Guys, need to vent a bit.
I'm 38, teaching at a small private school in Phuket. Been here about 1 year 3 months. I really love the kids, but right now I'm so tired I just need to tell someone.
My boss likes to have teachers take on special projects, after-school activities, extra tutoring, and making teaching materials that are crazy detailed — like using tiny markers and stickers — sometimes sitting up until nearly 2 a.m. He says it's part of the job, but when I finish it he never actually thanks me, doesn't give extra pay, doesn't praise anything. He shows the projects to parents and takes full credit. Some of the people I work with stay quiet, some are afraid of being seen as lazy so they keep doing it. I keep doing it too because I care, but I'm getting so exhausted, seriously.
One day at 3:30pm I awkwardly asked about compensation and they replied, “Teachers should have a public spirit.” I was speechless. Is that the only answer? Am I overthinking? Will they think I'm selfish if I want clarity?
I want clear job boundaries, straightforward hours and pay. I want at least a thank-you. I don't want them to show off the work and then disappear with the credit. Like, can we have clarity? But I'm worried it'll make the atmosphere tense. Worried people will think I'm not a team player. Worried they might give me even more work if I speak up.
Should I talk to the boss directly? Ask to meet face-to-face or just message? I want to say I'm tired and I just want clear compensation, but my voice shakes when I talk about this stuff. I don’t know… and then I worry bringing it up will make things worse. Confused T_T
This is my first post here, sorry if I messed up. Anyone been through this? Please share what you did lol.