Korean Job Discussion Forums

darren0946uk · Joined: 29 May 2007

Hi all,

I need some advice about leaving early this week, during winter camp.
Let me tell my about my situation.

Well I have been with my public school for two years (gpik) and I am aware of how we have to desk warm till 4:40pm, even when my camp finishes at 12:10 and my co- teacher leaves. Plus I seem to be the only teacher here in the afternoon.( yes my little rant)
I am aware this is the general rule for most who work for a public school. However my wife is now three months pregnant and is alone and having a hard time with sickness.She will be leaving Korea this Saturday so her family can look after her. So I am only asking for this week to leave early. Yet I'm not sure if its worth asking as We all know a rule is a rule in Korea. Just asking if this may be a fair request, or should i not even bother.
Would love to hear your comments on this.
Thank You so much

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

Well, you are allowed to leave early if you want to use vacation time.

If your school renewed you, they probably like you well enough. What I would do, is go to your VP and tell them the situation. Tell them that all your camps are ready to go. You have planned out everything, printed everything, etc. Then ask them if it would be ok to go home to take care of your PREGNANT wife.

If they say no:

If you want to leave 3 hours early every day add it up and take a day or two of your vacation. You will get 3 days (I think) of extra time off for paternity leave. Maybe you can use this time towards that. It's in the contract.

Edit - Congrats!

jonpurdy · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Location: Ulsan

You're probably liked at your school if it's your third year there. Just tell them the situation and ask.

I have camps this week until 2pm and leave shortly after that. I just pop into the office and say goodbye and they've never told me to stay. It's been like that for every school camp I've done (2.5 years now).

Alternatively, if no one else is there just leave.

earthquakez · Joined: 10 Nov 2010

Do you get along well with the Korean English co ordinator? If so take it up with him/her and they will go along with you to make the request to the Principal or Vice Principal.

This is not wanting to go home and laze around - you've got a wife who needs you. If you've got a good English co ordinator or failing that a good English co teacher who is relatively senior then, ask them to take up the matter with the Principal or VP and go with you. Congrats, is your wife Korean?