Job Discussion Forums

deedle · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 7

Ok, so, yes, I am an English teacher. I should, therefore, know the English language, right? And I do! I swear.

Except....what does the expression "in arrears..." mean? My contract states that I will receive such-and-such amount net monthly "in arrears"..and I have no idea what that means. I can't exactly email the Director back and say "could you clarify this for me", as I don't want to come across stoooopid. Shocked

Thanks!

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

deedle · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 7

Late? Ok. So they pay me one month for the last month's work? Exactly what am I supposed to do that first month? Is this the usual way?

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Well, you would have to clarify this with the school. But instead of sounding stupid tell them the truth, it doesn't exactly make sense.

Most schools in China, you work the first month, then get paid for it. I get paid on the last working day of the month, but I have known some schools where they would pay you on or before the 10th of the following month. If your contract states "paid 1 month in arrears" this would mean you work for 2 full months before receiving any salary. This is unheard of in China and leaves you wide open to being exploited.

Put it to your school in exactly the same manner as I have above, and see what the response is. If indeed you have to work 2 months before being paid, walk away!

Brian Caulfield · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 1247 Location: China

They mean that at the end you get it in the derriere or rear end .

danielb · Joined: 08 Aug 2003 Posts: 490

It means you work a month (probably a little over) and then get paid.

bearcanada · Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 312 Location: Calgary, Canada

The word "arrears" refers to money, and means money that has already been earned and should be paid.

The phrase "in arrears" means you will be paid at the end of the period of time during which the money was earned.

If you are to be paid 'monthly in arrears', then you will work for the month of May and be paid on May 31. A Chinese school may or may not adhere to a dictionary definition of the term.

In North America, we usually pay our cable TV and phone bills monthly in arrears, which means we get the month's service first and then we pay.

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deedle · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 7

Much appreciated! You guys are just too smart. I'm going to get in touch with the Director of the school and see exactly what he means. In any case, I guess that I should have enough money to last for the first two months. Anyone want to lend me some? Laughing

Thank you!

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Hey Deedle - you agree to work for two months before being paid and you will be diddled not deedled.