Job Discussion Forums

vikdk · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 1676

good post Clark - I'm actualy looking forward to some positive posts from you - on FT's winning legal battles against Chinese employers who have welshed on their contractual deals Wink

TingBuDong · Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:10 pm Post subject:

kev7161,

I wasn't making any suggestion whatsoever that those in China making good money are not serious about teaching. I also made no suggestion that small-town China is for everyone, or that there is something wrong with teaching in a big city. If I work in another city, I would definitely consider going to a place like Shanghai to see what it's like, and obviously I would expect to make more money. My point was that money should not be the only factor considered when looking for a job in China, and that out-of-the-way places have their own advantages. If there was anything self-righteous about my post, it wasn't intended.

What I was suggesting with that comment is that there are teachers in China who aren't actually interested in China, don't respect Chinese people, and aren't that dedicated to their teaching. I don't think anyone would disagree with me there, and I'm sure you've met people like that. In just five minutes of browsing on this site you'll find plenty of comments like "don't talk to Chinese people, it's a waste of time". That's their own business, but I don't want teachers like that working at my school. And it has nothing to do with whether they work in Beijing or Gansu, or how much money they make; they could be found anywhere.

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

Great post TBD.
I did a six week summer gig in a small town about mid way between Dalian and Shenyang (Liaoning Prov.) and that was the stand out experience of my two years in PRC.

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

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Not only is Dan's original post positive and encouraging, but his blog is fascinating and exceedingly well written. It should be recommended reading for anyone living in (or thinking about living in) China.

Bravo!

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

englishgibson · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 4345

So do i Kev

Henry, you're turning more and more positive on those forums and stunning the hell out me...forgive me my outburst here, please

Cheers and beers to the OP and our great forums Very Happy

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

Hey Kev - one mule town? I always thought it was one horse town, unless you are from Missouri. lol

The OP is rather lucky to live in a one mule town. My town is so poor they can't afford that first mule.

How poor is poor?

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

TingBuDong- very nice post. It is all about the experience in the main. Life in the back of beyond seems to suit you, at least for the time being, so hope it continues though it must be a bit 'parky' up there these days-but you seem to have your home comforts. I've been here around 5 years and have a Chinese wife and a ban laowai little girl of 22 months, so I'm afraid the money does play a crucial part in where I work these days. No doubt you'll get itchy feet one day and explore the country a bit and maybe even hit the wild spots of Shanghai, Guangzhou etc. The big cities can be great so long as you have a few mates/colleagues to cheer you up when it all gets too much.
Good luck with the rest of your time in the Peoples Republic. BTW...would like to see your photos...can you make the Yahoo album public?