Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mswiftansan]

I work at a public school and I'm pretty happy with my job. My co-teacher is awsome and the kids are, for the most part pretty cool.
Unfortunately I have just learned of a new obligation. One that has absolutely nothing to do with my job. I have to sing in front of all of the other teachers, vice principal and principal. Not in a Karaoke room after a night of drinking, either. In the afternoon, instead of doing prep work for next week.
It's not a "Sing or you're fired" kind of situation, but as it's been explained to me, it's a "Sing if you don't want your life at school to be miserable" kind of situation.
Has anyone else experienced this kind of pressure? For me, this request is outrageous. I never sing, even when I've downed copious amounts of soju.
Any advice on how to take care of this situation without infuriating "he who controls my destiny", would be super appreciated!

[Ya-ta Boy]

This is a truly bizarre one. I've never come across one like this and I've been around the block a time or two.

All I can think of is to paste a smile on your face and tell the guy, "I'll drink soju or bombs with you, I'll go mountain climbing with you, I might even go to a boshintang restaurant with you, but I ain't singin. Not in front of the school. Not in a noraebang. Not in my shower. Choose some other activity and we'll discuss it. Let me know when you have another idea. Have a nice day."

[Ekuboko]

[sarahsarah]

I had to sing at my school's festival and that was in front of the whole school, some professional performers and some of the parents.

Worst part...I can't sing. I won't even pretend that I can.

It wasn't so terrible and it's just so much better when it's over. Of course I won't ever watch the video of my performance.

They'll compliment you even if you suck. I say, just do it. You won't die.

[Grotto]

Another prime example of where the waygookin just has to learn how to say no.

You will sing in front of the school next week.

No....or if you prefer....no thank you.
Stick to it and dont get angry or freak out...calmly say the magic word..NO

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Hasn't happened to me yet but I know it happened to Blunder1983 - who can sing - and he refused. I think it's pretty funny, actually. I'd do it, what the hell. I sang for the grade 1 students at my school's overnighter when they had set up a noribang in the school foyer. Queen works well. So does Yesterday, which a lot of Koreans know. Go ahead and have fun making an ass of yourself!

[bourquetheman]

Two years in a row now that I've sang at our school festival. Of course I like to sing (and yes I can sing) and I like the spotlight. I actually volunteered as no other teacher had the guts to do it. That being said, I can respect your situation and if I didn't want and felt practically forced to it would be a different story. Good luck with your decision...........

[blunder1983]

Yeah, I am always whistling or singing around school. Then my principle asked me at a dinner function. The day AFTER I refused the principle came up with a brand knew summer camp thing involving me being in school all day.

Thanks to my awesome co-teacher I managed to dodge that one. Thing is tho, after the meal every teacher who speaks English come up to me and apologised for the principles behaviour. Dunno if it was my obvious awkwardness or the request itself that prompted that response. Also the fact that most teachers arent the biggest fans of the principle probably had some bearing on it.

Say no. You arent an animal there to entertain them. Alternatively offer to do something English. A mini quiz or similar.

[mswiftansan]

Well, I kinda got out of it. I hope.
We won some evaluation thing, so the prize was a Pizza party. So I went to the party, ate pizza, clapped when others clapped and kombe'd when others kombe'd, then ducked out.
I was told by my co-teacher, who is outraged at the principals request, to just leave and not go to the singing room. After having consulted with the head teacher and head secretary she insisted that "It's so nice for you to get along with principle, but he is asking too much. I will deal with any problems" I really love her!
I really hope this doesn't backfire.....but I'm already stuck at school all winter vacation (minus 7 days holiday-YIPEE) so I don't think it could get much worse..........famous last words!

[crazylemongirl]

I was supposed to sing for my school's festival, but I hid out in the staffroom doing 'prep' work at the time. So when my time came I co uld fein an innocent 'I didn't know about it' when the time is right. Sometimes it's good to play dumb. As for the OP, like many things in Korea you can either experience a few minutes of discomfort of singing or the rest of your contract suffering from 'not being a team player.' I know which route I'd take.

[Paddycakes]

Sing the Japanese national anthem... or even better...

From the Halls of Montezuma


Then make the Koreans march on the spot while you sing it...

Gotta have your fun too.

[plattwaz]

I had to sing the other day at my school's festival -- although it wasn't a solo (I am assuming all the other people here are talking about solos?)

People run and hide when I sing. Dogs howl, mirrors shatter, and the nicest people in the world cringe both for their ears, and out of feeling sorry for the fact that so many people are in stitches laughing at me.

Anyway, I put on the stupid santa hat that I had to wear, held hands with the other teachers, and mouthed the words as enthusiastically and happily as I possibly could.

I did ponder the idea of singing in my real singing voice as loud as I possibly could, and if it was the end of my contract I would have....but I have to see these people again.

However, had there been any sense that this was a "solo act" or even a small group, my reaction would have been a little different (Like, telling the director that he can accept the fact that I won't do it, or, I can say I will, and then phone in sick that day. Whatever he prefers.....)

[khyber]

in my experience, they're standards for what they want it pretty low.
i don't MIND singing so at a dinner, i was asked.
I told 1/4 of the teachers to snap....1/4 of them to clap a certain rhythme <sp?>, 1/4 of them to stomp, and 1/4 to do bassy "oooweeoooo"s
then i only sung fo about 30 seconds....
they got distracted and proud of themselves a big round of applause and no one every asked again! :lol:
it was fun though....

no slight to anyone here but, how do the nonsingers teach the xmas songs? just play rewind plaaaaaaayyy...reeewwwiiiinnd play rewind...plaaaaaay...?

[riley]

Well, I did use a CD to help out but I also sang along. I can't sing either, but if I was singing it encouraged the kids to sing. I also picked songs that I knew I had a reasonable chance of hitting the notes.

[I_Am_Wrong]

has never happened to me...but they dont' really care about quality.

There's a saying in Korea that a man who is too scared to sing will never fall in love...