Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Relationships vs. Business


So my boss over here in Korea is not just my boss. She has become one of my closest friends here. We go to eat all the time. We discuss work, men, spirituality, etc. She is one of my new best buds. So when she invited me to dinner and said that if I left her school she would die I felt really awkward.

*Sidebar*
I am really thinking about staying in Korea for another year. Now if I were to do so I already pretty much made up in my mind that I was going to switch schools. The school that I work in now is like a family. I have formed some very great, and I believe lasting, relationships with the people who are there. However it is a private school and the vacation is almost non-existent and I do MORE work than many foreign teachers. However on the upside I make very decent money.

So anyway at this dinner she goes on to say how she believes relationships are the most important elements of business and she believes that as long as we continue to be friends I should be fine working at her school. (It is Korean style for people to tell you what to think and how to feel. They do not ask questions they just tell you.)

I am very nervous about addressing this situation when the time comes. However, I feel like I need to give her the heads up that I am leaving so she can find another native speaking English teacher. Before I bail on this school though I am going to tell them my demands and see if they can be met, which I doubt. I just think ultimately this may ruin a friendship.

I didn't come all the way on the other side of the world just to work. I came to travel and chill as well. Is that unreasonable? All my peers are traveling and constantly getting time off and I am trapped in my school all the time.

Am I being unreasonable?

2 comments:

FiGZ said...

You're being very reasonable. Remember "communication is key". She may be disappointed at first, but if she truly values the bond that has been created she will either support the move, or give in to your demands.

The Tenant said...

lazy americans...that's what she'll tell you, without asking any questions LOL

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