Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AliNZ]

Does anyone need one and how does it work?

Is it legal?

Surely, some people must want or need timeout for a a week or three?

What happens in these situations?

[Ya-ta Boy]

I'm not sure if it is legal or not, but what works against it is that we can only work at the place that sponsors our visa and must get special permission to work at a second or third workplace.

I work in a high school. One of my co-teacher's mother died a few weeks ago. He took the week off, and other teachers took his classes. During the next two weeks he had to make up those classes.

While there doesn't seem to be a problem with an administrator making a last minute decision that disrupts everyone's life and work schedule, the same leeway just isn't figured into the system when it's an employee needing time off.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

There would be a huge market here for someone offering hogwan temps, but as Ya-ta said, it's just not legal here. Even in the public school system there is no such thing as a substitute teacher, unless it's going to be for three months or so for something like maternity leave.

[jmbran11]

If you need to be absent for an emergency, and your boss expects you to find a substitute (and isn't particularly picky about the sub's immigration situation), then post an ad here for the dates and type of classes you need covered, and how much you are willing to pay. You could pay in cash from your monthly salary or you boss could agree to pay it and deduct it from your salary. You may have to pay extra to find a short-term sub. You can post the ad here or on www.worknplay.co.kr. Don't include specific details of the school (due to people who want to rat you out) and handle the negotiations with the individual over the phone or in person.

Many people will accept this kind of work to help you out if you offer a reasonable fee and aren't particular about qualifications. Talk to your employer and ask him/her what would be acceptable. Yes, it may be illegal, but it can still be done, and there are people with visas that would permit this legally (if that's a concern).

Let me say that in Korea, time off is very rare for any personal matter except your wedding. Generally, even the death of family members or the birth of a child (for the father) would permit no more than a couple of days. So, there will likely be little sympathy from your employer.