Job Discussion Forums

Mandrews1985 · Joined: 22 Apr 2012 Posts: 69 Location: Daegu, South Korea

I'm looking for a less work centric lifestyle, as 'head' foreign techer at my academy I'm normally working from 12pm till 11pm every day, teaching between 5pm till 10pm and sometimes at the weekend too.

So that's the context. What I'm hoping for is a less work centric lifestyle. I want to have time to enjoy some hobbies, eat out with friends and ultimately do a little bit more travelling and experience a bit more culture.

What's life like for you, in China? Have you had time to study the language? Do you have time to socialise? Do you have time to do your hobbies? Are you weekends ACTUALLY free?

Also when is the best time to apply for universities in China, mind that my current contract runs out mid March.

Cheers!

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

I work at a Chinese uni and as far as time investment, it's practically a hobby.

GeminiTiger · Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject:

Working at a Uni with 3 months off each year and only working 20 hours a week including the time taken to walk to class and prepare for classes..

The Edge · Joined: 04 Sep 2010 Posts: 455 Location: China

I'm freelance / self employed and married to a local Chinese national.
China is not cheap anymore unless you live and work in the outback.
Be prepared for every scam and lie known to mankind.
Universities here have the standards of something that you might step in and have to scrape from the bottom of your shoe.
Once again, be prepared and seek out as much advice as possible before coming here from a reputable country such as Korea.
You would be making a downward step in my opinion but many have different opinions to mine.
Good luck.

kungfuman · Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:34 pm Post subject:

Everyday life in China is kinda like a tour of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

Everyday is some new adventure.

But, after a while, you really want to kill those Oompa-Loompas...

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

Unless you're in a really interesting city, you won't want less than 12 hours of class room time. If you have engrossing hobbies or are lucky enough to live and work in an interesting city, a nine-hour week is bliss.

There's ALWAYS a downside to a light work load. In my case, it was having to live on one campus and work at another.

it'snotmyfault · Joined: 14 May 2012 Posts: 527