Not a hagwon. However, I'm not in a professor position either, I'm just an "english lecturer", normal e2 visa.

The boss isn't smart, but he's not mean either. They aren't really cheating us, not that I can tell. He is a tight ass though, so he's not going to be happy about it. They already had 2 americans run on them, and were very hesitant to hire another one. I promised I wouldn't run. I know it sounds weird, but I want to keep that promise, not just for my sake, but for the sake of any Americans after me, I don't want them to be discriminated against, which was already happening when I came. I've been correcting this image, but me running will only reinforce it.

But I think in the contract it does state I have to pay money, or get it deducted from paycheck, if I quit under contract. I assume a University contract is no different from a hagwon? So aside from pulling a runner, do I have any options in getting my full pay? Any excuses that could void the contract or something?

[jrwhite82]

First things first, check your contract. What DOES it say? It doesn't matter what you THINK it says.

[Spixe]

[ttompatz]

Ya, it is an illegal clause for a labor contract under the labor standards act.

Your choices are:

a) to take the time to fight it (months) - you cannot contract to break the law and punitive clauses are illegal under the labor standards act.

b) kiss the money goodbye

c) pull a runner.

Pick one.

.

[cyui]

Find a replacement. I am sure most people on this board would be happy to take that job.

[southernman]

[CentralCali]

Right. Two Americans pulled a runner and, instead of addressing the (mis)management issues, the boss is concerned that yet another American will do so as, clearly, it's the nationality of the employee that's the problem.

[toonchoon]

this is like asking "when is it appropriate to quit a job"

when you feel like you don't want to work there. you really had to ask?