Job Discussion Forums

[vikeologist]

Come on guys, you can't quantify someone's situation by attributing some kind of points scale for problems, and then say, 'Suck it up, you don't qualify to be unhappy'. How about a bit of compassion.

OP - It's hard from what you've said to know how you can improve the actual problems you've described, but the answer may be to improve other things in your situation.

Possibly how you feel is part of wider culture shock. Perhaps last term was your honeymoon period. Now you're in the second phase. The good news is that you will almost certainly move on to a third stage where you are quite content with life here; possibly followed by a fourth (possibly undesirable) stage where you positively love it here, and basically become Chinese.

Whether or not you think this is cuture shock, why not look up some tips for dealing with it on the net. They won't all suit, but take up a new hobby, keep a diary, go downtown in the middkle of the day and just watch people.

In short, I do think that quitting your job would be wrong, but I also think it may be unnecessary. Things will get better by themselves, but there are things you can do to help it along. As you've discovered, posting in this forum isn't necesarily one of them.

[johntpartee]

You're quite the diplomat, vikeologist, and you're also quite right. The OP is saying that HE is very unhappy with HIS situation. But the other side of the coin is that he did post on here for a purpose, that is, input from others, which he's getting (in spades).

[MisterButtkins]

[choudoufu]

[Lobster]

You could base your lesson plans on a simple template with 3 types of activities per lesson. You are using a textbook, so just refer to page numbers in the text. This will make the CT's job a breeze.

Many FTs are stuck with texts they don't like. Expand on it and deviate, but you have to keep using it. The How of using it is up to you.

As with any undesirable co-worker, you are professionally polite at work and unavailable at other times.

Your problems do seem relatively minor and easy to deal with. Perhaps the problems are an extension of your personal feelings. Certainly most would not see them as a sign that things are going downhill fast.

RED

[Tefl Novice]

[choudoufu]

[kimo50]

Then put your grievances in writing and demand the issues be resolved within 5 business days. Telling them to us won't help get them addressed.

[Tefl Novice]

[dean_a_jones]

You must use the book surely doesn't mean that you can only use the book. I would make sure you use it in each lesson, and plan so that you will finish the book by the end of the course. Then supplement it with other, better activities and materials, either gathered or created by you. If anyone questions it, explain you are using the book as a starting point, but feel the students are progressing well and need the extra challenge of additional stuff tied in with the units theme.

As for the contract--does it say they provide these things specifically? If so, ask for them, though they might query why you are suddenly bringing this up now. If the TV is broken demand to get it fixed. I am afraid on these kinds of things you have to stand firm and make it clear you expect them to sort you out, just as you fulfill your duties regarding the contract.

Believe it or not, many of us regularly deal with unhelpful staff, poor conditions, minor contract violations, irritating colleagues, short notice on work, poor teaching materials and much much more. I think you are struggling a bit with culture shock, as another poster mentioned. Things often seem great at first, then seem to deteriorate rapidly, as what were minor irritations begin to feel like major annoyances. Take a step back and try to assess which things you can control or change, and which you cannot. Then try make the former as positive as possible, and try not to let the latter drag you down into negativity. Easier said than done, I admit, but if you let too much get to you, everything seems to suck even when it probably doesn't.

[Opiate]

[DrGrafenberg]

[roadwalker]

It's good for a new teacher to hear both the compassion ("I know, I know!") and the "suck it up!" responses, too. This is a good forum for venting, and as a new teacher OP should also be made aware that his hell-hole of a life doesn't strike the average reader with experience teaching in China as particularly hellish. OP doesn't do his cause any good by disparaging a colleague based on his dissatisfaction with her appearance. Nothing says: "I'm really a decent guy who is being taken advantage of," like calling a colleague a "fat cow."

[DrGrafenberg]

I do think the op could have chosen his language a bit more carefully, re "the fat cow".

In fact it's udderly disgraceful and we should all just moo-ve on to pastures new

[Tefl Novice]