Seoul, South Korea | November 21

A foreign worker in South Korea has shared her experience of losing her job simply for requesting eight days off, highlighting the strict leave policies at many Korean companies. Typically, companies in the country allow a maximum of five consecutive days off, and employees who ask for more may face serious consequences, as in this case.

Rebecca, who posts on Instagram as @rebeccainkorea__, described the challenges she faced while working in Korea. She said that she was frequently assigned new tasks right before leaving for the day and was constantly pressured to complete work quickly. “My boss texted me ‘Are you done yet?’ every 15 minutes,” she said, adding that her salary remained very low despite the high demands.

After enduring months of heavy workloads and constant pressure, Rebecca requested eight days off. Instead of approval, she was fired. She wrote on Instagram, “This is what happens to soft personalities. People walk all over you.” Her post quickly drew attention and sparked conversations about work culture in South Korea, particularly the pressures faced by foreign employees.

Rebecca also explained why she chose to work in Korea despite the challenges. She appreciated the safety, natural beauty, and convenient public transportation, such as buses and subways. She noted that, even with a lower salary, she could afford to eat out regularly and that the people in Korea were generally respectful.

The Instagram post received an outpouring of support. Many users sympathized with Rebecca, pointing out that her story reflects the difficulties foreign workers face in navigating rigid work environments. Some praised her patience and dedication, while others emphasized the importance of setting boundaries at work. “Take this as a lesson, learn how to set your boundaries, otherwise you’ll get taken advantage of,” one user commented. Another wrote, “You deserve those days off; this is not your fault. Don’t say ‘soft’ people.” A third added, “Honestly, sounds like you’re better off now. Take it as a blessing; you will find your way.”

Rebecca’s story highlights the challenges of working abroad, where cultural norms and workplace expectations can differ drastically from one’s home country. It also underlines the importance of balancing dedication and self-care, ensuring that employees can assert their rights without fearing undue consequences.

Her experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the need for fair and humane workplace policies, especially for foreign workers navigating unfamiliar professional environments. Rebecca’s story continues to resonate online, prompting discussions about employee rights, workplace fairness, and the importance of respecting personal 

 Foreigner in Korea Says She Lost Job for Asking Eight Days Off

A foreign worker in South Korea, Rebecca (@rebeccainkorea__), recently shared her story of losing her job after requesting eight days off, highlighting the strict leave policies in many Korean companies. Typically, employees are allowed a maximum of five consecutive days off, and exceeding this limit can have serious consequences. Rebecca revealed that she was constantly pressured at work, often assigned new tasks right before leaving, and received messages from her boss every 15 minutes asking if she was done. Despite her dedication, her salary remained very low.

After months of high-pressure work, Rebecca asked for eight days off, only to be fired instead. She wrote on Instagram, “This is what happens to soft personalities. People walk all over you.” Her post sparked widespread discussions about the challenges foreign workers face in Korea.

Rebecca also shared why she chose Korea: the country felt safe, offered convenient public transport, natural beauty, and an affordable lifestyle despite a modest salary.

Her experience received sympathy and advice from followers, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries at work and prioritizing self-respect. Many commented that she deserved the break and that losing a job under such circumstances could ultimately be a blessing, urging others to learn from her story.