Korean Job Discussion Forums

Knappstar · Joined: 05 Jan 2005

Hey Guys,

Just a quick rant. Also, it would be nice to hear from others who have similar experiences.

In my contract, it says that the school will "occasionally" ask for us to do something outside of school hours.

My normal teaching hours are 1:15-8:15pm. Kindergartens is from 1:15-1:50. This week, on Wednesday and Friday, I have to be at the hogwan at 9:30, and I will be occupied with useless activities until at least noon. Tomorrow (weds) is "pottery outing" with the kindergarten, and Friday is some kind of lecture which may or may not be in Korean.

My head teacher tries to put a "happy light" on it by saying "Oh, but you don't have to teach Kindergarten on these days!" First off, my Kindy kids are great..I usually ENJOY that class. Second, two days of kindy takes a total of 70 minutes of my time. This BS I have to go to tommorow and friday takes up AT LEAST a combined 5 hours of my time, and thats not even taking into consideration the fact I have to get up at 8:30 instead of 11 or so. The kicker-I have a feeling they will try to withold my overtime this week since I am "missing two kindergarten classes", and I am not getting paid a cent for the extra time I will spend doing these worthless outings.

Ain't that a b*t*h???

Your thoughts?

Andy

kprrok · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Location: KC

If they are going to "occasionally ask" you to do something, just tell them no. You can't do it. It's as easy as that.

KPRROK

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Yeah, just say you'd rather not go.

deessell · Joined: 08 Jun 2005

My interpretation of this situation is that they are asking you to come in during hours that you are not contracted for, in my book that is overtime. Overtime is paid. If you say that you want to be paid for this time, I'm sure that you will not be asked to do it again.

I'm all for doing extra things now and then, however in Korea there is the danger that you will be taken advantage of by greedy hogwan owners. School holidays are here, you find this becomes more frequent.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

While a little give and take at the old hagwon is a good thing in order to keep your relationship in a good spot, it sounds like they are taking advantage of you.

However, beware of the previous advice...how badly do you want your severance pay/airplane ticket home? The more you say no, the worse your relationship with your hagwon owner is and the more likely to be screwed over you are. Others may disagree, but just my take. I learned the hard way.

VanIslander · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 2:34 pm Post subject:

If you normally are at the workplace for 35 hours a week and are asked to be there for up to 40 hours a week now, what's the big problem?

I guess the overtime pay structure is irksome: working less overtime so getting paid less, especially in the context of having to come in earlier.

But is it worth damaging your relationship with the director? Seriously, you have to pick and choose your battles.

Bring a good book for all that time you'll have between classes. Or whatever else you do during your non-teaching time at the school.

inkoreaforgood · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Location: Inchon

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Doing the occasional favor for your boss, once a month or less is okay. Doing anything more is being taken advantage of.
When dealing with Koreans it is very important to let them know what is or is not acceptable as they are great beleivers that if you give in once you will give in all the time.