Would you do this?

[Just_wondering]

“This” is working seven days a week.

It’s 4:30 on a Sunday afternoon, and I just got a phone call from my boss. Someone called in to work and said he wouldn’t make it in today, and my boss wants me to come in for four hours this evening. I need the money, so I said sure.

This is the second time this has happened, and I kind of suspect the guy who works on Sundays is going to quit soon. I’ve been considering taking a second job so I can save money, but I’m hesitating because it would violate the terms of my working visa. I don’t want to break the law (although apparently everybody does it ). I’m kind of tempted to ask my boss to give me the Sunday shift every week - even though I’m already working six days a week.

The advantages are that I’m earning the extra money I want without breaking the law, I already know the job and it’s close to my house, and I get bonus points with the boss for being accommodating. I can save money for an airplane ticket to see my boyfriend or my family, for a small wedding in the Philippines if that’s what we decide, for some time off for a vacation before looking for a job in another country later, or for moving expenses when I leave Korea. I only work 30 hours a week regularly (spread out over six days) so the extra four hours wouldn’t be excessive. It’s in the evening, so I still have time to go to Church, have lunch with friends, or go downtown to go shopping if I so desire.

The disadvantages are that I would work every day of the week. Most of my friends have left Korea, but the few that remain could only see me Saturday evening after work or Sunday afternoon before work. If I’m sick or just need some down time, the schedule wouldn’t really allow for that. Also, psychologically, I don’t know if I’d feel that reduced hours on the weekend really felt like a rest. I don’t mind working Saturdays because it’s such a short shift - would I feel the same way about Sundays?

If I had a family here, or if my boyfriend were here, I wouldn’t consider it. But since I tend to spend Sundays mostly at the computer, it doesn’t seem so objectionable. I don’t know. Thoughts?

 

[Christy_Beth]

Have you asked about getting more hours during the week? Personally, I think we all need at least one day off a week. Why? Because working all those days would cause alot of stress. You need some “down” time.

 

[Dempsey1919]

I agree with Christy, but I would take the extra shift I were in your position. As you said, it’s only an extra four hours and you said you need the money. You can still attend Church on Sunday, so I don’t see any real reasons not to take the extra work.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

**First of all, what would your boss do if you said no to this shift? If he would be ok with it then maybe I would start by telling him that you are looking to pick up a few extra shifts so will be available most Sundays if he needs you…but you’re not committing to EVERY Sunday that way. It still leaves you the option to say no if you don’t feel up to it.

When are you leaving Korea… in other words, if you do end up working 7 days a week, how long would it be for?

Personally, i think working 7 days a week with shorter shifts is easier than working 2 jobs which would make some of your days really long.**

 

[Just_wondering]

**First of all, what would your boss do if you said no to this shift? If he would be ok with it then maybe I would start by telling him that you are looking to pick up a few extra shifts so will be available most Sundays if he needs you…but you’re not committing to EVERY Sunday that way. It still leaves you the option to say no if you don’t feel up to it.

When are you leaving Korea… in other words, if you do end up working 7 days a week, how long would it be for?

Personally, i think working 7 days a week with shorter shifts is easier than working 2 jobs which would make some of your days really long.**

My boss would really like one person to commit to the Sunday shift (and Saturday evening shift as well) and commit to it medium-term, for three or four months straight. I’m a teacher, and this is for a weekend evening supplementary class for high school students. I already do the Saturday day school for middle schoolers as well. The kids don’t like it if they always have substitute teachers - they really need just one teacher doing the whole thing. The guy teaching Saturday nights is quitting at the end of this month, and the guy teaching Sunday nights doesn’t seem far behind. These are the only supplementary classes up for grabs that fit in with my schedule - if I don’t take them, my only other choice to make money is to get an illegal second job and violate my visa regulations.

I’m planning to leave Korea soon-ish. My contract is up in July, but I’m not so convinced that I’ll finish it - it depends on what happens with my boyfriend in the Philippines. I think I’m likely to stay in Korea until at least May, and probably July. If I take the shift, I’ll commit to take it until February, and then I’d be able to back out of it in March if I need to. The kids are nice, and the money is good enough. It’s just a question of whether I’m over extending myself.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

My boss would really like one person to commit to the Sunday shift (and Saturday evening shift as well) and commit to it medium-term, for three or four months straight. I’m a teacher, and this is for a weekend evening supplementary class for high school students. I already do the Saturday day school for middle schoolers as well. The kids don’t like it if they always have substitute teachers - they really need just one teacher doing the whole thing. The guy teaching Saturday nights is quitting at the end of this month, and the guy teaching Sunday nights doesn’t seem far behind. These are the only supplementary classes up for grabs that fit in with my schedule - if I don’t take them, my only other choice to make money is to get an illegal second job and violate my visa regulations.

I’m planning to leave Korea soon-ish. My contract is up in July, but I’m not so convinced that I’ll finish it - it depends on what happens with my boyfriend in the Philippines. I think I’m likely to stay in Korea until at least May, and probably July. If I take the shift, I’ll commit to take it until February, and then I’d be able to back out of it in March if I need to. The kids are nice, and the money is good enough. It’s just a question of whether I’m over extending myself.

You know yourself best. But here are my thoughts, feel free to ignore them

You are not being pressured into working more hours, it’s something you want to do. So you have a choice of doing it legally or illegally. Seems like a no brainer to me. I would not take the illegal route. You never know when they may choose to make an example of someone…not to mention that we owe it to God to respect the rules of man. The last thing you need right now is having the repercussions of doing something illegal messing with your already complicated marriage plans!

**As for your contract being up in July… even if you work 7 days a week from now until then you are still doing better than me, lol. As you know, I’m on mom-shift 24/7 on my own until June. If I can do THAT then you can do the 7 shifts a week (if you still want to do extra work). And you would be using the extra money for your family/future. It sounds like a good thing for you.

Just my two cents…take 'em or leave 'em. But if you take 'em then maybe when you get back to Canada you can come visit and pay me back with interest…so i’ll be waiting for you and my nickel!!!:yup:
**

 

[Just_wondering]

You know yourself best. But here are my thoughts, feel free to ignore them

You are not being pressured into working more hours, it’s something you want to do. So you have a choice of doing it legally or illegally. Seems like a no brainer to me. I would not take the illegal route. You never know when they may choose to make an example of someone…not to mention that we owe it to God to respect the rules of man. The last thing you need right now is having the repercussions of doing something illegal messing with your already complicated marriage plans!

**As for your contract being up in July… even if you work 7 days a week from now until then you are still doing better than me, lol. As you know, I’m on mom-shift 24/7 on my own until June. If I can do THAT then you can do the 7 shifts a week (if you still want to do extra work). And you would be using the extra money for your family/future. It sounds like a good thing for you.

Just my two cents…take 'em or leave 'em. But if you take 'em then maybe when you get back to Canada you can come visit and pay me back with interest…so i’ll be waiting for you and my nickel!!!:yup:
**

That’s what I’m thinking - I’ve been here five years and I haven’t taken an illegal job yet. I must be the only English teacher here who hasn’t, or so it feels like! I just wouldn’t be comfortable doing it. If I got caught, I’d probably get deported immediately. Who knows whether I’d be allowed into another country after having been deported from Korea? Like, say, the country the love of my life is currently living in? That’d suck.

And you’re right, it’s still easier than the demanding 24/7 mom-shift you’re doing. At least I get holidays off.

I would be more than happy to drop by your place and pay you back with interest when I get home. I’ve heard there are jobs where you’re at - who knows, we may end up settling there. Although I’d hoped to settle somewhere a bit warmer - my Vancouverite bones don’t do so well in your winters!

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

I would be more than happy to drop by your place and pay you back with interest when I get home. I’ve heard there are jobs where you’re at - who knows, we may end up settling there. Although I’d hoped to settle somewhere a bit warmer - my Vancouverite bones don’t do so well in your winters!

**Yup, still lots of jobs:thumbsup:… but I hear you about warmer!!! If I could ever be convinced to move (have lived here my entire life…within a matter of blocks from where my parents started out, lol) it would have to be somewhere warmer than this!!!

With hubby’s job change that is entirely possible… one of his choices for posting is on Vancouver Island…I could live with that**

 

[Just_wondering]

**Yup, still lots of jobs:thumbsup:… but I hear you about warmer!!! If I could ever be convinced to move (have lived here my entire life…within a matter of blocks from where my parents started out, lol) it would have to be somewhere warmer than this!!!

With hubby’s job change that is entirely possible… one of his choices for posting is on Vancouver Island…I could live with that**

Just be careful where on the island you are - not all of it is warm! My parents live toward the north of the island, and they get plenty of snow and cold. Also, you’d be pretty isolated up there. I don’t know whether you need regular doctor’s appointments for your fibro and stuff, but my parents have to drive at least an hour to see anyone other than their family doctor. Anywhere south of Campbell River should be good, though - and I think there are direct flights to Edmonton from Campbell River, Nanaimo, Comox, and Victoria, so visiting the family wouldn’t be such a hassle. It’s cheaper than driving, even for three!

 

[pismopal]

I had a job working 7 days a week once. Because the work was understaffed we had to work 4 hours and then be off 4 hours…24 hours a day. We never were able to negotiate wages to get time and a half…the US Navy wouldn’t negotiate.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

Anywhere south of Campbell River should be good, though - and I think there are direct flights to Edmonton from Campbell River, Nanaimo, Comox, and Victoria, so visiting the family wouldn’t be such a hassle. It’s cheaper than driving, even for three!

**
This would be Comox… and hubby has some family in Victoria. And if he had to do time on a ship it would be Esquimalt (sp?) on the West cost which would be preferred to the East coast (ships go out for longer more often).

But hopefully we will be able to stay in Edmonton. That is my first choice by far…I do NOT have an adventurous spirit, lol. Healthy or not I would not be the type to travel across the ocean to teach English in a totally foreign country
**

 

[Just_wondering]

I had a job working 7 days a week once. Because the work was understaffed we had to work 4 hours and then be off 4 hours…24 hours a day. We never were able to negotiate wages to get time and a half…the US Navy wouldn’t negotiate.

Hehehe… no, I’ve worked for the military - they don’t negotiate at all!

**
This would be Comox… and hubby has some family in Victoria. And if he had to do time on a ship it would be Esquimalt (sp?) on the West cost which would be preferred to the East coast (ships go out for longer more often).

But hopefully we will be able to stay in Edmonton. That is my first choice by far…I do NOT have an adventurous spirit, lol. Healthy or not I would not be the type to travel across the ocean to teach English in a totally foreign country
**

Hmm… according to Google Maps, Esquimalt is right in Victoria, so that’s convenient. Nice and warm there, too! But if you’d rather stay close to home (and I don’t blame you - it’s great to live close to family) I hope everything works out with that!

I’ve always had an adventurous spirit. I remember being 14 years old and looking up jobs all over the world to figure out how much experience and education I needed to make enough money to travel the world. (The answer is: always a little bit more!) The next big decision my boyfriend and I have to make is whether to head to Canada and settle down for a while, or whether to spend a year or two working in Dubai first. They both sound great! I just can’t decide. We’ll go to whichever country gives him a visa first, I guess.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

I’ve always had an adventurous spirit. I remember being 14 years old and looking up jobs all over the world to figure out how much experience and education I needed to make enough money to travel the world. (The answer is: always a little bit more!)

LOL, yeah, that doesn’t surprise me… me? not on your life? I was trying to figure out how close I could stay to home and NOT live with my parents

The next big decision my boyfriend and I have to make is whether to head to Canada and settle down for a while, or whether to spend a year or two working in Dubai first. They both sound great! I just can’t decide. We’ll go to whichever country gives him a visa first, I guess.

**I know you’ve probably mentioned it before, but I can’t remember…would his children be living with you two as soon as you’re married? That would weigh heavily in my choice of places to live.
**

 

[Just_wondering]

**I know you’ve probably mentioned it before, but I can’t remember…would his children be living with you two as soon as you’re married? That would weigh heavily in my choice of places to live.
**

That depends a lot on how the custody battle goes. Sigh. We’re expecting an answer in January, but the Philippines is not famous for getting things done on time. Honestly, I have no idea what to expect. For months my boyfriend has been saying we can get custody and they’ll come to live with us as soon as we’re married. Then a couple of times he’s acknowledged the possibility that we won’t get custody and that they’ll live with their mother and he’ll only be able to see them when he visits on vacation. I know if we get the girls, my boyfriend’s sister has offered to take care of them if visa issues prevent us from bringing him and them to Canada right away. The lawyer is confident that my boyfriend will win the case - but then, maybe he’s just saying that so we keep paying him.

If we get the girls, then I’d want to move to Canada right away. I just don’t know what’s going to happen, though. It’s really complicated to marry a guy who’s been married before.

 

[whatevergirl]

Hi JW;

I’m not an advocate of working 7 days per week, unless one desperately needs to.:nope: (unless one is saving for the holidays, or something–a short stint) I really think that emotionally, psychologically, physically…our bodies need rest. At least one day per week, to just rest…get our personal things done, etc…

Just my two cents, but unless it’s dire that you need the money, I’d try to work extra hours during the week…or find a job that makes better money, so you can work 5 days per week or something like that.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

Hi JW;

I’m not an advocate of working 7 days per week, unless one desperately needs to.:nope: (unless one is saving for the holidays, or something–a short stint) I really think that emotionally, psychologically, physically…our bodies need rest. At least one day per week, to just rest…get our personal things done, etc…

Just my two cents, but unless it’s dire that you need the money, I’d try to work extra hours during the week…or find a job that makes better money, so you can work 5 days per week or something like that.

But she’s in Korea on a contract for this job…she can’t find another one that makes more money yet. To me, working two jobs (one illegal) 6 days a week seems like it would be much more draining…trying to get from one to the other, working days and evenings…blah, no thanks, lol. 4 extra hours on a Sunday doesn’t seem so bad. But that is ONLY because she really wants to get some extra money/work short term. I certainly wouldn’t advocate working 7 days a week long term or without a clear end.

 

[whatevergirl]

But she’s in Korea on a contract for this job…she can’t find another one that makes more money yet. To me, working two jobs (one illegal) 6 days a week seems like it would be much more draining…trying to get from one to the other, working days and evenings…blah, no thanks, lol. 4 extra hours on a Sunday doesn’t seem so bad. But that is ONLY because she really wants to get some extra money/work short term. I certainly wouldn’t advocate working 7 days a week long term or without a clear end.

Okay, I see. But, even that 4 hours can be tiring. I believe that we all need a day to ourselves–at least. I would prefer working 1 day per week, having 6 days off. lol No? That won’t work? lol

4 hours is a lot, when you have worked 6 days…and you have to consider that it’s never really just 4 hours…you have the time it takes you to get there, getting ready in the morning…afternoon, whatever…4 hours at the job, can be 6 hours, when you add all the prep time and departure time to it. Just my two cents.

Unless you’re desperately in need of the money, JW–I’d opt to try to make things work the 6 days per week…or maybe do the 7 days every OTHER week, so you can get a break now and again. It’s just not practical or healthy to work 7 days per week. I know some who do it, and believe me, after a month or so, they are either sick, or just so worn out, they feel like they don’t know if they’re coming or going.

 

[HouseArrest]

The extra shift sounds ok because as you said you work 30 hours during the week - but are you counting prep time? That would make a difference.

 

[Just_wondering]

Yes, 30 hours a week is my current schedule with prep time, although according to the terms of my contract I could go as high as 36 hours including prep and marking. The four-hour class on Sundays would also require an hour prep time and 20 minutes each way to get there and back by bicycle.

WG, I know what you mean about how working seven days a week isn’t good for you. People need time to rest.

Honestly, weekends are a really lonely time for me right now. My close friends that I used to spend time with have left. I used to go out with my boyfriend and his friends on Sundays, and it was always a really pleasant time… but now he’s gone, and his friends have been busy or uncomfortable with the idea of seeing me when he’s not around. I’d rather be too tired to think about it than alone and feeling sorry for myself on a Sunday evening.

I don’t want to burn myself out… but in a way, I kind of do. If I just focused on work and making money for future goals for a few months, I could pass the time with a sense of purpose instead of just counting the weeks until I can finish this contract (36). Or until the custody agreement for my boyfriend’s daughters has been settled (9 weeks, estimated). Or until I’ll be able to take a vacation and visit him (26 weeks, estimated).

 

[Just_wondering]

Spoke to my boss. He offered me the Saturday evening class, which starts about an hour and a half after my normal Saturday afternoon classes end. I decided to accept it - it might be better to teach nine hours on one day and still have my day of rest than to work seven days a week. And I’ll have time for dinner between classes. I guess I can live with that for now.