Job Discussion Forums

[yb713]

So whats the the dress code? I'm sure it varies school to school but there must be some standard rules. Collared shirts and khakis? Are dress pants a requirement? Can we wear walking or running shoes?

Second, whats wrong with squatting toilets? They are better for your body. Make pooping easier.

[Alien abductee]

One problem with the squatting toilets, half the doors don't have locks on them and when you're squatting and getting busy someone else comes busting through the door. See what I'm getting at? I time my bowel movements to happen at home

For university jobs the dress codes are pretty relaxed to say the least. I try to wear slacks or jeans, and some kind of shirt with a collar. In really hot weather i might don a t-shirt made of some quick dry material (under-armor for example) and some sandals (and pants). Runners, walking shoes are also fine. Winter means a jumper of some sort, or fleece. I'm not the flashiest dresser but respectable enough. Other types of school might be a bit more strict, language mills might have a uniform or company t-shirt you have to wear, and some of the international schools might have a higher standard of dress.

Now on the other side of the coin, some of the slobs I've worked with have been seen showing up in 15 year old t-shirts with the gut all stretched out, shorts that look like they're about to fall apart, and breath stinking of cigarettes, and alcohol (and teeth all stained to hell). And don't forget the importance of showering. I've worked with one or two individuals in the past who chose not to shower for extended periods.

[Bud Powell]

Shorts and flip flops are tolerated in public universities and colleges, but you WILL be judged by your attire.

[Non Sequitur]

If there are still chalk/blackboard classrooms out there, avoid dark clothing.
Re squats I recall a few years ago someone reporting popping the ligaments in their knees by leaving their trousers and underpants in a roll behind the joint.
No doubt this was to keep them clear of the floor which is often dirty and NEVER dry.
Acted as a natural fulcrum to lever the joint apart.
After a week or so you get into a routine so as to go at home and downtown your radar knows where the Western hotels are in case of need.

[Piper2]

With squat toilets there can be a higher risk of splash back, especially if you use it the wrong way round, as might happen if the door has no lock and you are trying to avoid people walking in on you.

Chinese school toilet-related...
For some reason often you can see into the male toilets from outside, usually it is a good view of the urinals, via the main door or huge, clear glass windows.
There will be a, usually female, cleaner who will walk in unexpectedly.
Do not expect to find toilet paper, soap, any way of dying your hands, or hot water
They often stink, especially in summer.
As with all gents in China, expect to find smokers

[yb713]

They are easier to poop in though, right? I think squatting is more natural. Maybe not squatting over one of those if it's dirty but...

[Timer]

Don't bother working for a place that requires you to dress up professionally. You'll not likely be paid enough to wear a suit and a tie so what's the point?

Nothing wrong with squat toilets, but there is plenty wrong with Chinese public toilets, western or not.

[3701 W.119th]

I think you get to know pretty quickly where to find a western toilet. It's not that difficult. As for squats, I have a gammy knee and my back is bad, so they just aren't an option for me. Hasn't been a issue yet though.

Dress code - I worked in banking before coming to China, so I just wear a pair of trousers, dress shirt, and shoes. I'd consider this 'business casual', however some of the FTs here have very different ideas when it comes to dress code (sandals, no socks, rolled up khakis, odd tye-dyed button up shirts, etc.)

It comes down to how you want to be perceived, rather than what you can get away with. I want to be perceived as a professional, so I try to dress like one.

[Larry Legend]

I for one cannot figure out the bathroom situation for the life of me. Never have, never will. What I need to do requires at least 3 hands and not just 2.

[expatteacher1]

[thatsforsure]

[thatsforsure]

[wangdaning]

[expatteacher1]

[wangdaning]