Job Discussion Forums

Gorm · Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 87 Location: SoCal

I'm just thinking here...if I take a job and things are really bad when I get there, what can I do? Can I kindly inform my employer that "this isn't going to work" and look for work elsewhere or am I pretty much screwed and have to head home? Thanks

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

search for midnight runners

jg · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:23 am Post subject:

Look at your contract beforehand and see about your options DOING THE DECENT THING and quitting with advance notice. Unless the school is really bad, its not worth it to screw with your visa or cause the students grief. There are some a-holes out there who pull runners due to their unreasonable demands, lame behavior or because they came to China and gosh, its not at all like home.

You should ask for a copy of the contract before you even get to China, and if they have other foreign teachers at your school ask if you can contact them. Doing homework beforehand can pay off bigtime.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

Most employers are reasonable. There are almost always ways to negotiate your way out of a contract. It is very unlikely you will find yourself "screwed" and have to head home.

Like jg said, the more you know before hand the better. You should talk to teachers that have worked at the school before, check the forums to see if there have been a lot of complaints and always get a copy of your contract before you make a commitment.

WordUp · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 131

If school breaks the contract then you have an easy out, otherwise -

Be prepared to pay them their costs which may include but is not limited to visa invitation processing, mail and travel fees, airport pickup fees, Airfare costs, plus return of any advances and payment breach fines..

If you are not sure or have a problem with making a commitment.. Dont go..

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

If you are really worried, why not look for a school that offers an "out" clause. I have been at my school for almost 3 years now but in my contract I have the right the quit as long as I give one month notice. This clause may not be common, but some schools do offer it.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

You will find no idyll here; in case of disappointment head to that alpine village in your avatar!