Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

So, I'm looking for a job in Nanjing or Shanghai. I'll be ending my contract here in rural China in about seven weeks. I've answered adverts and posted my CV. I've gotten tons of responses. Trouble is, no one seems to plan ahead here. They interview me and say that I'm perfect for the job, can I start tomorrow? Well, no, I said I have to stay here until mid November. Ok, well can you come for an interview tomorrow? I work six days a week and it takes me a day to get to Shanghai or Nanjing, so no again.
What is it with the lack of planning ahead and communication?! I say that I can start in November and they want me to start this week. I still don't understand the Chinese way of thinking.

[Roger]

yes, Naturegirl, we have discussed this Chinese characteristic in a couple of other threads in detail. The Chinese canNOT plan, full stop! SOmetimes it seems to me they cannot control their bodies, it is their bodies that control their minds. If they are hungry they will stop the most important job in the middle of being completed. They are answering your question, but the telephone starts ringing, they stop talking to you and pick up the receiver... then come back, "what can I do for you?"

A well-intentioned piece of advice: Plan on having a couple of idle weeks in November, technically speaking, holidays during which you are going to hunt for a job.
You just can't get a job right now that begins in November!

If you do, you can almost bet on this job given to you being pulled from you and given to another just because that other applicant happens to be there in the right time.