Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cerriowen]

I need help and advice about what to do with a really hellish situation I've found myself in.

The problem I'm facing is the fact that my boss is being a complete jerk to me. When I signed up, I asked them for specific agreements in the contract. They readily agreed to it... but when I got here they presented me with a contract that was not what we'd agreed to. I insisted that they change it. Then I found out that while on paper it's been changed, it really hasn't. My major complaint is that when I was recruited they *told* me I was teaching Kindergarten and very young elementary school students. I chose the school because of that. Half of the day I'm teaching older elementary and middle school students. I don't know why, but I just can't teach older students. I've never been able to click with them. Young kids I can teach all day. I thrive on that level of energy and enthusiasm. I can't stand the sullen, belligerent pre-pubescent teen attitude.

They keep making me promises, then casually blow it off or just blatantly lie to me. Then when I very humbly come to them and explain that I have a problem and would like to talk about it, they get angry and start threatening me with legal action. I was very demure and mild mannered asking for their help (as I was advised to do by other foreigners). They've evolved to the point of actually making things difficult for me. I needed to visit a specialist doctor (a psychiatrist to refill an antidepressant prescription) and they just kept shrugging it off and saying "we cannot help you, go back to work." I contacted my recruiter who gave me the same line. They are angry that I am unhappy with the placement.

I went to some of the other foreigners here and found someone who is on a similar prescription. I have to travel 1.5 hours by subway to a clinic they know of, even though I *know* there are dozens of clinics in my area. I just can't read the signs or call around.

I told them at the beginning of June that I would like to find another placement because this one isn't working out for me. Initially they said that they were fine with it, and I could give them 30 days written notice. Which I did. Then they said I couldn't go at the end of June, but the end of July... or August. I agreed to stay through the end of July so they could find another teacher if they would be willing to sign something saying I can leave, without any penalties. They said they'd sign it if I'd stay... but now they are stalling.

OK so coming around to my question:

I want out of this contract. Now. I'd be willing to stay through July if I know they'll actually let me go, but I don't think that's the case.

How hard is it to get out of this contract if I think they've violated it? How do I do it? Who do I go to for help if my recruiter isn't being helpful?

Should I start looking for other jobs in China or Japan and just forget about working in Korea?

[Yu_Bum_suk]

The recruiter won't be any help - this should not come as a surprise.

If you want to work in Korea again you'll need a letter of release to get your visa cancelled. Securing this may be your biggest problem. I had to be a hell of an asshole to get mine and from the tone of your writing you don't sound like nearly the asshole I can be.

Looking for work in China or Japan may be a good option. Are your foreign and Korea co-workers no help at all?

[Paddycakes]

Is everything else good except for the fact that you have to teach older kids for half the day?

Do they pay you on-time?

Hogwan owners who lie... that's just par for the course in Korea.

If the older kids is your only real issue, you might just want to consider sucking it up and waiting for your contract to end, and then find another school.

[Roch]

Dear Ms./Sir:

There may be a sort of back door way to fix your situation.

Please send a Private Message to me about this very possible way out of your intolerable conditions at your school.

Cordially,

r

[philipjames]

Saw the Omen the other day. Really surprised. I thought Satan was in league with hogwan owners, but I didn't see a single hogwan owner in the film. Did I miss something?

Seriously though, many hogwan owners are pure evil. Worked at four over the years and the pure deception, lies, evasion, and indifference to the welfare of the f/t was unbelievable.

I feel for your situation. Been there big time. Never going back.

Those posters who compare public school jobs to hogwans are wrong. Working at a public school, in my experience, is a thousand times better. Hogwans (and taxi drivers) are the worst ambassadors a country could wish for.

I hope things work out for you.
Jameson

[periwinkle]

I'd just stop going to work. The 30 days notice you gave is up? I'd point that out once it is up, then just camp out in the apt. they provided you until you get a letter of release. Make a trip to your labor board, as well, and file a complaint. Make sure you have everything spelled out in Korean when you go to the labor board, or bring a translator. Do you have documentation that you gave 30 days notice? The labor board will (should!) call your employer and ask why they haven't given you a letter of release.

[riley]

Sorry, but I'm going to be a little harsh here. You expect them to help you with the doctor? How? They are also busy with their jobs. To live here in Korea, you're going to have find information out on your own. Besides, even if you go to a doctor in your area, who knows if they will speak the same language or even understand your problem. You need to find a doctor who is western trained. Glad to hear that you did the best thing and found a doctor by talking to other foriegners.
Your work can't hold your hand on these things, sometimes they will but in the long run, that won't help because you become less independent. Use this site (especially General Discussion), people will help you, (including me) when you're looking for someone/something.
As for the job, don't let them push you around, you and they agreed to the end of July, so stick with that. Don't change your mind. If you stay in Korea, research and look at the school. Hope you have some cash because it will cost you.

[Cerriowen]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

How do the other foreigners feel about the place? Are they of no help?

If you want to stay in Korea I suggest you start making Korean friends. If you don't, just leave after the next payday.

[Roch]

Riley is always there with stock putdowns. Feck him/her and keep on, Teach-uh!

As I indicated to you, the back door is usually the best way into the corrupt thing: Do not sweat a t'ing because every leetle t'ing's gonna be alright.

Read my P.M.!

[periwinkle]

[ChopChaeJoe]

If you have some mental health issues you need to get yourself out of that stressful job. Quit. Tell them you've had enough and be done with it. Go back home and relax. Find another job outside of Korea. Things will not get better.

[Son Deureo!]

[Grotto]

riley wrote:

[Hollywoodaction]