The background-
A friend of mine, who is not Korean, is business partners with an older Korean woman. They run a tutoring and college prep company together. Most, if not all, of their client base is Korean. My friend handles the actual tutoring side while the partner handles the business end.
Lately there has been some tension because my non Korean friend has been butting heads a bit with some of the parents who have ridiculous expecations for their children. “Mrs. Park, your son has no chance of getting into Harvard with his 2.5 GPA, 900 combined SAT and no extracurricular activites. Start thinking about a state school” “But he must go to an Ivy League school!” The students themselves love her the problem is with the parents. Now, so far they haven’t lost any students over it.
Her partner has been coming down hard on her for it anyway. She says she is too harsh with her words.
The partner has also been very critical of her work lately. My friend already puts in 10-12 hour days and has routinely asked for a part time assistant to be hired to take off soem her workload. The partner has routinely refused this.
Very recently my friend let it be know that she is unsatified with their current arrangement. This has gotten back to her partner. Her partner has now over compensated with praise and caring and has finally hired an assistant. My friend is a little overwhelmed.
The latest bit is that her partner has asked her if she could be her godmother.
“Although I cannot support you financially, I can support & advise you”
My friend is very confused as to how to respond and if this maybe has more meaning in the Korean culture.
Anyone have any ideas?