Teach English in South Korea
You are here: About FCC » FAQ's & Other Info » Unhappy

Unhappy

If you are unhappy in your job there are many ways to resolve the situation. Whether this is learning to understand Koreans better or in extreme cases, having to leave your job, there is always an answer. At FCC we do our best to place you in schools where you will be happy and will have a wonderful experience. We do realise though that there may be times when you wonder if you made the right decision. FCC does not encourage just anyone to go to Korea. If you are a successful applicant it is because we think that you have what it takes to be successful in Korea.

Some people find the first few months a little unsettling. It can take time to adjust. If you are uncomfortable in the first few months we would urge you to persevere. The more you learn about Korean life, the more comfortable you will feel. If you are very unhappy in your position contact your FCC rep as soon as possible.

What should I do if I am unhappy?

By accepting a position in a Korean society you are agreeing to live in the Korean culture. While you do not have to accept certain elements of this it is important to understand them. Examples like those above do not occur in every school. Usually, the more foreign teachers a school has had, the more aware they are of such issues. In a Confuscionist society such as Korea, protesting loudly or openly questioning authority is frowned upon. The best approach is subtlety. If you have problems with something talk to your supervisor calmly. Explain your grievances and suggest alternatives if appropriate. Small irritations can build up and may really start to annoy you but stay calm. We are not suggesting that you simply accept everything and keep your mouth shut. Just air your opinions tactfully. If your manner is happy and cheerful you are likely to be deemed ‘a good teacher’. Your opinions will be noted and a compromise is likely to be made. Being aggressive, argumentative and stubborn will get you nowhere.

Leaving your job once you have started work is possible but it is not a decision you should take lightly. It is not always a straightforward process. Depending on circumstances and your employer it can become a very stressful experience. If you are sure that you want to leave it is important to carefully check all of the legal provisions and immigration requirements to do so. If you suspect that your employer is in breach of your contract discuss the situation with senior teachers at your school. Talking it over with teachers who have been in Korea for some time is a good idea as they are likely to have a better knowledge of the situation than you. In addition please feel free to contact FCC for an honest appraisal of the situation.

More often than not a teacher's initial assumption that their employer is in breach of contract stem from misunderstandings of the employment law, lack of employment protocols and behaviours, listening to gossip, or reading unproven internet stories of past teachers experiences. Do not assume that because you have seen a bad report for your school, that it will be true. Most breaches of contract are naive rather than malicious and planned. If mediation is done correctly you may find that the situation is resolved easily. The final decision to accept a position and sign a contract is ultimately yours. We do everything we can to ensure that you have a positive experience in Korea however, the responsibility ultimately lies with you. The success of your placement will to a certain extent depend on your ability to adapt to your new lifestyle.


Previous page: Racism
Next page: TEFL Courses