Job Discussion Forums

[vikdk]

were always told how we should appreciate the more frugal side of life here, almost accept the low wages, try and intergrate with the typical chinese lifestyle - but it doesn't have to be so - just read of Roger's experiences in 2003 - yes 2003 when wages weren't so high - folks enjoy this post - and try and put out of your mind words like greed and money grabing.
a roger post from 2003

[Sextus]

Busted!

[Super Mario]

[millie]

[friedrich nietzsche]

I don't get the whole "busted" thing? Doesn't he say that he is unsure as to whether this workload was worth his while or not? Doesn't he say that such chances "sometimes" present themselves? Doesn't he say that he took on a student for 60 kuai an hour and doesnt he justify his choice to do so by reference to more than just material benefits? Anyone who takes on a student for 60 kuai an hour is certainly not motivated purely by money. I didn't get the sense that Roger was detailing the latest stage of a relentless campaign to make money, but that he was commenting on one particularly profitable month. To the best of my knowledge, Roger's other comments on a teacher's expected salary mainly related to salary for the main job, and generally had nothing to do with whatever outside work one wishes to take on.
The really interesting question for me is why one would dig up a post that is two years old- especially a post which, depending on which parts of it one CHOOSES to emphasise, can either validate or debunk the position of the OP. Is it productive to go through the archives looking for material which will then be used to start a new post attacking another person? What's the point?

[kev7161]

I think we've had a thread or two before where we've pondered salaries in China. Some had the opinion that 4000ish was just ludicrous, while others were advising to compare ourselves to our fellow CTs and quit the b*itchin'!!

I think there is money to be made out there (as evidenced by Roger's long ago post). My opinion still remains that, the more professional you are and the harder you work (and the more hours you put in), the more a teacher should be compensated. I can't do a thing about my fellow CTs and their lot in life, but I shouldn't have to resign myself to making low wages simply because I came to China. There's a lot of money out there folks. Why, look in your school's parking lot. How many administrators are driving BMWs or Benzes (or, heck, ANY car at all)?

But, if you came here for the relaxation, the sight seeing, and the free time to drink yourself silly, then go for it. If 4000 (or 5000 or 6000) is enough, then anyone who DOESN'T agree should not condemn that person.

[vikdk]

To be fair to Rog if you find the whole thread on page 77 he himself calls this post a reaction to the boasting big money earners - but i can't help feeling the boy is also pretty proud of himself - and quite rightly too.
This is internet and not real life - you can be bullet proof here - Roger I appologise if I've gone too close to the mark - but by wasting so much time in persuing this vendeta - I have certainly lived up to all the names you've called me - in the internet world both of us are totaly unscathed, after all we've being doing nothing more dangerous than shouting at shadows - but just try an swop some of those grumpy days for a few happy ones - and maybe try to be a wee bit less dogmatic, shoving a few I beleives or according to my thinking helps any post along - but however you wish to write your posts aint anything to do with me - so hoping to read some of them in the job-related forum again - and promising to lay off with the agro - see ya soon vik

[Roger]

You have a fascinating sense of humour, and a crooked concept of "living rough", little boy! I never roughed it in China! And I do stand by every word I said in that post!
Incidentally, in that year I had a job that paid 8000 a month for 20 weekly periods. I cobbled together a tight timetable working in 3 different places in 2002 and made up to 14'000 a month.
COnsidering why people come to China, and also how little they are willing to give to China, they shouldn't complain if they can't make more than the standard 4000 or so a public employer might offer them.
I am here living and working, not working and saving money to take "home". HOme to where?

[vikdk]

[millie]

[Roger]

Yes, silly millie: every single word I poured out in that 2003 post was true. My employer gave me 20 kuai; whether I topped that up or not was my business; I never go to fancy restaurants unless taken there by a host. And the sauna only costs me RMB 100 a month - it's open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What a pity you don't live in a place like mine - it might open your eyes and your narrow mind!