Korean Job Discussion Forums

[stephencreech]

Hello,

So my girlfriend and I are working at a Hagwon. We really enjoy our job and our boss. But lately, we have been pushed into a position of working more hours then we agreed upon.

Originally, we were working 3-9pm. A few months ago, they asked my girlfriend to come in at 2pm to teach a private lesson. She agreed under the terms that the girl would be starting school and would leave in March. This isn't the case, the girls time has increased and she's started school, but hasn't stopped attending.

This wouldn't be a complete annoyance, if it weren't for us having to go in early twice a week to teach Kindergarten at another school. We currently get paid 20,000won for the Kindergarten, but none for the private lessons.

We are curious if other people have encountered a similar problem and what they did to solve it.

Thanks,
Stephen

[Skyblue]

[Skippy]

What is in the contract? How many hours does the school ask for in the contract? Do they set a time for working for example no Morning classes. What does the contract say about extra hours and overtime. Some might comment that the school can demand up to 40 hours overtime.

Remember you have a job now and they can change the responsibilities for good or bad anytime. Also try just talking to the boss or school and say what you want and your worries. Maybe they might cut back.

[Oreovictim]

Being pimped out at another school? I had a school try that with me. I flat out refused and said that I didn't travel halfway around the world to work at another unknown school.

So they asked (no, told) my coworker and said, "We already deposited the money into your account. You have to work at this other school."

Remember that old saying, "Give an inch, and they'll take a mile."? Well, it definitely applies to Korea.

Back to the story, so my old coworker started working a several hours a week at this other school. The owner of that school phoned and complained to the first school about my coworker. Every hour he spent his 10 minute break (this gets bad . . . ) relaxing. NO!!!!! Apparently, he was supposed to be making copies, planning last minute things, making comments, checking attendance on his break.

I did the calculations for my coworker. The time and money he was making? Turned out to be an average of 6,000 won an hour.

Now getting back to your problem, O.P. You and your girlfriend are at the advantage. It would be horrible if one of you stopped working, but imagine how screwed that school would be if both of you stopped.

You should both call in sick one day. "Yeah, we've had to work so much lately, what with the other school and all. We just can't make it in today, sorry."

Good luck with your situation.

[Skippy]

They have an extra class TRUE it is only one student BUT if it takes place at the SCHOOL it is another CLASS. As long as the school has them under their contracted hours they have to do it. it is your job you signed for.

You may not think it is fair that you have to teach a little earlier and that the school likely pockets some good cash having them teach the girl one on one but they are the schools employee. If they had to go to the girls house or do it after hours (contracted) then yes I would be the first to say get more

As to being farmed out to the Kindergarten, well if you guys have completed the request visa requirements then you are stuck with it. But if they are farming you out and not telling immigration - say you will not work illegally and you want to follow the Korean laws.

As I said talk to the the school. Voice your complaints and hope they take them and maybe do some changes.

Also Oreovictim them both not working doing a blue flu move would be as bad as the schools saying we do not feel like paying you this month or just at 11 month saying we do not feel like you should work here - your fired. They signed a contract and till we know the details they probably stuck with doing it. It is dishonest. Quitting or threatening to - No not dishonest. Doing a fake sick day - yes.

[I-am-me]

If you have breaks during the day, the boss will say its not part of your work hour. So in fact, you still owe him time. An old hagwon trick.

[Ramen]

best to refuse extra work when asked unless they're will to show you the money.

[ssuprnova]

20K per hour? Ouch...

If this is, indeed, extra work, then you may refuse to do it, simple as that. Also, have you added the additional place of employment to your E2 visa? If you haven't, then that's your excuse -- tell them that you were not aware of the regulations, but now that you are, you don't want to break the law.

PS: Also keep in mind that you guys have the upper hand. Unless you work at a hagwon that employs a *lot* of foreigners, they probably can't afford to lose two teachers at the same time.

[West Coast Tatterdemalion]

Yeah, you have to set boundaries in Korea. You have to contest everything otherwise they will keep taking advantage of you. As one poster said, would you work extra back home for no overtime pay? Stand your ground and tell them that you won't do it.

Also, do you have any idea how much money your boss is raking in from kindy? They charge the hell out of the parents for those classes. 20,000 won is a joke. Your boss is laughing his butt to the bank on that one. He's making a lot of money off of you.