Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mrd]

I'm writing today asking for advice regarding how to resign from a hogwon teaching job while maintain mutual positive feelings between the boss and myself. An additional problem is that my girlfriend also teaches at the same school, but she is going to hold out for the remainder of the contract. Essentially, I have to leave 3 months early becuase I just learned that I was accepted into a PhD program back home - so I've decided that I want to pursue that without waiting another year.

I have always had a very good working relationship with my employer: they take us out for dinner, we go drinking together, and since I've learned about my acceptance, I've even started providing some of the support staff at the school some gratis speaking lessons to ease the pain of my departure. I think I have made a very good impression. But, I want to make sure that I provide the school with enough time to find another teacher, but not giving them so much time to grow feelings of resentment towards me or my girlfriend for my decision to leave.

So, my question is, how and when do I let them know of my intentions of leaving? My contract is up at the beginning of December. School starts at the beginning of September. It's stressing me out thinking about breaking the news to them, because they want us to stay for 2-3 more years they've said. My girlfriend said she might think about staying for another year if the price is right. So there you have it, what can I do to make sure things at work are professional and most importantly amiciable?

Thanks for the input!

[Novernae]

Unfortunately the only thing you can do is resign with respect, following the contract, and hope that they reciprocate the respect. If they react poorly, at least you will know you tried. With your girlfriend still there they might be more willing to be reasonable about it because if they are not, they will lose 2 teachers. It might be good for your girlfriend to have made up her mind a little more about re-signing as that could be used as a bargaining chip for you (dependent of course on the treatment she gets after you leave -- no guarantees).

If they've been good up to now, you might as well assume they will continue to be good. It sounds idealistic, I know, but it's a better frame of mind than constantly being afraid they will screw you over, which you have no control over.

[mytime]

I think the key here is to find or help them find a good replacement to take your position.
If you do that, I can't see any reason why they would be upset.
Thats usually their biggest concern....the transition from one good teacher to the next

[Yu_Bum_suk]

It might be possible and it might not. Try to make it look like it's completely out of your control. You may even want to make it look like you have to follow your parents' wishes and have no choice. Most Koreans would understand that.

[alabamaman]

[mrd]

Thanks Alabamaman, I've checked my contract, and no where does it indicate how much notice I should provide the employer. It only includes an outline of how much notice they have to give me. I was thinking about letting them know 2 months in advance so that they have adequate time to find a replacement teacher.

Does that sound reasonable? I like the advice about telling them that my parents want me to enroll in the phd program too, I think I'll add that on as a little extra!

Thanks!