Korean Job Discussion Forums

SpecialK · Joined: 25 Nov 2004

Hypothetical question to all you out there. What is the ABSOLUTE worst case of things that could happen if you were to run from a contract? For argument sake, lets say the person is in their 7th month of the contract. Just curious. Anyone have any stories?

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

depends if you want to stay teaching here or not. If you aren't planning on returning then there isn't much that the immigration people can do.

If you want to return, than immigration can make it nigh on impossible for that to happen for a number of years

SpecialK · Joined: 25 Nov 2004

Yeah, not wanting to come back. Nothing personal against anyone just wondering if there is a contract that has stipulations how much could they or would they be enforced if you went back the US or Canada or wherever after leaving or running. Thanks for your stories or opinions Smile

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Personally never heard of any repurcussions back in the home country. I don't think a 1 year teaching contract is important enoigh to chase someone half-way round the world.

Go if you have to go. But why not just give your notice and do the 30 days?

mishlert · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: On the 3rd rock from the sun

If it that bad, tell them you're quitting and that your last day will be 30 days later. Put it in writing, sign it, have them sign it, and give them a copy. Why? If they try to stiff you out of pay, or claim that not enough notice was given you have something to show the labor board.

SpecialK · Joined: 25 Nov 2004

There is nowhere in the contract that says if I give 30 days notice that would be ok. Is there some known rule that if you give 30 days no matter what your contract than it is ok? I really don't want to leave like this, but has anyone out there just felt like they can't do it anymore? I feel like I'm cracking haha must be the 6 month blues or something. I'm sure it'll pass but I was just curious if worse came to worse what would happen.

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

just tell them you're unhappy and that you want out of the contract...download the form off of efl law and put in your 30 days. You've done 7 months so you're not going to have to pay anything back. Don't do a runner...unless you're a wimp.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Yeah, don't run. Discuss things with them and see if you can come to an agreement to find them a replacement and for them to give you a release letter.

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

according to labour board, if your contract doesn't stipulate an exit clause on your behalf, you don't have to give them any notice. you can just quit. call the labour board 1350 and talk to them before you do anything. also call immigration and ask them what they think about your situation.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Also 6 months of winter greys and blahs suck your energy.

If you hogwan/school is paying you on time, not dicking around with hours and whatnot then just wait. Once spring returns things seem so much better, green, warm, flowers everywhere you go out more, have more energy and feel overall better.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Also 6 months of misssing your friends and family topped off with 3 months of winter greys and blahs suck your energy.

If you hogwan/school is paying you on time, not dicking around with hours and whatnot then just wait. Once spring returns things seem so much better, green, warm, flowers everywhere you go out more, have more energy and feel overall better.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Emu Bitter · Joined: 27 May 2004 Location: Bundang

You should have an idea after 7 months if talking to them if feasible or not. If not chances are there will be no negative consequences from doing it, in fact you should be able to come back to Korea if you want to once your contract has expired.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

They make me work saturday despite my contract being Monday - Friday. They won't let me break my contract and refuse to give me a letter of relesae. My contract does state I can break my contract with one month's notice but as we all know contracts are only as good as the Korean honoring it... Then I'd run. I'm not here for the money. I'm here for the quality of life.

ajstew · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Location: Korea

If you're just looking for a story of a runner... at my first job, a girl who started when I did made a run back to Canada without telling anyone for fear that they may tell the boss. She finished her week on a Friday and sometime over the course of the weekend, she left. Naturally she didn't come in for her Monday classes. Everything from her apartment was gone, and she sent an email to us the following month saying she was sorry, but that she couldn't stand the boss anymore. Fair enough. She didn't want to come back and teach again either.