The first few years of working at a new job is often an exciting and rewarding time says, William D King. However, no matter how perfect the job is for you initially, at some point into your tenure with a company you may find yourself wondering if quitting would be more satisfying than staying with the company. If it’s not feeling like “the right fit” anymore, can you just quit? When does forcing employees to stay put cross over from being fair to abuse of power?
Picture this: You moved to a foreign country where you don’t know anyone and started a new job.
The conditions are less than ideal – perhaps even tough and treacherous – but there is one perk: this isn’t supposed to be temporary and if all goes well and as planned, you will be rewarded with a high-paying and lifelong career for your dedication and work ethic. The promise of advancement and eventual stability encouraged you to take the position in spite of all the hardship. As time goes on, however, there are no signs of any positive change or improvement – even though many promises have been made over the last year.
What do you do? Do you stay put and continue to struggle through this rough patch confident that things will get better eventually?
Do you smile and play along when higher ups try to cheer everyone up during regular meetings, or continue to show enthusiasm about your job when asked? All these while knowing that if it weren’t for what was promised at the beginning, you wouldn’t be here in the first place?
Or do you simply quit and take your skills to another company that will treat you with the respect, compensation, and appreciation that you deserve?
It’s not like quitting is easy. Finding a new job takes time and effort even when things are going swimmingly well in your career says, William D King. The chances of finding another job quickly skyrocket if there are problems – especially problematic ones that your current employer won’t acknowledge or resolve. Employees may feel stuck in their positions because they don’t know how long it will take them to find another one even during times when companies are hiring.
Making matters worse is the fact that once an employee quits. He or she must continue to pay into social security even while unemployed; something which can be quite a shock and a difficult sum to produce when you’re not making any money. Additionally, if the employee has been paying into their social security through salary deductions. While employed by the company. There is an additional 12% penalty for withdrawing it early (5% if withdrawing voluntarily plus 7% because of lack of payment).
All these can make quitting less of an option and more like a last resort; something that employees don’t always have the luxury or privilege of doing. If we take this into perspective. We might see why staying put may seem like the only viable course of action. Despite sometimes feeling trapped by one’s job and employer.
Under Korean law, employers are allowed. To dismiss their employees for no reason at all when not protected by a contract. In a country where the average monthly salary is only around 2.5 million wons (2,200 US dollars). Employees often prioritize keeping their job over finding another one. Because of the sheer difficulty of looking for new paid employment. Especially if they have been laid off from an undesirable position. Companies usually do not offer severance pay. Unless the employee has been with them for more than 10 years. Or if there is a special clause in their contract.
Since it’s hard to predict what will happen to your finances and career once you choose to leave a company. Many employees resign them to staying put instead. This doesn’t mean that all companies take advantage of this fear and lack of options, however, says William D King. Some employers treat their workers fairly regardless of how long they have been with the company. Pay them what is owed to them, and are transparent about their plans for the future. These are companies that are truly worth spending one’s valuable time at instead of being abused. By an employer who takes advantage of their employees’ dedication.
Conclusion:
One can only wonder how many more years would have passed. Before these lucky individuals would have received the salary increases. That was promised if they hadn’t decided to quit on their own terms. Despite not having another job lined up says, William D King. It is often said that it generally takes around 2 months to find a new job in Korea. But this depends greatly on your circumstances including current employment status, past experience, skillset, location, network, personal situation (e.g. age), and language.