Job Discussion Forums

[Honky Nick]

Hi all,

I'm currently working here as a PNET and I'll be finishing my contract in August '08. Since my wife is still working here and wants a bit more experience, we're going to stay in Hong Kong until next Chinese New Year.

Does anyone know of any decent schools or companies that would be prepared to take someone on a short-term contract? I don't expect them to pay as well as the NET scheme, but if anyone knows of any casual/short-term possibilities for experienced teachers that pay fairly well, I'd appreciate the information.

Cheers,

Nick

[Marcoregano]

The British Council might be worth a look...they often have an intake in September and take casual contracts as well as longer term, and pay reasonably well...

[once again]

You may also try English for Asia, or Language Key. Both can have short term stuff and can pay quite well. Google them.

[Honky Nick]

Thanks a lot for that. I'll get onto them and let you know how I go.

[Serious_Fun]

[Honky Nick]

Hey Serious Fun,

Mmmmmm, tempting.... I have considered doing that - I mean, the pay and benefits are great compared to most other options - but it's only five months and I think I would feel bad signing a new contract knowing that I'm going to leave less than halfway through the first year.

A few people have been nice enough to contact me with some other options, too, so fingers crossed.

In case anyone's interested, after Honkers we're probably going to move to Indonesia. It's time to move on and we're looking forward to experiencing something new after 3 years in the same place. Any stories/tips from experienced Indo travellers or expats are welcome

[hkteach]

Not such a good idea to take a new contract and leave a few months later. The generic contract states that EdB will take back your airfare and 'claw back' (don't you just LOVE that term???) your retention incentive and any other on-costs. I don't know how this could be avoided because once you tell your school you're leaving, they will implement this policy. You also have to pay your tax before leaving unless you want to be unable to enter HK again - that's how I understand things.

[Honky Nick]

Even with the 'clawing back' of the airfare and the retention incentive, it'd still be a good deal! But don't worry, I'm not going to do it anyway. Besides feeling guilty about the whole thing, I'm sure there would be a bit of fussing around afterwards like you said, and that wouldn't be a good way to end what's been a great stint in Hong Kong.

[11:59]

I don't think it is particularly responsible or professional to sign up for another contract if you in fact intend to leave halfway through. The school may not be able to replace you at that point in the academic year and this could adversely affect the education of the kids.

[Honky Nick]

I agree. That's why I'm not going to do it. I think I've made that clear already:

"it's only five months and I think I would feel bad signing a new contract knowing that I'm going to leave less than halfway through the first year"

"But don't worry, I'm not going to do it anyway. Besides feeling guilty..."

Like I said (twice), I'd feel guilty about leaving the school and kids in the lurch, which is why I'm searching for other options.

[Serious_Fun]

[Honky Nick]

Thanks, Mr. Fun,

Yeah, you don't have to give much notice, but they do struggle to find new teachers mid-year unless they're directly introduced to the school. My school took the ingenious step of advertising for a NET position in a Chinese newspaper, disregarding SCMP because, "everybody knows that South China Morning is for business, not education."

They spent the first six months of the school year NET-less.

[Honky Nick]

Well, I said I'd let people know how I went, so in case you're interested, here it is:

I've decided to stay in HK for another year. I thought that NETs had to sign two-year contracts, but some helpful little birdie told me that we can just extend our contracts for a year if the principal approves it. So there you go, the EDB is a little more flexible than I thought!

On another note, our school is looking for another ELTA (English Language Teaching Assistant) for next year. Here are the conditions:

- 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday
- Maximum of 4 (but more likely 2 or 3) Saturdays per year
- Starting salary of Pt 17 on the Master Pay Scale (about 22,000/month, I think), but without the fringe benefits of the NET scheme
- Main duties will be co-teaching P3 and P4 reading lessons, as well as various extra-curricular activities

If anyone is interested in the position, feel free to PM me.

Cheers,

Nick

[schou]

Hi,

I am interested in the job you posted... I sent you a PM.

Thanks.