Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

I felt nauseous and feverish and requested to go home early. I already worked half of my schedule and wasn't hung over, I just felt as if I might upchuck in my class and decided that discretion was the better part of valor.

My director tells me I need a doctor's slip. I say, "I need a doctor's slip if I go home early?". She changes her expression and I prompt, "You mean a pharmacist's slip?". She agrees.

So I go to the pharmacy and describe my symptoms. They won't give me any medicine. They say that I need to see a doctor because it sounds like the stomach flu.

It doesn't feel bad enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. I just didn't want to risk it. It does feel like it's getting worse but I haven't got any medical insurance from the Yah-Heys at my school... nor will I most likely get any as my 30 days notice is due to be complete very soon.

What do I do? What would you do?

Also a moral dilemma, I was just emailed an offer for an interview in Seoul at a "college". They will only be interviewing this week, during my scheduled working hours (I'm in Busan).

If I could stretch this illness out for another day and include a therapeutic ride on the KTX I might find myself a much better job and a brighter, happier future.

The dilemma... if my situation continues worsen, what if I am at the interview and am seriously sick.

[Voyeur]

First Rule of Teaching in Korea: You NEVER EVER miss a class.

Just that simple. 4 years here, never even been late for 1 class. I have taught through food poisoning, flu, and other ailments. Throw up in class? That is what garbage cans are for - I kid you not.

Seems harsh, but that has always been my take. Maybe your place is exceptional and they won't ahte you forever for missing a class.

[ChuckECheese]

I feel for you dude.

I would definately take that trip up to Seoul only if I weren't sick.

Take a few days off and if your boss asks for a doctor's slip, tell her that you couldn't afford to go see a doctor because she never gave you the required medical insurance.

Rest up a few days and take the trip up to Seoul when you feel better. Good luck.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Just so you have a point of reference: My Korean co-teacher's mother died of a heart attack this fall, so he missed a week of classes. He had to reschedule every single class. (I work in a private high school.)

[vdowd]

I have to agree with Voyeur - that is the primary rule: Never, ever miss a class! I have worked in Korea for 5 years - during that time I have had worked with pneumonia, no voice (teaching Kindergaten, no less), ear infection where my voice and any noise reverberated several times (think of talking underwater) but I have never missed a class.

The good outcome because my school knows I would never miss a class - I want to take a week off to go to Thailnd for dental treatment during the school break between the school years - when we would just be sitting around cause it is not really a holiday - go ahead and do it, just write it down as 6 sick days for the contract that expires Feb 28th. Bon voyage and no loss of pay.

So sometimes it pays to work by that rule.

[chaz47]

I've taught through respiratory ailments before... not a problem. When I feel as if I might squirt from either end... I usually decide it's time to go.

[sock]

Do what's best for you. What are they going to do if you don't have a doctor's note? Fire you on the spot? Would that really be such a terrible thing? Since you have no medical insurance, I wouldn't worry about inconveniencing yourself just to make them happy. But then, that's me. I'm not well-known for my sucking-up abilities nor my martyr complex.

Personally, I always have sick days in my contract and I always take them whether or not I'm sick. The school is free to like it or not like it--as long as it's legal and I'm not violating my contract, I don't think it's my problem.

[Voyeur]

Wear depends and keep a bucket handy. Good to go!

Of all the issues, chronic diarrhea (sp?) is the hardest to teach through for sure. I have even found passing out and recovering in class easier than having to worry about not actually pooping myself in front of the kids as you would never live that down.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

If you're ever so sick you can't work tell them to take you to a hospital. It's the only way out they'll except.

I never thought I could have imagined a country that was a) more anal about missing work and b) more eager to take anyone and everyone to the hospital for anything. Another wonderful Hangook paradox.

[bellum99]

I have never been so sick that I actually couldn't work. They will forget in a few days if you just never "remember" to bring the doctors note. Trust me....they will not care in a few days.
You post is different from what you are actually saying. You said you want to take a train ride to have a job interview for a new job....not so easy. It sounds like you hate your job and want a new one. You can't just quit the job and get a new one. Things don't work like that.
A few points:

1: Yes, you can quit. But it takes a month or two to actually quit and get a release letter (hope you get all your money ).
2: No, you can't hope to run away and work somewhere else (need a visa).
3: Be responsible for yourself. Get insurance and do your job. Finish the contract you have unless it is impossible.

[crazylemongirl]

I sent my kids home early today and went home as I had some killer cramps.

Not a problem as

a) work at a public school
b) last day of camp
c) I've worked through bronchitis, food poisoning, and when I've lost my voice.
d) My VP turned a shade of crimson I've never seen on human before when I told him why I needed to go home.

[sheba]

If you're sick enough to take time off work (including the extra day for the interview), then youre sick enough to go to the doctor.

Ask the school to pay for it seeing as they didnt provide you with any health insurance.

[chaz47]

[bellum99]

Then life is good.

Watch them try to say because you gave no notice..you only finished 364 days of the required 365. Therefore you get no severance....I am joking. They can't do this, don't worry.

**** Hope the new place works out for you.

[wylies99]

Women can get away with more than men when it comes to days off or being late for illness, and Koreans can get away with everything.



One of my Korean co-teachers misses A LOT of time, and nothing is ever really said. If I missed a minute, they'd freak out.