Korean Job Discussion Forums

malysahhh · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Location: Seoul

so, i signed another contract with the hakwon a month or two ago. and then monday(last week), I told them im not gonna do it. and my contract finished that friday anyway. so i was like... i wanna leave so, they said - very ANGRILY - that they weren't giving me severance, and not even this months pay until they find another teacher - and that i am a FRAUD!?!? because i said i would do it, and then didn't. So what? i left them with no notice... they can't refuse to pay for my work? RIGHTTTTT?

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

So you renewed and then backed out a few days before your next contract started? What did you expect would be your employer's reaction? Yes, they can hold back your severance until the completion of your next contract, when they would legally owe you double. I would if I were your boss.

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 1:40 am Post subject:

Your word is your bond.

Break it, and deal with the consequences.

It's not as culture-specific a concept as some would think.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

You screwed them. Were you expecting them to smile about it?

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

I'm not being facetious...but...it's OK for koreans to not keep their word.....and we KNOW that they do it often......foreigners....teachers......no recourse....and you did agree to stay on afterall.....yes...they are obligated to pay you for work until a new body shows up...and if you are staying in the housing provided by the school....I'd expect that they will want you out pronto when the new person arrives so they have housing for him/her.

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

You didn't really think this through did you?

They lost the month ortwo they could have had to find someone through you being so wishy washy.

You could have had 4 million or so in your pocket already. Rolling Eyes

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

Nice job dude.

You just ruined your entire year of good relationship with your boss.

You signed up for another year with them already so you are locked in for another year with them.

Do you have some KY jelly?

Or you can just forget about your last month's pay and severance if you decide to go anyway. You won't win because you have breached contract. If you decide to fight with labor department, they will most likely win. And on top of that they will sue you for any damages incurred due to your nice act.

Good luck dude.

braunshade · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Location: Somewhere better!

You can still get your salary and your severance...........you have already earned it!

I cannot believe you people want him punished just becasue he changed his mind!

Nobody owns you.

GET YOUR MONEY. Don't be a sucker.

Satin · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Location: Texas

Agree to stay until a new teacher is in place; and, be willing to help with the interview process. You did make an obligation by signing a new contract. Resign according to what it says.

If they think you are going to do the honorable thing, then the severance and pay should follow. Then, you can proceed as your conscience will allow.

If you changed your mind because something better came along, just remember there are plenty of other good jobs around. Staying and fullfilling your obligation will give you time to keep looking.

buster brown · Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Location: Seoul

I agree with Satin. If things haven't deteriorated too much and if you could stick around for another month or two, go back in on Monday and have a sit-down with the boss. At least the school will have an opportunity to hire someone and they won't lose students because there's no FT. I understand that the OP changed his mind, something is entitled to do, and decided not to stay. But he's already signed a contract! At the very least, he should give his 30-day notice and follow the contract terms on quitting. From what he posted, the school hadn't treated him unfairly until he reneged on a promise (the signed contract) with zero notice. Then they came out with guns blazing because they were essentially backed into a corner. IMO, other posters are correct in saying that you'll eventually get your severance no matter what. But giving the school a little time to fill the vacancy would go a long way toward making your next few weeks in Korea less stressful.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 7:33 am Post subject:

poet13 · Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 7:43 am Post subject:

You signed right? So you agreed to work another year? So you employer didn't start his or her employee search? And you're wondering why they're pissed?

Think about it.

Yeah, like the other poster said, you can get your money.
But at the end of the day, you only have one out of two.

1-money. 0-class.

ChopChaeJoe · Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Location: Seoul

You should honor your commitment and stay.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

JeJuJitsu · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Location: McDonald's

I think the OP is yanking everyone's chain.