Korean Job Discussion Forums

casey's moon · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Daejeon

I wanted my last day to be the end of my pay period, which should be September 10th (happens to be a Sunday, so that would make it September 8th). My replacement is coming on the 7th, so it all works great, but the director wants him to have a week of observation....

Now I gave my notice months and months ago, but they didn't get around to recruiting anyone until late in the summer. However, as long as I don't get another damn cold, there is no real reason why I can't work for an extra week -- especially if the pay is decent.

But.... do you think this would be a good time for me to ask if I will be getting some portion of my severance pay or the million won in lieu of airfare? I will have finished 8 months of the contract, and I've given them more than 4 months notice. I was going to leave it up to the director's discretion since I know they like me, and it is a bit of a gray area, but now that they are asking a favour of me, perhaps I should bring it up (i.e. before the extra days start, not after).

Also, the hourly overtime rate is crap -- is it wrong for me to ask to be paid a daily salary for the extra days, based on my monthly rate?

It's been a pretty good job and my director has been reasonable and fair in the past and I definitely don't want to cause bad feelings, but we could also REALLY use the extra money.

What would you do?

poet13 · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:11 pm Post subject:

If this is your first year, your institution will owe you nothing in terms of severance. You get that after one full year. Now, if you are in your second year, the way I understand it works is thusly...
--If you collected severance after the first year, they dont haev to pay a pro-rated portion of the second year.
--If you DIDN'T collect your severance after the first year, then you would be owed a pro-rated portion of the severance.
Why, I dont know. I remember reading it on some k-gov website, but for the life of me, I cant rememebr which, or even when.
All that being said, it never hurts to at least ask....respectfully...along with the story about how much you and your family need the money. Family is very important here, so they might understand.

I think it's entirely fair to ask for your daily rate if you stay on longer. I would guess your ARC and visa will still be good because you are only 8 months in...

casey's moon · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Daejeon

poet13 · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:19 pm Post subject:

Cool, good luck with it. Let us know how it works out...

casey's moon · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Daejeon

I should add, for those who don't know me, that I'm quitting to have a baby -- so obviously the director understands why I'm leaving.

poet13 · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:29 pm Post subject:

Ah, well, that kind of adds something to it. I'm sure the director, et al, are delighted for you. That should help your case.

Richard Krainium · Joined: 12 Jan 2006

I had a co-worker in your same situation except it was her first contract and she got zilch! No severance , no airfare, no nothing! Her husband stayed and finished his contract and got everything. So if you can at least get something, I'd say lucky for you.

I wouldn't count on it tho.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Best thing to do is ask....the worst they can do is say no.

Tell them you would like to get 2/3 of your severance.

If they want you there another week, just divide your salary by 4 and tell them thats what you want.

OR

You could wait and see what they do, hoping for the best. If they dont do any of those things you could then approach them and explain that you felt you were entitled to sev and x pay.

casey's moon · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Daejeon

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll talk to her on Monday and see what she thinks is fair. As I said, this isn't my first year at this kindergarten and we have a good relationship. She actually offered to give me 3 months maternity leave and keep my job for me, but I declined. I also spoke to my supervisor/friend about it last night and she said she thought the director would probably be generous. I think I'll ask for half though, not 2/3 -- that would seem to be pushing it a bit.

Thanks again, and I'll let you know how it goes.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

casey's moon · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Daejeon

I don't want to go back to work anytime soon, not even for a month. Also, what you've written doesn't apply in my case -- it's for permanent employees, not employees with one-year contracts. My husband has already looked into this on my behalf.

Thanks for the advice though.