Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

I'm on my third contract with the same hagwon and have opted to end it early. I told them that I would like to end my employment with them at the same time as my apartment lease so that we can avoid the realtor process. And so, my lease and employment will end in about 50 days.

My hagwon wouldn't give me enough money for the deposit on my place so I had to pay half. I have nothing in writing (other than my bank records) showing that half of the deposit is mine. I've requested that the school return my half of the deposit early so that I can transfer the money home and not have to stay in a hotel for a weekend before I fly out. The director who can't speak English whatsoever but smiles at me kindly whenever I see him has flat out refused to do that. After years of working for him he won't do me this slight favor. It makes me a bit nervous.

The owner is a skinflint. He's old school and rich and cannot understand inflation. I've been at the academy for three contracts with no raise. None of my Korean coworkers have received raises either in all this time. But, many of us stayed because it's a low-stress place to work.

The won is losing value and I thought it was probably time to cash out, so that's what I'm trying to do. I would like to get all that I'm owed and not ruffle any feathers on my way out.

I'm wondering, are they required to give me a flight home? I've completed two contracts for them and never received a flight reimbursement. Now, as I mentioned, I'm leaving my contract early and the contract specifies that I shouldn't get the flight if I leave the contract prematurely. But, I was thinking after having already finished two contracts, they would be a bit generous in this regard... after the refusal to give me my half of the deposit early though... I'm not too hopeful. However, doesn't labor law specify they must give me a ticket after completion of at least one contract?

Next, how do I check the balance of my pension? What's the process to collect it?

Last, how much does it cost to ship suitcases home? Several years ago I did an extended vacation from Korea and sent my stuff by ship and had to use the official/standard Korea Post boxes. When they arrived back in the US, the boxes were nearly disintegrated. I'd like to avoid that situation this time around.

Any additional suggestions for making this exit a smooth one are greatly appreciated.

[Porksta]

Flights are purely contractual - what does your contract say? I would think they should pay for a flight home regardless solely because you renewed your contracts with no raises. What I think should happen and what will happen though will more than likely be different.

You can call the pension office, go into a pension office, or check the yearly letters they mail you stating your amount.

[pmwhittier]

[Fallacy]

Speaking of contracts, where is the sticky for review of those documents? What happened to the thread on posting contracts? Poof! Disappeared.

[schwa]

[Overture1928]

[chaz47]

Overture, it's just time for me to go. I can't say it any other way.

Some updates on ticket and rental deposit:
Apparently my director is being a d-bag but my manager is on my side. The manager has said I'll be reimbursed my rental deposit 4 days before my lease ends (that will be February 24th) but then they also asked me if I had bought my return ticket yet... even though they told me last week that they would give me a ticket.

Patience is the key here I think. All the negotiation is done very casually through another teacher (Korean) at the pace of a reply every other day or so. I'm glad that there is still over a month left until I leave. It gives all parties involved more time to get their ducks in a row.