Job Discussion Forums

[theoriginalprankster]

Took on a summer camp job, with the explicit understanding that I would not be teaching kindergarten age children.

Now the boss lady tells me that due to a lack of students in her summer camp she wants me to teach at her kindergarten in the mornings. If I refuse I lose the job.

It's my last two months in China and I want to make some extra coin before I leave, but I feel like I've been duped.

Should I stay (and teach kindy in the mornings) or go? I really don't like teaching toddlers, plus it's a 30 minute drive from my hotel.

Really don't like this nonsense. Could pack and go tomorrow, but I could also suck it up and teach the toddlers.

[Blistering Zanazilz]

I've done this kind of work in the past, circumstances do change, and if the number of students is fewer than expected the boss has to make adjustments. If I was definitely leaving China and was uncertain about what the future holds I'd probably do it and bank the money. If I had enough financial resources to get through the next half year or so while resettling and reorganizing, then I'd consider packing it in now and move on.

[rioux]

[yurii]

From a scale of 1-10

How important is the (potential) salary lost?
How much do you hate teaching kids?

[theoriginalprankster]

[yurii]

[Elicit]

Either way you should go out on your own terms after spending so long here. Don’t let em make you watch the proverbial door on the way out.

[The bear]

Personally I wouldn't do it. You signed up for X and they give you Y.

But the bottom line is how much do you want the money. If you do continue with the job try to negotiate for a higher salary. But if you say you'll walk you must be prepared to walk.

Don't go 'Would you consider increasing the salary?' as that would be met with a firm 'no' or a 'we're really sorry, we really are, however we just can't afford to', try and guilt trip you. Simply state the facts, 'I agreed to teach this age range for X amount. If you want me to teach a different age range it will be X amount'. But again, always be prepared to walk.

[cormac]

Honestly, if shes having issues getting students, how do you know she'll actually pay you? You could easily find yourself out-of-pocket on this one.

Renegotiate your agreement with her, get a raise, and require payment weekly until the end of the period. Who pays your travel expenses? I'm guessing it's a taxi, rather than 30 mins by bus?

It's China. Negotiate. But, sure, I see no problem doing the work if you want the money. Kinder is usually good money... just be prepared for chaos, and having to deal with grandparent jealousy.

[theoriginalprankster]

They will be paying the travel costs, ie. Didi every day.

I will chat with them this weekend, to guarantee payment.

I'm outta here end-July. Time for the beach in the Philippines.

[Foo_Fighters_Dave]

I have read a lot of posts on this forum over the last year or so and it seems you have had issues with every job that you got the last little while. After 15 years in China, it may be best to try something new. I wish you the best but if you need the money, I would grin and bear it.

[theoriginalprankster]

[Curtinca]

Saw your post on the off-topic thread today complaining (already) that the individuals at the summer camp were f**king you over. That didn't take long. Seems like it's indeed time for you to move on. But consider whether you'll be carrying your problems with you.

[theoriginalprankster]

[rioux]