Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shifdog]

Here's the story:

I'm 6 months into a 1 year contract. Today my boss just told me that the school is closing February 23rd. I'm pissed off that he waited two weeks before my job ends to let me know. This affects me and my girlfriend since we have a couples position. Now we are in the process of looking for work.

Here are a few questions:

Does he have to buy out my contract or give me some money since the contract has ended prematurely?

How does this affect my vacation? I haven't taken any yet.

Do I have to leave Korea as soon as my job ends?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[jlb]

If the school is going under, he probably doesn't have a lot of extra money to spare. I'd say crappy deal and move on with life. Jobs are plentiful these days.

[goodsounz]

That is pretty bad of him to wait until now but there are plenty of jobs out there - even couple jobs. You could try and get money out of him through the appropriate (or even inappropriate) channels but I would do as the previous writer said and move on - much less hassle and A LOT LESS STRESS. I would try and get paid for this month though because if you aren't you may as well not even go in tomorrow. If he has paid you on time for the past six months and he is fairly trustworthy then you shouldn't have any problem with this months pay at least.

[Satin]

Try this link: http://www.efl-law.com/forum/

It is free and has good info and help.

Good news is that you both can try to get a public school position if that is what you want.

Good luck.

[ttompatz]

[BigBuds]

Hi Shifdog, sorry to hear about your situation. I have sent you a PM so check your inbox.

[Double07]

[cruisemonkey]

[shifdog]

Thanks for the information guys. I will post on http://www.efl-law.com and see what some users have to say.

No, it's not an ECC franchise. It's just a small, privately owned hagwon.

Fortunately since posting this message I've received quite a few job offers, so I'm not so worried anymore!

[Park English]

Hi... Shifdog,

Sorry to hear about your situation. However, do not worry as things will work out fine.

This is what I would do if I were in your situation:

1. Order your (and your girlfriend's) transcripts ASAP from your university for your second visa. (Unless you came prepared and got extras before coming)

2. You MUST go to the immigration office WITH your director and cancel your visa from your current director. Please have this arranged ASAP. Your director may not see this as a priority (given his unfortunate situation) but please keep a peaceful relationship and let him/her know how you recognize how unfortunate this is for them. And then express how important this is for you and your career/future that he helps allow you to teach again in Korea.

3. When will your visa expire? It can be arranged to have this extended if need be, so that you would not be required to do TWO Japan visa runs.

There are plenty of very legitimate and SUCCESSFUL schools in Korea. Many teachers come to Korea for the first time, trying to make the smartest decision, negotiating the contract and conditions... forgetting how important it is to know the financial state of the school.

Consider it a good learning experience.

Sometimes things get tough, but things can quickly improve.

Hope this was helpful.

[ontheway]

Do NOT go to the immigration office and cancel your visa. If you find a new job quickly, you can transfer from the old employer to the new one without a visa run. This should make life easier for a new employer and make your marketability and transition to a new job much easier.

IF your current employer is a decent person, he should pay you a pro rata settlement for your vacation and severance.

[shifdog]

Thanks for the advice guys. I confronted my boss about not giving us 30 day's notice, and now he has agreed to pay me for the days up to March 8th.