Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wteaocb]

Hello,

I'm currently working for an adult Hagwon, and have been working here for the last 1.5 years. It's not too terrible, though the company doesn't exactly obey the law in terms of statutory paid vacation, the hours are long, and the pay is not that great.

Anyway, I've decided to leave in September, partly for personal reasons and partly because of family. My sister is going through a tough divorce and has asked for my support.

I don't trust my employer because they are a Hagwon, so I'm waiting until I get my last paycheck and leaving at the end of the vacation I am taking at the beginning of the month.

I know that I will forfeit my severance bonus, and may leave them with rent that they need to pay in an unoccupied apartment. I don't really feel good about that morally.

What's more, I'm worried about something like this creating legal problems for me, or problems getting a visa in the future. It could also ruin the only reference that I have for future employment, in Korea or back home.

I'm in urgent need of advice because I have to make a decision quickly, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance.

[YTMND]

I can't answer the poll because I am not you. Should you prefer to go or stay? This isn't a math problem with only one correct answer.

You have to decide on your own.

What would I do? That's a different question. Here is my answer.

It would depend on the money, if I needed it or not. Apparently your salary is necessary, but 1.5 of your salary (for severance) isn't. I don't know how you need to stay for your last pay but you are willing to walk away from the other 1.5 if it is not really important.

If you gave notice and did it the normal way, then you would be entitled to 2.5 before your last pay. Wouldn't you want that? If you are going to give up money, give it up in return for a letter of release if you want to come back. You can take legal action if they don't pay.

I would discuss it with the school. You could just tell them they owe 2.5 now, but if they pay 2 you will walk away saving them some money. If you wait till you get 1, then they owe less, and you will never see it.

[wteaocb]

Wait, if I pull a runner, I shouldn't get any severance pay, right?

I'm nit entirely sure I understand your post about 1.5 and 2.5 and 1... Can you clarify?

[YTMND]

[JustinC]

If you go there will be trouble
And if you stay it will be double
But you'll get severance and a good reference and no blacklist entry.

Stay, hand in your notice, act like an adult.

[wteaocb]

If I tell them that I have a family emergency, then will it make a difference? I think that is a pretty good reason for leaving.

Also, is there a blacklist? I've heard about teachers doing midnight runs quite frequently and many come back on a new E2 immediately. I wouldn't necessarily be doing that, I may need to come back to Korea to teach though...

Any more advice?

[JustinC]

[wteaocb]

It's true, she's not going to find me a new job, but she did offer to pay for my rent until I get settled.

I also kind of already agreed to move in with her. Though I made the decision without really thinking it through properly.

The job market is tough, I do have skills but I've been working outside my country for 4 years now, so I could have problems.

[YTMND]

[JustinC]

[Redfish]