I’ve finally done it. I have resigned. The first phase of “the journey” is almost over and I can’t wait for phase two to begin.

Most of yesterday passed in a haze. I spent the morning waiting for time to pass until I actually handed the director my resignation. Then after it was done I spent the afternoon feeling as though I was merely observing someone else’s day!

When kindy was over I sat at a computer surrounded by with kindy homework in case anyone wondered in my direction and finished writing my resignation letter and another letter making sure he knew that I knew the law and that my contract was illegal . Then I spent an anxious 20 minutes hanging around the school hoping he would appear so I could get it over and done with.

I had planned to hand him the envelope then run off to lunch and deal with the consequences later. But that was not to be.

As soon as I gave him the envelope he questioned what it contained and began to open it. Time stood still as I watched him take the papers out of the envelope and begin to read. It was clear he didn’t want to me go anywhere so heart pounding I hovered in the doorway of his office. Once he realised what the letter was he motioned for me to come in and sit down. I nervously closed the door and positioned myself on chair in front of his desk. Again he asked me: “What is this, what is it all about?” By now I was shaking as I bumbled something about a new job, fantastic opportunity, can’t turn it down, before he stopped to actually read the letter giving me a precious few moments to compose myself ready for the interrogation.

He actually took the news better than I expected. He didn’t shout, he seemed unconcerned that I was aware my contract was illegal.

Realising how nervous I was he told me to calm down then talked to me rationally about how unexpected my resignation was and relayed his concerns about finding someone else in a month.

Once I’d overcome my initial nerves the most difficult part of the process was the inevitable questioning about Katrina: “What is Katrina’s position,” “Will she still stay until October,” “Is Katrina going to leave?” All questions I managed to field with my usual: “I’m not Katrina, we are two different people,” response.

I then managed to escape the confinement of his office saying I’d leave him to read over the letter and we’d talk when I got back from lunch.

When I returned form lunch John from i-to-i was on the phone with the director. (Funny how he couldn’t email me back but he could talk to my boss, I guess at least now I know who i-to-i are there to support – and it isn’t me!) The director handed me the phone and John asked if I could stay until the middle of July when he’d be able to find a replacement for me. No mention of my email and no way for me to bring it up with the director listening to our conversation. It makes me angry every time I think about how I was conned by i-to-i, they blatantly have no regard for me in this situation, just making sure my boss pays them to supply him with another paying customer they’ve duped into signing his illegal contract.

Anyway moving back to the subject…..

The school had got right onto finding a replacement then….. asked Katrina if they could extend her contract until February to try and minimise the disruption to kindy – now we weren’t expecting that one. Giving us yet more food for thought.

After a chat last night Katrina and I came to the conclusion that in order to give the school the bet chance of replacing us she’s going to give him two months notice on Friday saying that she thinks she’ll be unhappy here without me and her mum has told her to come home!

I was called into his office today because he was worried that Katrina may do the midnight run. So I think her handing notice now is best for everyone. Whilst I was there I mentioned the letter about the labor laws to which he assured me I would get my full final pay plus the additional 300,000 won I’d be owed for my final week at work. Lets’ just hope that’s what actually happens.

For now you’re up to date on all the news in the land of Kumdan, South Korea.

Over and out.

* Posted by j150vsc on 08/05/2007.