Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

Living overseas has definitely changed my perspective on things. I used to be one of those people who had to have everything done exactly by the clock and had to know what was happening where. But that doesn't happen in China.
For example, there is a meeting at 12 noon. I'm there, waiting and waiting. and leave at 1. Then aty 2:30 I'm called over the intercom, frantically, that there is a meeting and I must go RIGHT NOW.
I think flexibility and patience are a must for people who want to teach here.

[Roger]

To a considerable extent I would agree with you - with this proviso: I wish our Chinese opposite numbes were equally flexible, open-minded and tolerant.
That's unfrotunately seldom the case.
If YOU are late that's being viewed a whole world differently from how they veiw their own being late.

[fat_chris]

Patience and flexibility should most certainly be packed in the suitcases when heading to China; however, there comes a point when I will put my foot down and say "don't tread on me!" The Chinese naturally don't like it when I am difficult with them but they do see that I am professional and serious and they ultimately respect me because they understand that I want to do good work for them. Being firm (mind outta the gutter you!) also ensures that the previous affront doesn't happen again.

I agree with Roger. It is a two-way street. Because I am a guest in China, I will make 75% of the effort to meet the goal, but the Chinese have to come that last 25% of the way to make it happen. A good professional relationship is not based on one party going 100% of the way for the other.

After waiting for an hour, I would have left for the day, unless I had teaching duties in the afternoon that would have brought me back to school. If they called me at home for a meeting delayed by 2 1/2 hours and I didn't have to return to the school for any other duties, I would have said "tough, see you tomorrow."

(Then again, I would have known that there wouldn't have been a meeting at noon--hell, nothing is going to get in the way of lunch and xiuxi--I wouldn't have had to break out my "don't tread on me" attitude after all. I would have anticipated in advance that the meeting was going to be at 2:30--I think that's what a large part of living in China is all about--anticipating in advance what is really going to happen instead of relying on other people telling you how it is going to happen.)

[Roger]

Here is why I think the Chinese need to adapt way harder:
Last summer, I had a very nice job at a private kindergarten, was treated like royalty and generally had a very good time. My colleagues were extremely nice to the point of being warm-hearted (not exactly a Chinese quality), and honest. I got paid double the monthly salary I had made in my previous kindergarten.
Then they transferred me to their primary school, and I had another excellent spell with children doing a summer camp there. A couple of weeks into my part-time job they hiked my pay (have you ever been offered this?). So far so good!
I thought they would hire me for a more permanent employment situation, but nothing came of it. Not that they bear any gudges against me.
The reason is that I don't like to live on-site. I was friends with a European English teacher and his Chinese wife there, and I saw what i don't like to experience: staff and management know when you are in or not, and they often use you in your off time for their various marketing, teaching and other purposes.
I prefer to live in an estate, away from my job, and being able to do with my time as I deem fit.
That's definitely not to the liking of your Chinese overlords!

[struelle]

[Freaky Deaky]

I am NEVER patient with Chinese people.

Recently my ex-landlady tried to jam me up out of 6,000rmb. I got hold of a Chinese girl, a good mate, and asked her to be my lawyer. Went to see the landlady and all of her cronies and anyone else that wanted to be there. I started screaming and yelling at her and kicking chairs over while my 'lawyer' tried to calm me down at the same time telling the woman that she'd better give me the money or there's gonna be big trouble. I got the money and got a bit of a laugh out of it too. That's my idea of a good time...

[naturegirl321]

On another note, visas take forever, my first work visa took 5 months. I'm on my second work visa now and it's been 2.5 months and counting. . . .

[shenyanggerry]

[Naturegirl[/b], do you mean that it took five months to GET a visa? I brought my paperwork to the Chinese embassy on a Monday and picked up my Z visa the following Thursday.

[Roger]

Naturegirl's emnployer is taking her for a ride! It takes no more than a couple of weeks to go through all necessary loops - the overlords willing!
The medical check-up and the analysis of the results take up to three days; add to this the potential time off during a weekend; then the PSB - one day or a few days.
If they have been dawdling that long, they can conveniently dismiss you in the coming holiday season - and be free of any responsability for your visa! What kind of visa do you have? How long is it valid?

[naturegirl321]

I've got a z visa valid until next Aug. buit this new school doesn't know what they are doing.