Job Discussion Forums

312 · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 19

I just finished a very enjoyable semester teaching Oral English at a Chinese university.

Now I'm doing a 3.5 week winter camp in a small Chinese city. 2 days ago the boss had me sign a contract that said '17-20 working hours/week.' Today he's added 20-30 Office Hours per week to this time. He said they're necessary. But I've been teaching for 3 years now; I can effectively prepare for 20 hours of in-class time in about 5 hours.

I'm used to my old university, where it was work the 12 in-class hours/week of your contract, and prepare as much as you like at home. Of course, private schools want you to work harder, b/c students aren't as easy to come by. But 25 hours of prep time in the office a week? Really now?

Should I argue, leave, or suck it up?

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

tell him you signed up to teach oral english and not oral english plus 20 hours per week in an office. you might also ask him why "they're necessary." he probably wont be able to give a valid reason. then you can tell him its either no office hours, or no teacher. if he doesnt relent, then wave goodbye....

TreKidation · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 108

You already have a signed contract. Refuse the work hours or demand double the pay. If you accept and follow his "request" it is a foolish response. Enforce your contract. Do you have a valid visa for this job? If not then either accept his request or leave. If you do, then demand proper reimbursement.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Just tell him that you will prepare in your own time and that you already have support material that you have made up for such classes. Tell him that if he isn't happy with your classes after a week then you will reconsider the office hours.

ontheroadagain · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 66 Location: PRC since 07/04

Tell him nothing, grab whatever money you can AND RUN!, unless you can first PUNCH HIM and then RUN!

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

Are you trapped in this job? What I mean by that is do you not have a job/apartment to go to or return to after this winter camp? Do you not have money in your pocket already (from the aforementioned Chinese University gig you just wrapped)? I mean, really, how crucial (financially or otherwise) is this 3 !/2 week thing? If you already signed a contract, then the boss can't add things on AFTERWARDS. Technically, you should be in the power to negotiate - - want you to work 20 extra hours per week, then they need to double whatever they're paying you. This inquiry, to me, is a no-brainer.

AussieGuyInChina · Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 403

I think that one of the primary reasons why there are so many 'rorts' against foreign teachers here in China is that there's always someone who's willing to accept low salaries / unfair contract modifications / substandard accommodation / fanciful promises of future improvement and so on.

When we foreign teachers collectively put our foot down things will improve.

Tell your employer that you do not agree to office hours and if that's unacceptable then they can find another teacher immediately.

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

That would mean you are working 37 - 50 hours a week! A little unreasonable for a short term position. (or most positions in China)

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

What would you do if this was your home country?

312 · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 19

Thanks for the level-headed responses. I love this message board. I took the advice to heart and acted today. Here was the jist of the conversation:

Me: I can't work the 25 office hours a week that weren't in the contract.

Boss: We can cook you breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the school.

Me (writing '17-20 working hours a week' on the blackboard): This is what was in the contract. I need you to honor these specific hours.

Boss: You know there are differences in Chinese and American culture. In America, you judge the contract by its specific terms. In China, it's more flexible. Chinese people work as hard as they can outside of the hours in the contract.

Me: I have a personal life.

Boss: I don't. I work all day, don't exercise, and don't have time to read books.

Me: If I'm going to continue working here, I'm not going to be able to do any office hours, because they weren't outlined in the contract. I can prepare at home.

Boss: OK, you don't have to do any office hours.

Guess it pays to be aggressive. In a 10 minute conversation, I saved myself 25 office hours x 3 weeks = 75 hours.

Shan-Shan · Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 1074 Location: electric pastures

TreKidation · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 108

For most of those here that don't read the "more advanced phrases" in Chinese ... since the definition provided wasn't made clear enough.

弱肉强食 = ru�ru�qi�ngsh� = "law of the jungle"

AussieGuyInChina · Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 403

Good on you, 312! China needs more foreign teachers who have two egg-shaped things dangling between their legs (females included)!

TreKidation · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 108

Lorean · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 476 Location: Beijing

Your boss has already revealed himself as a slave-driver. Since your contract is "flexible", I would not count on him fulfilling any end-of-contract terms.