Job Discussion Forums

[Voyager2]

Having been offered a position on the mainland, they want me to sign the contract whilst informing that there'll be a 2 month wait for Z visa processing to take place.

My Q is, what if I accept now in good faith (because I am interested) but something else comes along in the meantime (outside of China for example)?

I had wanted to be working again before another two more months wait. What are the consequences if I don't proceed?

Many thanks in adv.

[Alien abductee]

When you agree to work at a school that's when they normally begin processing the documents (work permit, invitation ltr) you need for the work visa (hence the wait in between agreement to work and obtaining visa). At this point the school commits money and effort to hiring you and once they send you what you need for the visa they expect you to fill your end of the bargain by showing up. If something better comes along in between and you no longer want job no. 1, then sure go to job no. 2. No inconvenience to you, you'll just be stiffing the people who were good enough to offer you a job and forcing them to find someone else at the last minute. Your name will also be in the database and you likely won't be issued a work permit for another job (in that region at least) since you never followed through on the first one.

If you're not sure you'll follow through then be honest about it and tell the school you're not interested. That way they can focus their effort on someone who will show up.

[Bud Powell]

First, Chinese employers don't want to have a Z visa issued too early because they don't want the teacher to use it as a tourist visa. That's standard and unchangeable. Sorry. Once you arrive, you'll have to get a residence permit within thirty days. If the school can't accommodate you upon your early arrival, why should it get you a residence permit?

Second, if you're playing the odds of getting a better job, isn't it a bit unfair to dump an employer after he goes through the money and expense of securing a letter of invitation for you because a better job came up?

The consequences FOR YOU are that you MAY have problems securing a job in that province again, and you WILL have problems working for that school in the future.

Make a mature commitment and stick to it, or wait until a better job comes up, THEN apply for that one.

Employment in China is NOT all about you. A lot of other people will depend upon your timely arrival. If you have difficulty making commitments, it's advisable that you sit out a year about and think about it. When you were in college studying for that BA degree, you didn't sign up for classes, then drop them because you found better classes, did you? If you did, it was probably expensive for you. Put the shoe on the other foot.

You DO have a BA, right? And two years experience teaching, right?

My response is harsh, but nobody, not other FTs at the school who expect you to show up as promised, not students who are left without a teacher, and certainly not administrators who must scramble to fill a position on short notice appreciate it when a teacher signs a contract PROMISING to be there, then doesn't show up.

Your employment in China hinges on the words "good faith". Either you return that good faith or you don't. If you don't you've screwed someone.

Some think it's okay to do what you suggest. I don't. Sorry.

Where are you now? You do realize that the school year began just a few weeks ago, right?

[Voyager2]

Yeah thanks AA. I think your advice is grounded in just having some decency, I always try. Thx again

[Voyager2]

BP appreciate your time and forthright words thanks. Mature-age grad, yes with just a BA from a few years ago. Just finished a one year contract on the Indonesian archipelago. In writing I wasnt making any assertions of what i was going to do, just thinking out loud and asking for some help in my thinking from those here who know more than I. Calling on other's knowledge like you.

Just entering into my fifth decade, I try not to screw anyone, just the opposite. The underlining aspect is my waiting two more months without work or a home. Not looking for a better job, looking for 'a' job.

I've been doing much talking with them but I've not accepted / signed as yet.

Thanks & rgds