Job Discussion Forums

heartless · Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 5

I�m not sure how you go about negotiating pay? I�ve been sent several contracts and I�ve narrowed it down to a few. But what looks like the best job hours and living conditions wise has really low pay. So do I just say how much I expect and haggle with them? I�m not sure. Any help would be fantastic, thank you.

limits601 · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 3:46 am Post subject:

From my experience, if your a new teacher to China with no letters of reference from schools in China and such, then negotiating is tough. Thats just from my experience. But if you have experience teaching in China and have some great letters of reference, then you can show them how good a teacher you are in China and getting a good teach like you will cost a little more but the education quality is alot better. Im not saying your a bad teacher or anything like that but thats what you might want to say. But give it a try. The worse they can do is say no. Good luck

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Furthermore, it might be interesting to know what makes you think you are worth more money than what they are offering.

Giantbudwiser · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 5:55 am Post subject:

Have you ever taught here before? If they are offering you a salary between 5000-10000 then your doing good if you have never taught here before

MyraG · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 8:33 am Post subject: Take your time

I spent over 2 months finding the right job with good pay China was not on my list at first as the pay was so low, but eventually I found an add that I replied to and they asked me to say what I wanted which I stated, 10000RMB,furnished down to the bedding and cups and saucers apartment, all my bills paid (ie electricity , water,) Amount of teaching hours. We conversed and negotiated for another month. I took it because they were from Singapore and could speak straight with each other.

On the down side it was brand new school, I was only teacher I had to work weekends and do promotions. Worked 18 days straight when I got here. Was really lonely, The staff they hired couldnt speak English and the principal was hopeless. and I only get 4 weeks paid holidays plus the Chinese public holidays and Christmas day

8 months on I run the school, we have another teacher and we are slowly growing. The owners are great, they really look after me, bring me books I have friens and I am flying home for a month at Chinese New Year.
I couldnt be happier.

But I do have a degree, Celta, alot of life experienc including raising a family on my own and 2 years working casually at Language centres in Australia. One thing that working in Australia taught me was to not romantise teaching. It is a cut throat business, a money making exercise,
one photocopy machine between 15 teachers, do it in your lunch break etc, my experience in China has been wonderful compared to that. Also I am teacihng children here so the grammer is not nearly so bad.

limits601 · Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:21 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you got a great deal there MyraG. I mean, to pioneer that english department there and head up the school on hiring new teachers and such, how did you find such a job ? Ive been here 2 months and been screwed over by my school and im not even close to being paid what you are.