Job Discussion Forums

neverheardofem · Joined: 29 Feb 2012 Posts: 100

Hi,

I have gotten myself into a predicament. I was offered a job which seemed satisfactory enough, signed the contract they sent via email and have received the invitation letter. I would have gone to the embassy straight away but there were some delays in the medical. Now I have that too, so should be all ready to go and apply for the z visa, book the flight and leave in a couple of weeks.
Problem is, during this delay, I couldn�t help but notice yet another position in my inbox which sounds like exactly what I am looking for � same salary as the position I have accepted, but with less hours, better location etc. I could not help but press the apply button and, the next think I know, I have an offer from that school too.
I know I have gotten myself into this mess and it was silly, but I am really drawn to the second position.
I will feel terrible for letting the first school down but I will have to deal with that. I am wondering though; whether taking the second job is even an option for me, since I already have an invitation letter from another school? Both are in different provinces.
What should I do?

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

This has happened to other people before.

You're not under any legal obligation to take the first job. Perhaps a moral obligation, but a prompt and apologetic letter explaining that you've changed your mind is probably the best option. Nobody is going to blacklist you. Honesty is the best policy. The second best policy is to lie (and unfortunately this is probably what most people do). Tell the first school you have a family emergency, eg one of your parents is gravely ill, so you can't go after all. If it's a different province nobody is going to check.

Going with the second school doesn't reflect brilliantly on you, and I dare say some people will take the opportunity to make themselves feel better by being nasty to you, but it is what it is. Just treat the first school as fairly as you can from now on, and take the second job.

hippocampus · Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 126 Location: Bikini Bottom

Little known secret about life: you can do whatever you want to do. And: Sooner or later you come to realize that I don't want to is the best reason in the world.
I don't want to argue whether honesty is the best policy or not, but what I would do (you did ask, right?) is to tell them I had applied previous to applying to them, for a job in Japan, or some such well-paying country, and that the people with the well-paying job that they cannot hope to compete with, have finally gotten back to you. They can't argue with you going elsewhere for more money. They may resent it if you told them you were going to another job in China, and why jinx your loved ones by claiming they are sick or dead? And anyway isn't the sick relative the oldest and lamest excuse in the book? I wish you the best in your new new job!

shadowrider · Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Posts: 208

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

Not sure if you know but the school has spent 3000rmb on getting you the work permit invitation letter. They are not going to be happy about this.

Lobster · Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 1:46 pm Post subject:

First, how do you figure that writing a letter on company letterhead costs 3k rmb? Visa, FEC and RP costs have not yet been paid out.

Second, a contract isn't valid here until a signed and chopped copy is in the possession of both parties, so any threats to sue you, particularly out of country, are hollow. They also don't have the juice to ban anyone from China. Falling for their bluster is an understandable error for a newb however.

RED

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

You should keep in mind also that two can play this game. After you tell School #1 you're backing out School #2 might find a better candidate for the job and tell you they no longer need you. Just so you know. Sometimes it's just better to follow through on the first offer, particularly if there's nothing wrong with it and they've already done the paperwork for the visa.

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

Lobster · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 4:14 am Post subject:

If that is the case, school #1 should be reimbursed that amount.

RED

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

I think that people should really think hard before accepting an offer. If you are not completely satisfied, then don't agree to take the job. Employers do go through quite a bit of work to hire. If the shoe were on the other foot and it was the school cancelling on the teacher, many people would be blasting them.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

This is starting to happen. Just this week I heard of someone who had applied to one school and the school started the visa process for them but in the meantime, he applied at another school. He informed the first school and then started the visa with the second school. The government told the second school that they couldn't hire him and then told the first school that if the person didn't work for them then they would be deported.

It seems the government is getting very annoyed with people jumping ship before they start or in the early stages of the contract.

shadowrider · Joined: 05 Feb 2012 Posts: 208

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258