Job Discussion Forums

kungfuman · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 9:20 am Post subject:

It's cushy for older people who are semi-retired, and for younger people who have little wants or needs in life.

For those in the middle it could be hell when it comes to income needs.

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Very true, Mr. B, and as far as the "low wages", the cost of living in most places is so low that it's possible to save a good chunk of the pay if you're careful.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you do not know the difference between a preposition and an adverb, or between the continuous tenses and the simple tenses, then maybe you do need a certificate. Otherwise I would say forget it.A con.

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

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

I think a lot of it comes down to what suits your individual personality.

I for one wouldn't be (and wasn't) happy in a training school environment, the profit at all costs attitude (you must work harder so the owner can get his new Audi), stroppy business people, unsocial hours and lack of holidays, taking BS from people who have no credibility. Or even worse, a class full of five year olds.

I can see myself staying here for a while now I'm in the public sector.

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

OP:

Go for the uni job and plan on doing something on the side if you want more money. That's what I do and it works for me. I made a total of 8500Y last month and my living expenses were around 1500. All the rest gets sent back to the States. Do the math and then tell me this is not serious savings.

I work in a 3rd tier uni in a 3rd tier city in the middle of nowhere. To say I am a "teacher" is stretching things a bit. No support, huge classes, no expected outcomes, no standards, etc. "Trained monkey" is a better job description, yet it works for me. You do the best you can and some students will actually learn something and the others will pass the course and continue on in their real studies. Adjust your expectations and don't stress on what you cannot control. If I want to move up the food chain in the future, that option is there.

DirtGuy

thatsforsure · Joined: 11 Sep 2012 Posts: 146

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

One of my friends from the US works at a Uni in Changchun. Standard 5k/month, 15 hours a week gig. Then he teaches private lessons for 250-300 an hour. He has to work a whopping 4-5 hours a week extra to double his income. THere's the potential for a lot of money.

thatsforsure · Joined: 11 Sep 2012 Posts: 146

Lack · Joined: 10 Aug 2011 Posts: 252

First of all, thank you to everyone who has posted their advice. I'm still taking it all in. I'm glad several of you have also pointed out the flaws. I'm not trying to get the best package, just trying to strike a good balance.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Lack,

Not sure what you mean by bringing your computer to class. I and the other teachers here have books to work out of. They pretty much suck so we bring in other materials via memory stick and utilize the school's computer. We have lots of freedom but "the book" still means something to the students and they need to have their expectations met. Nothing says you have to use every exercise, but you still have to teach and taking it at least somewhat seriously is a good idea. Besides, if you ever have to show your bosses what you are doing, having lesson plans showing you are making progress through the book, along with happy students, can work in your favor.

As for outside work, I'd keep it quiet. You can always say you are doing tutoring and just let it go at that. Working at another school is clearly illegal but many do it. If your primary job doesn't know, you will probably be OK.

DG