Korean Job Discussion Forums

[keela]

I want to return to Canada at the end of my contract for 3 weeks. I'll start a 2nd year at this school when I return in January.

I went to sign my contract today only to discover that my boss assumed I was paying for the flights for my 3 weeks in Canada. She assumed she'd pay my return flight at the end of next year's contract.

I assumed that, because I had a new contract, I'd receive a fresh flight agreement. Fly me to Canada in December - close first contract terms. Fly me back in January and then home again next December - the second contract terms.

Who's right?

This school is very demanding - minimal breaks, tons of homework, character conflicts. My boss is great, treats me well, good apartment, etc. and agreed to pay me 2.3 for a kindi job (also implied I'd take over head teacher duties when current one leaves in May).

But I work so hard, I'm near exhaustion from this year already. The flight payments helped sway my decision to stay. But if I have to pay for 3 weeks in Canada, I don't know if I'll sign on again.

Thanks.

[keela]

'Just re-read this and it sounds like a big whine! Not my intention.

Just wanna know...who do you think is right?

[ttompatz]

[jlb]

Wow...this doesn't sound like that great of a job at all. If they won't pay the flight, forget about it and move on to somewhere else. But decline politely of course, so you can get a decent reference.

[jellobean]

Well if they don't pay for your flight, then that's about 100,000 less you are making per month... That means you 2.3 is really only 2.2.... And jobs for 2.2 are not too hard to come by if you have experience...

[jmbran11]

Maybe it's not fair or ideal, but this is pretty standard. My company pays flight over and flight back (once). If you renew your contract - nothing. If you stay in Korea after your contract ends - nothing. However, we get a guaranteed raise if we re-sign, so maybe you should ask for more money to cover this expense.

At all other schools where I've worked, it was also the standard to pay flight over at the beginning and flight back at the end of the employment. No free vacation home in between. Read your contract and go with that. Or, as ttompatz mentioned, negotiate it and refuse to renew otherwise.

[ilovebdt]

In my contract it says that if I re-sign with my school I start a completely new contract.

Is that what is says in your contract?

If so, your boss shouldn't really refuse to pay for your flight home becase you have completed that contract and the next one you sign is independant of the previous one.

I guess if they want you that badly enough they will pay. You can always call the English speaking person at the Labour Board and see what they say. Their number is: 1350

ilovebdt

[ChuckECheese]

It's the teacher's market these days. When it comes to renewing contracts, it's either teacher's way or the highway for a better jobs. In that case, the hagwon will end up losing out on recruiter's fee plus the air ticket's anyway.

[Captain Corea]

I stayed for 3 years. We struck a deal, pay me 1/2 the cost of the flight in cash.

[Son Deureo!]

That's not a very good way to make you want to re-sign, now is it?

Tell them if they want you to come back for another year, they should offer you a plane ticket.

[keela]

My boss called me last night to tell me I was right, that it was her first time negotiating a renewal and that she was sorry. Nice.

But, she also said she needs the weekend to think things over.

Huh?

Time will tell. Thanks for your input.

[ChuckECheese]

[keela]

Well, she changed her mind after her weekend-think; she's not paying.

During this newest discussion, she sited the fact that the afternoon class numbers have dropped and it's difficult to justify 3 foreign teacher's salaries. It's true our class numbers have dropped, but it still smacks of an excuse to not pay. Of course, maybe it's just my bias in thinking this.

We started this discussion 6 weeks ago, both thinking the details were finished. Now I'm the one bearing the burden of "miscommunication", and lack of initiative on my part to chase things down before now, by having to pay for the flights.

I also have 6 weeks less to find a job.

If this has only come to light 6 weeks ago. Frustrating.

Now, what to do?

[babtangee]

Up to you. As was said, 2.2 shouldn't be hard to find in a new job with airfare. That's what I would be thinking, saying and doing; particularly if they suggested they don't need me - I'm not staying where I'm not wanted.

If another teacher is leaving in March, well, more fun for your wonjang. The job doesn't sound so great from your description... I wouldn't let them make me feel lucky I have it.

[just because]

I have come and gone 4 times and each time the school has paid......

If they didn't pay i wouldn't resign...as someone said it is a teachers market.