Job Discussion Forums

CNexpatesl · Joined: 27 May 2015 Posts: 194

I was offered a job at a language mill, training center, whatever you want to call it, teaching young kids.

I wanted to take a break this summer, so I told them I prefer part-time and can only work 4 days a week. The schedule they gave me requires I work 28 hours a week in those 4 days. Teaching 3-6 year olds, about 10 kids in each class, each lesson 45 minutes. The salary is only 10,000 RMB. I'm not sure if my off days will even be in consecutive order or split apart. They also had me do a demo in front of about 10 people, including three foreign teachers. I was surprised, I think most people, especially unexperienced, would have failed that.

I wanted something low stress this summer while still being able to make some cash to get by. I'm wondering if the salary and hours are worth it, and if I'll even get a real chance to relax? I'm supposed to start next week.

bestteacher2012 · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 160

28 hours a week for 10k a month? Doesn't seem too good to me. If you are teaching kids for 28 hours a week it is going to be tiring. I would pass, but if you are desperate for the cash, then take it.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

10.000RMB/112 hours = 89RMB an hour.

So, if there are ten kids per class, then you are only getting about 9RMB per kid per hour. I am sure the parents are paying much more than that per hour.

Tutoring jobs can pay 200 to 300RMB an hour.

Markness · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 738 Location: Chengdu

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

I have made posts like this. You know the answer but you want confirmation.

So now that you got it, may I suggest something like teaching online for lower stress. Or tutoring if you can pull it off. Need to stick around your city? If not maybe you could make a summer job more adventurous in another region or country?

kungfuman · Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2015 3:19 pm Post subject:

I've already had several calls asking if I was free over the summer. The highest salary mentioned was 350y an hour as they were totally desperate for a native English speaker.

89 rmb for an hour is lunch money

kungfuman · Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2015 3:23 pm Post subject:

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

KnockoutNed · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 87

That's a terrible offer, don't take it. Find something else

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Not clear what OP is doing now.
If the offer we commenting on is seen as a lower stress situation, the current gig must be pretty bad.
Like others I have an issue with demo lessons - in general and this one in particular.
Demo lessons should be in the class size and demographic of the normal classes.
The staff and other teachers should observe not be the de facto class.
Teaching especially in oral situations or with young people is about dynamics.
You ain't gonna get that in front of FTs whose main thought is 'I could do better!'

CNexpatesl · Joined: 27 May 2015 Posts: 194

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913