Job Discussion Forums

Riff Raff · Joined: 09 Jun 2014 Posts: 85

40 hours is NOT normal. Just say, "No thank you."

18 classes at a uni is NOT normal. By accepting it, you agree to be exploited. Want something better? Negotiate or keep looking.

Each year, China increases the workload, and "foreigners" accept it. So, it gets increased again-- to the point where it far exceeds professional standards.

If cash in hand matters most, then you need the fewest classes possible for your visa, then seek additional part time work, preferably with your main employer's consent.

If you really care about your future, you will work on research, something, that will improve your career. So, you can have a better job and make more money. The increasing hours each year do not take into consideration your health or your future. You're being squeezed for the most time possible. It is not normal. Respected schools with cooperation with China do not do it. Whoever created that policy is probably not a teacher. Moreover, insisting on that number of classes does not make it normal.

If you talk with people who work professionally in Education and create policy-- I mean top schools -- you will more likely see what it is supposed to be. Unless you work in such a place, one which is guided by China's and the world's experts, a separate system of standards has been created, and by accepting, you are nothing but a DOG to be exploited. That includes me. By accepting it, I am a dog. An animal. And you will be told how lucky you are. You'll be told how normal it is. Meanwhile, the joke's on you. And me. I took a job because it brings me access to my best friends. sigh. I have access to good jobs here. Yet I want to be with my good China friends. I've got no choice but to accept such nonsense if I want to work there. The working conditions are far from normal. And they'll only get worse over the years unless things change. I've worked with talented people from China for such a long time, worked hard to improve what I have to offer a job, and it blows my mind to see comments about crap being normal. I've bought a lemon, the salesman calls it a porsche. I maintain a positive outlook. In regards to the job, 18 periods is what private mills required, and it hurt me physically. Unis offer time to advance your career if you work hard during the off time. I do. I did. Not now. I will after returning to USA. The free market means good jobs for me. In light of what's being passed off as "normal" in China, it is no wonder that FTs are commonly regarded as losers who didn't have good options in their home country.

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

You clearly struggle differentiating the term 'normal' with the term 'right'. Just because you don't like something doesn't make it abnormal.

Is it right that working conditions get worse each year. No. Is it normal? Yes, because it is happening each year, as you stated. ARE the working conditions getting worse each year? Not from my experience.

If you couldnt handle 18 teaching hours in a language mill, then with the utmost respect, you shouldn't be teaching ESL. I have taught in Spain and Korea before moving China. In Korea, at hagwon's you'll be teaching 25-30 teaching periods a week. That is absolutely normal.

But you're derailing a thread with your anti China babble. If you don't like China, go home already.