Korean Job Discussion Forums

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

I somewhat agree in the bonus part, but I don't have a choice. Either I sign an extension, resign for another year, or leave 3 months early. By not allowing me to finish my contract, and putting me in a position such as this, I think I should get my full bonus.

I am more worried about finding another job, should I leave early (which I probably will now). I don't think immigration will give a rats ass as to the reason why, but only pay attention to the fact that I did not complete the contract.....not by choice anyway.

Ya know, as I said, I expected more out her. She is an American citizen........but, I guess her Korean roots are too much to deny.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

huffdaddy · Joined: 25 Nov 2005

ThePoet · Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 6:27 am Post subject:

Actually, I think she is doing you a favor. It is actually easier to get jobs at the end of February because public schools, colleges, and universities are hiring at that time (actually they hire between November and the beginning of February, but your contract starts March 1st). Also, colleges and universities appreciate it if you are in Korea when they want to interview you.

If you extended 3 months, you will be able to find work during that extra 3 month period and you won't have to worry about having a steady income while waiting.

My first job here in Korea started at the beginning of October. When it came time for contract negotiation, I asked my boss to extend me to the February date to align me to university hiring cycles. She was really nice and signed me to a one year contract with the understanding if I got a job at a university in March or September, she would give me a letter of release, give me a raise, give me my severance and give me my airfare.

She was real honest and nice, and I've had a good view of Korean hagwans ever since....even though some people have had bad experiences.

Poet

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Well, as I said, I know there are far worse situations to be in........I've been in them. Actually, I left Korea for nearly a year, teaching in Thailand and China until I could come back.......thanks to a small elementary school in the country, near Gimpo. I faught really hard to get back to Korea, and I was glad I made it.

However, I am not going to let anyone put me in a position like this. She is the boss. She should of had the sense to tell me this 4 four months ago.............no excuses. It is not my problem that the contract ends in the middle of the semester. She should have not signed me, and should have not counted on me resigning or extending without asking.

So, as of February, I will head out. No more Korea. It is all the same people, doing all the same things, with the same stories, and the same stereotypes. All I wanted to do was do my full year, have it on my resume, and go from there. Some of you said that extending three months would be ok......but ya know? I don't want to do it, and I have been though enough to NOT have to do it. I refuse to allow a hogwan owner put me in this positoin, so........hell with it.

So, that's that I guess.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!

Mr. BlackCat · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Location: Insert witty remark HERE

Hey,

I know you said you've made up your mind on the subject and its settled, but I thought I'd just throw in my two cents anyway. You sound really frustrated and upset and I just want to say that I agree with you. I don't care if this lady told you the situation an hour after you signed the contract. In my eyes it doesn't matter how much notice she gave you because you have a contract for a specific amount of time and it should be honoured.

You signed a 12 month contract (I'm assuming) and you should be able to fullfill this contract. I don't know why you're not getting any support on this subject on this board. I think its really unfair to basically force you to extend or end your contract early. To me, it amounts to firing someone who refuses to extend with the company which I can't imagine anyone here agreeing with.

I wouldn't extend either. What's the story going to be after those extra 3 months? Obviously your boss doesn't have much respect for contracts or agreements. You deserve 100% of your bonus and airfare. Its not your problem they hired you at the wrong time. They found a teacher mid-term last year (you) and they can do it again this year.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you some support 'cause you sound like you need it. You're not alone in thinking this type of thing is more the norm here rather than the exception.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

I appreciate the opinions......thank you.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Well, I have been fired. After a heated discussion with the boss yesterday, I have been fired today............no notice.

Well, that's it for Korea.

Cheers.

dmbfan

poet13 · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 11:47 pm Post subject:

Call the labor board right away. 1350 from anywhere. Be polite, be respectful. Above all, do not get angry and raise your voice.

Mr. BlackCat · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Location: Insert witty remark HERE

Just be glad you didn't sign on for three more months with these losers. I feel for ya. There should be some sort of legal recourse like poet13 said. They wanted to screw you and when you said 'no' they fired you. Are you suprised? Post the name of the school here and be sure to alert your neighbourhood balcklist of bad schools. I'm sick of this poop.

Sorry, bad day. Evil or Very Mad

Pak Yu Man · Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Location: The Ida galaxy

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Well, there is nothing I can do about it now. Besides, if I mention the name on this site, it could have consequences........but, I will say it is in Shindo-Shi.

I guess I should have just agreed to extend. But, all I wanted to do was do my year. Funny thing, the last three teachers that were fired, NEVER had more than 10 days notice.......it iis a small town.

I wish I had the energy to stay in Korea, and give it one more go. But, at this point, I am not marketable anymore. I love the job, I love kids, I'm good at what I do...........I just can't handle the bullshit. Although, I was doing pretty good.........not really complaining when I found out there was a week long Enlgish camp, and we were to get paid a whopping $200. Finding out that it was a Christian school. Having a huge hole in the roof of my apartment for over month, which was caused by all the rain; and nobody fixing it. Having to stay with the kids during lunch............but, I tried not to sweat the small stuff.

However, when I found out that finishing on the agreed contract date was not an option, that was the last straw. I wish I could just tuck my tail between my legs, and do whatever people want to me to do..........yeah, I should not be in Korea.

Right now, I'm looking for other jobs, but it seems like the same crap. My confidence has been pretty much blown out the window. I keep going back and forth whether or not to go home, but.......after 5 days of sitting around with my parents, it willl get quite old. Besides, there are not too many jobs in Abilene, Texas. And, going home with a minimul amount money is not a good start.

I really want to finish a contract, and prove that I can do it. But, at what cost?
...............sorry for the rant, but thanks for listeniing.
DMBFAN

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Well, there is nothing I can do about it now. Besides, if I mention the name on this site, it could have consequences........but, I will say it is in Shindo-Shi.

I guess I should have just agreed to extend. But, all I wanted to do was do my year. Funny thing, the last three teachers that were fired, NEVER had more than 10 days notice.......it iis a small town.

I wish I had the energy to stay in Korea, and give it one more go. But, at this point, I am not marketable anymore. I love the job, I love kids, I'm good at what I do...........I just can't handle the bullshit. Although, I was doing pretty good.........not really complaining when I found out there was a week long Enlgish camp, and we were to get paid a whopping $200. Finding out that it was a Christian school. Having a huge hole in the roof of my apartment for over month, which was caused by all the rain; and nobody fixing it. Having to stay with the kids during lunch............but, I tried not to sweat the small stuff.

However, when I found out that finishing on the agreed contract date was not an option, that was the last straw. I wish I could just tuck my tail between my legs, and do whatever people want to me to do..........yeah, I should not be in Korea.

Right now, I'm looking for other jobs, but it seems like the same crap. My confidence has been pretty much blown out the window. I keep going back and forth whether or not to go home, but.......after 5 days of sitting around with my parents, it willl get quite old. Besides, there are not too many jobs in Abilene, Texas. And, going home with a minimul amount money is not a good start.

I really want to finish a contract, and prove that I can do it. But, at what cost?
...............sorry for the rant, but thanks for reading

DMBFAN