Job Discussion Forums

flyingcolours · Joined: 04 Oct 2011 Posts: 73

Is it hassle free to do a midnight run here in China from an awful teaching job?

Thanks a bunch.

FC

danasoverseasemail · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 86

Awful? Is the contract being followed?

Personally, I think anyone that violates their legal, contractual agreement by doing a "midnight runner" without using the proper legal channels to terminate the contract should be banned permanently from ever returning to the host country (China). Contracts have the ability to be terminated for any reason, with resulting penalties. If you can't follow the process to terminate the contract then that person deserves what comes to them. Signing and agreeing to a contract means you are subject to the terms and conditions. I am sure the contract doesn't provide you to "take off because our job is awful." Use the rights in your contract to end it.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

dean_a_jones · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 1151 Location: Wuhan, China

If you want to stay in China or teach in the future (particularly in the same province/city) then it is not helpful in terms of your future.

It is also unfair if, as stated, the organisation is upholding the contract and acting generally fairly, and you just want to leave because you don't like the reality of what you agreed to, want to move elsewhere or find a better job. In that case, you should be paying the necessary break clause penalty (or giving the appropriate notice if that is included in the contract).

In any case, you should first try to negotiate with your employer over your problems, see what can be changed, and at least try to reach an agreement on when to leave or what will happen regarding your working and living situation going forward.

As the first poster suggested (albeit with a couple of opinions tossed in) if things cannot be resolved and they are at fault you should be pointing out where the contract is being broken and asking for due compensation, changes and, if needed, contract termination. If need be, threaten to go to the local authorities. What the first poster left out is when they all shrug their shoulders or laugh at you, then there is not much you can do. In that case, then I would go.

Keep in mind for your next (China) job you will be asked for a release letter from your former employer (perhaps not if you don't mention it and it is in another province). If you cannot provide this (i.e. you left without getting it for whatever reason) then you might not be able to get the right working documents sorted out at a new place.

Lobster · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 3:47 am Post subject:

If they stop paying you, you stop working. Otherwise, you negotiate through the problems.

RED

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

If the school is screwing you over, just do the midnight run, don't listen to people on this forum who say "but you signed a contract" or "you have an obligation to stay". You don't need to accept substandard conditions.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

There are many awful employers on mainland China, so RUN if you think that under the circumstances when submitting a professional resignation letter the employer may give you troubles. Haven't enough FTs been hassled in the country? Haven't enough local institutions failed to provide sufficient support and/or mediations promised?

What you ought to consider is your prospective employment on mainland China. If you are on a legal working permit, you may have issues applying for the next one and/or issues applying for any prospective employment within the country. However the windows of opportunities is reduced, afte the RUN there still are jobs to take and perhaps ways to work even legally.

Good luck

RonHex · Joined: 10 Nov 2009 Posts: 243

I recently gave 30days notice to my school.. I have been with them almost 4 years and have a pretty solid relationship. I am confident they will pay me what they owe.

If you think your school will cause significant problems for you.. then wait for you last pay and run.. honorable? no.. but sometimes you gotta look out for number1...

If the school has been fair to you then its only right you give them proper notice. Only you know the situation but i would try not to burn the bridge.

peewee1979 · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 1:16 pm Post subject:

Mr. English · Joined: 25 Nov 2009 Posts: 298 Location: Nakuru, Kenya

It is certainly hassle free, though things can often be negotiated, and if you can negotiate I think that is best. But if the employer is a total jerk, right on. Most Chinese employers treat Chinese employees like dogs, if that well. But you are neither Chinese nor a dog, neither a slave nor an indentured servant. I view running as a last solution, but if the only one then so be it.

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

I agree with the Rock. If its a crap situation, get out. I have done this couple times in China. Now I have a good job at a University. It did not affect me.