Job Discussion Forums

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

A nasty situation has arisen.

There was flooding in my area so the school had to close one week before the mid term break.

My contract expired on 30 September and I signed a new contract that commences on 1 November. I am due to relocate to a different school.

The company suddenly tell me I need to return to the school and 'complete my duties'( I'm not even sure what they mean by this).

It's bad enough having to live without a salary for an entire month, now they expect me to return and work for free.

I'm seriously tempted to tell them to *beep* off over this, but then I won't have any job at the end of the month.

I'm really not sure what to do -- any suggestions?

tttompatz · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:17 pm Post subject: Re: What should I do?

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

tttompatz · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2012 12:57 am Post subject:

The new school term starts in 3 weeks.
I'd just find a new job with a new employer.

.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

You need to go to the school with the new contract and on time. That is the most important thing. If they paid you during the flood period, pay them that money back if you cannot fulfill the contract. If they didn't pay you, forget about them, don't answer thier calls or return thier emails. You don't owe them anything, especially if they didn't pay you during the flood.

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

While I'm relieved to be shot of that awful company, finding a new position has proved most challenging.

Despite applying for dozens of positions, my only (semi)concrete offer thus far is a 28k-a-month, 21 hour a week public school gig in the sticks(and in Lop Buri).

While I wasn't expecting a total cakewalk, I also wasn't prepared for this total dearth of interest in a well qualified individual with relevant experience.

It looks like I'll now have to leave Thailand after only a couple of months.

The sad part is I was really getting to grips with life here: I've learned a lot of Thai, made friends easily and learned to block out the proportion of Thais that automatically despise Farangs.

The lifestyle here may be better than in China, but it looks like the lack of decent opportunities is going to be the deciding factor.

Oh well...

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Lopburi is a really crappy town even as small Thai cities go. I worked in Lopburi once. The only good thing is that it's close to Bangkok. There is an area of town that is full of roaming monkeys, a total pain in the ass. If you walk throught that area make sure you're not carrying anything that they can recognize as food. They will sneak up on you an literally forcefully grab it. The smaller younger monkeys will climb up on you if they have time to do it.

This is not the right time of the year for getting a position. That's why nobody showed you any interest. I would say work there untill the end of September then look for a better position if you want a better one. Or wait untill the semester ends and find a better paying one, your choice. You can't count on the school to keep you anyway, so leave when you want.

Buoyant · Joined: 30 Sep 2012 Posts: 1

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

They usually interview in person. I have never interviewed by phone in Thailand. Initial contacts are mostly made by e-mail, occasionally by phone. I suspect most of the jobs available to you with the teaching hours that you might like are going to be in the provinces.

Lord Bafford · Joined: 29 May 2012 Posts: 58 Location: China

Unbelievable!

I had an interview lined up, left with plenty(or so I thought) of time to spare, only to find myself stuck in traffic for nearly two hours!!!

I arrive for said interview and apologise profusely, explaining the reasons for my tardiness.

A northern English gentlemen informs me that 'it's alright', albeit in an irritated tone. He then asks me to fill out a form, makes me wait, asks me a few questions and then, matter of factly, tells that he would have offered me the job but won't because I was late so he cannot do so on principle.

It was entirely my fault being late, but was that really necessary?

Luckily he said I can apply again because 'I fit the profile'. LOL!

Rolling Eyes

I've had so many setbacks in my job search( I'm too tired to type them all here) that I think some kind of ethereal force is urging me to give up on Thailand.

I think it's going to get its wish!