Job Discussion Forums

getbehindthemule · Joined: 15 Oct 2015 Posts: 712 Location: Shanghai

There has been much debate on here with regard to 'what's a good salary' and the whole 'consider the whole package' debate. So why not gather a litte data:

What % do your wages (after tax) contribute to your monthly income?

Salary (after tax): 65%
Allowance (tax free): 19%
Private income: 16%

When I worked it out, I was a bit surprised that my wages only contributed to 65% of my monthly income.

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

My stuff is out of date but:
Salary (after tax) (82%)
Allowances - airfare and NY travel (16%)
Private income (2%)
The big variable is privates and although there was plenty on offer I never chased it.
I divide allowances by 10 as I work Sept - June.

getbehindthemule · Joined: 15 Oct 2015 Posts: 712 Location: Shanghai

Thanks NS,
I think it would be interesting to gather some data on this. I think newbies tend to focus a bit too much on the salary on offer.
Another thing is paid holidays, this can be a biggie. I don't know if it's standard practice to get full pay for Winter break and Summer (if you re-sign). I work at primary level and I get fully paid 12 months a year (maybe I'm lucky to be getting this, I don't know?).
Also, if you are able to negotiate a pay rise, ask for it to go towards your rent allowance (tax free). That's what I will do next year if I decide to stay on!

Totally agree with you on private work. I never chase it either, actually turned down several offers. Just one solid Friday evening gig at the moment. I didn't come to China to work my ass off. But for those who plan to come here to do just that, there's plenty on offer!

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

Paid for 12m at primary school - WOW!
But do you have the time off, or is there a summer programme you must teach?
My experience is winter paid and summer if you re sign. But don't expect a school to offer this straight off.
Show willing when they ask: 'Certainly interested' type comment.
They may be polling the whole FT contingent and there could be weak sisters (is that not micro-aggression?) who don't push paid holidays.
When they come back to you, raise the issue.
I agree that too many newbes get fixated on salary and that maybe a mindset they bring from home where they can get out from under if needed. i.e good salary but bad conditions? See ya later!
In China it's more difficult Spend as much time on class hours, location of accommodation and the other things mentioned on the Job Offer Checklist thread.

getbehindthemule · Joined: 15 Oct 2015 Posts: 712 Location: Shanghai

'Paid for 12m at primary school - WOW!' (you seem surprised by this NS?):

No Summer programme, I'm totally free for Winter break and July & August. My initial contract with the school was in 2014...this was a 10 month contract.
My next contract was: July 1st (2015) - June 30th(2016). Then signed up again: July 1st(2016) - June 30th (2017). So I've always had full pay over my holidays in this position.
I get June + July wages paid in June along with airfare and then I get August wages paid in August. I'm unsure how standard this is but I guess it's a good deal for public primary school teaching, and quite trusting on my Chinese employer's part.

'good salary but bad conditions, see ya later!' Haha, totally agree, why come to China to work under crappy conditions!