Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kz626]

So, I won't get into detail, because we've heard it all before... Basically, I cannot stomach this job, it's causing me severe anxiety, depression, and insomnia. I had chest pains so bad earlier today I thought I was having a heart attack. Let's leave it there.

Here are the questions:

1. Do I have to pay back the airfare? The language of my contract is very conflicting; in the section dealing with Resigning, it says that if the contract is terminated before completion, I have to pay back the airfare. In the section dealing with Termination (again, there's that SAME word used for TWO meanings), it says I only have to pay back the airfare if I'm terminated BEFORE the six month mark. I don't want to give these horrible people a nickel, so I'm trying my best to suck it up and last until I get to six months... But, the more I read the contract, the more confused I am about whether or not that six month mark will save me the money.

2. In the event that quitting means I have to pay back the airfare regardless of WHEN I quit... If I refuse to give them the money, what can/will they do? After I quit, I'm going to be staying in this country because my husband is here (USAF)... but, I DO NOT intend to get another teaching job here, so keep in mind I don't want or need another teaching visa or anything.

I'm guessing their first response will be to attempt to withhold the money from my last month's paycheck... So, let's assume I read their minds, and break the contract twice by NOT giving them the 30 days' notice, and by quitting the day after I get paid on the 6th month. What can they do, legally? I'm NOT saying I want to do that- the last thing I need is some sort of law suit. I just need to know the answer to all of these questions while I'm trying to figure out how/when I can quit without causing myself too many problems (and without landing in debt at some point because my return airfare safety net is back in the principal's pocket).

I have a feeling the only way to avoid paying back the airfare is to just get myself fired somehow after the 6 month mark, but, I'd like to hear what other people have to say about the matter.

And just to give you some context, this is my first time teaching (period- not just in Korea, but, ever), so I don't have any other experiences to compare this to and no background knowledge to draw from. I just know it's been the worst four months of my entire life.

[ttompatz]

If you are covered under SOFA then just quit and walk. There is NOTHING they can do other than make threats.

A civil action to recoup the airfare or loses will cost them more than they will get back (likely nothing) - you do have protections under labor law.

Under SOFA your visa isn't dependent on their sponsorship and your housing isn't supplied by the employer.

If they are paying you on the 6th for the calendar month ending on the 31st then they already have your airfare anyway.

If you are NOT covered under SOFA then just leave the day after payday anyway but you will need a visa run (out and back) to get out from under the E2.

.

[kz626]