Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nicwr2002]

My friend just started working at a hagwon a month or so ago. The other day the doctor told her that she has pneumonia and that she needs to get some rest. Well, the kindergarten she works at won't let her take any days off since there is no one to cover for her. Furthermore, they only give her about 10 minutes to each lunch on a 10am to 630pm job with no breaks in between classes either. She really needs to have a day or two to rest to recover. Is there any option for her since she hasn't worked 6 months yet other than a midnight run?

[Rutherford]

Does your friend have health insurance? If so she might consider checking herself into a hospital. Pneumonia is no joke and Koreans check themselves in for problems much less serious and the boss is less likely to argue with it.

If that's not an option for some reason just call the boss' bluff and stay home for a couple days. The boss will probably fume and eventually get over it. If you get fired for taking a few sick days they were probably planning on firing you anyway.

[Dodge7]

lol at hagwons being equal to that of slave labor. Tell your friend to stay in the hospital and never mind what the director says. Also tell her to shove the contract in his face if he doesn't like it.

I don't get it, if these hagwon owners don't want you taking sick days, then why do they list them in the contract?!

[nicwr2002]

Thanks, I'll give her the heads up on that. I told her she might want to just stay in the hospital for a couple of days.

[Rutherford]

Does your friend have a doctor who speaks English well or a non-coworker friend who can translate? Hospitals sometimes give too much information to nosy hogwan directors. I would explain the situation to her doctor so they will give you a letter saying hospitalization is necessary and not assume her school is a trusted emergency contact.

[nicwr2002]

Okay, I will let her know about getting a doctor's note, thanks!

[nimrand]

[Skippy]