Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mswiftansan]

I was told at the beginning of my contract that if I had a sick day I would have to produce a doctors note. So after an awful experience with food poisoning, I called in sick yesterday. I didn't go to the hospital, though. One, I felt like crap. Two, I was tired. Leading to three, I was too bitchy to deal with the possibility of no one understanding me as I tried to explain that I had food poisoning, therefore, four, I didn't need the hospital just sleep cause I was one and two!
Anyway, now my co-teacher tells me I need a doctors note, but today I feel fine.
Any advice on what I might say at the hospital to get a note for a sickness I'm over? Korean phrases would be helpful also, as I'm living in the sticks and am fearful the staff might speak limited Korea.
I haven't had such a hard time taking a sick day since I was in junior high school!

[laogaiguk]

I can't help with this, but for future reference...
When you get sick like that, ask one of your coworkers to come and help you to the hospital as you can't go by yourself. Also tell them you don't really think you need to go, but maybe you should No doctor's note needed after they tell you just to stay home.

[Real Reality]

It sometimes seems impossible to get sick days in most Korean workplaces.

Well, here is an article excerpt for you.

15 Excuses for Calling in Sick
The art of playing hooky
CareerBuilder.com recently took a look at employees who call in sick with bogus excuses. Forty-three percent of workers said they called in sick when they felt well at least once during the last year, up from 35 percent in the 2004 survey. Thirty-eight percent of workers said they viewed sick days as equivalent to vacation days
By Rosemary Haefner, Senior Career Adviser for CareerBuilder.com
MSN Careers
http://www.careerbuilder.com/Custom/MSN/CareerAdvice/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=671

[jacl]

In a lot of cases, they're called personal days. You can take them whether you're sick or not.

[jacl]

A doctor's note is ridiculous for one or two days. Three or more days is understandable.

[schwa]

Most doctors here, especially younger ones, will understand simple spoken english. I'd guess too most any would take you at your word & jot down a note for your boss, gratis.