Job Discussion Forums

simon19812005 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 33

Actually it was my employer who took me to the police station, however I don't think that has anything to do with my job rather where I live.

You are right, I will lose the deposit on my flat (but I'm willing to pay that price if it means starting new in another (this time - smaller) city in China.

I doubt I will have any legal problems (because I'm not even supposed to be working here anyways). As far the Chinese government knows, I've been a tourist here for the past few months. I have a feeling my new school will keep me going on a L visa. After all, don't private language mills tend to do just that - I mean I know of no teacher in my town that has a Z visa. They all have L and all work for privates. One of them (who is 60) pulled a runner last month to another school across town. School was pissed but so was he.

I doubt I will resolve the issue with the landlord. I plan to run remember? That's the whole point of this thread. To gather information and experiences about running. The landlord will be fine. After all, this is China. It's not like he's going to lose money. He'll get my deposit and all the rent money (I'm leaving early and not using it).

The only concern I have is when I went to the police station with my employer, I remember taking the apartment lease contract and having them stamp it. They also took a picture of me and my passport #. I assume this is strictly a file for where I'm living. I doubt it has anything to do with employment.

The question is will the new school or better put (the new city authorities) care that I have a file in the old city. This seems unlike China as it's too organized. Hopefully, what I leave behind is what i leave behind.

Wish me luck...
and by the way, I don't want to discuss morality here...this is a thread about sharing experiences not attacking something you don't agree with.

virago · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:12 am Post subject:

Do it man. Running keeps you alive, the tingle in your feet and only the voice in your head telling you what to do.

Stuff the system man. China is the place to stuff it. The Chinese can get away with paying low wages while counting the profits they make right in front of their slave labourers. Make them sweat themselves the filthy management pigs.

The Chinese break contracts all the time and don't care. They don't tell you everything you need to know to keep you in the dark.

You can get away with it as most systems are not connected from one province to another so they have no idea where you came from.

Do it and feel the rush of blood by sticking it right up the system. YEAAAH BACK AT YOU MAN! Laughing

winterlynx · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:13 am Post subject: May be Problems on Leaving China

When leaving China, you may be questioned about what you were doing during your stay. If your answer doesn't match your visa, you could be in for trouble. I speak from first hand knowledge about a colleague who had a similar problem. Apparently it has affected the status of her passport, even outside of China. Chinese authorities are tightening up, so what some one person got away with a couple of months ago just might not fly anymore. There is definitely some risk involved in what you're doing, especially if you stay in China after running.

Mideatoo · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:20 am Post subject:

virago · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:35 am Post subject:

Midlothian Mapleheart · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 623 Location: Elsewhere

Hmm, I wonder why you won't share your reasons for fleeing with us. Here's the worst you can expect: Landlord and Employer decide that it IS in their best interests to file a civil suit. They could claim damages amounting to a year's rent/services. This is recorded and will be registered against your passport. Then, when you try to leave China, you'll be in a world of trouble. I second the other posters' comments and suggest you just leave the country, and fast.

Middy

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

If he is not legal..then there is no runner...we all know it is not kosher to work on a L...and as to the court putting a stop on his leaving the country...the land lord would have to start court proceedings..unlikely as it would cost additonal to file..and with out a residence sticker, the contract for housing is not valid .....no contract...
With an L visa..there will be no request for a "letter"..as he will likely have to go to Hong Kong to re-establish a visa....this may be your one "get out of Jail free card"...dont waste it ..be sure of your new employer ...and his offers..China has a way of lettin a one legged man kick him self in the a$$

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Steve,
at least 2 other posters have asked what the TRUE REASON for quitting might be; this guy doesn't want to divulge it because he knows it is not a convincing one.
He got moral support from virago and will naturally feel morally right in "pulling his runner". I hope, I truley hope, he has paid the rent for his dump with his own money, and if his employer has any claims against him I truly wish he obtains satisfaction at this character's expense.

Steve, look at the thread's title" it clearly states "first runner". More will no doubt be untertaken by him in the next few months or year.

Slackers like this guy cost us our respectability, and with that we are all going to pay - in lower rates and salaries, and drastically worseneed working conditions.
He makes me sick and full of bile!

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

What are his TRUE reasons....what would this matter...look at the fact as told...L visa...no proper registration...this is a non issue..nor morality booster needed here from this CHARACTER as he is dealing with another CHARACTER...the employer...who has not followed procedures and thus is not in agreement with a set of regulations that would make this an action that would demand responsible parties to a contract...it has long been my contention that FT's actions (good or bad) have little bearing on paychecks, rule of law, or contract obligations, regulation and inforcement is the key to a equal playing field. This is not a class room where your big brothers past performance in class will earn you a place as the teacher's pet...wheither the op stays or goes will have little or no bearing on my professional (?) stint...in China...to personalize this kind of infraction.....is to bear a cross that need not be carried..

Midlothian Mapleheart · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 623 Location: Elsewhere

What about the impact on students who lose their teacher mid-term? Since when did students become a teacher's lowest priority? I know a guy who did a runner on his elementary students and they were quite heart-broken. I had to tell them he was sick, then in the hospital, then forced to return home. I didn't have the heart to tell them that he didn't like their small town or the unheated classrooms. Deep down, I wanted to finally tell them, "Sorry, he was so sick that he died!" Maybe the upside is that the students may get a better teacher for the balance of the term.

Middy

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

Don't do it Simon, it's not worth it.

There will always be "better" jobs out there, anywhere you go. I suspect that at the rate China is changing now you will find PLENTY of opportunities later. Just stay with this school until the end, at least you will gain the respect of your students and colleagues. Every school has its ups and downs...I once knew a guy who did a runner, he ended up in a worse school who ended up screwing him over. He regreted making the move in the first place and wished he never left!

As other people have said it makes it more difficult for the next new teacher, because of the lack of trust between you and your future employer... Sad

Good luck whatever you decide Smile

PS This is my first posting on the China board! Hi China! Very Happy

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

The lack of trust is already present in a relation ship (working) that is based on the employer hiring practice that is flawed in admin procedures and copability..mush less the lack of responsibility showned on the behalf of the boss..and why would anyone buy that this FTs behavior would make it easier on the next guy...would you really expect this employer to turn over a new leaf and "legit" it all...that the next FT would have all the paperwork and a proper z....
And isnt the responibility to the students shared..between parents that choose the "cheaper" unlicenced schools over the "legal" ones...it only takes a walk to PSB.. I check my schools..I would think they could also... and the bosses who skim on the resorces and paperwork..to buy that new car..why is the responsibility laid at the feet of the FT..this kind of talk sound like the indoctination by a Chinese boss..who wants to manipulate...(maybe for once, you should tell the students the truth)
A runner from a legit school..may carry some "Bad Karma"..but until the society at large starts to demand licenced teachers as a standard..and pay a standardized amount... then the conditions for the "krap school" are always present and not the "full" responsibility of the FT.

Mideatoo · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:00 am Post subject:

simon19812005 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 33

I like all the different, opposing opinons.

The decision is to pull the runner. I must. I like Virago's thinking the most. By the way, I am very much illegal (and so are many others at the school and this whole city to mention it).

The landlord will have lots of my money left over. I paid him 3 months worth including deposit. I will only have used 1 month when I leave. Landlord will be laughing (if not shaking his head in amusement).

However, I could be wrong. In any case, the guy before me also ended phucking over the school. when I came, they didn't treat me bad, so who is to say they will treat the next guy any better or worse. It's all business. I am replaceable and so is the school. I go, where my heart takes me, and now she says to run.

p.s.
I thought I asked everyone to stop it with the morality blah blah. The hell with ethics - this is China.

I'm leaving because I am bored of this city. I've seen everything and the travel bug inside me demands change.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts, please keep this going, as I love to hear different viewpoints. Just save the mushy stuff.