Job Discussion Forums

[kev7161]

Well, I FINALLY tracked down a summer job. Don't know that it will be GREAT (are there truly any that are?) but whatever. 5500 rmb + 600 for travel for a 20-day camp . . that's 20 straight days folks, no days off. 5 classes a day, no evenings. My own room, nothing shared and of course those wonderful free summer camp meals provided. It's in Henan province and I've never been there so it will be nice to visit a new place.

But then . . . the guy who is offering me the job tells me of ANOTHER camp near the Beijing area where all the pay and accommodations would be the same but for only 15 days. Well, shoot, of course I'd rather do that one. He even mentioned the very good possibility of doing a second one back-to-back with this one for the same pay and such. We'll see; I don't know if I have the stamina for two! This is the one I heartily accepted. Forget that Henan job!

Today I get an email giving me details about my arrival time and so forth and I should buy a plane ticket to Nanyang, Henan. No, I agreed upon your other job offer sir. Well, I've sent him a polite email telling him as much. I told him that 5500 at 15 days comes to around 366 rmb per day so if he wants me for the 20-day camp, perhaps we should renegotiate the pay. Am I being too greedy or do I just know how this game is played? Let's face it: if I get, say, 30 kids in one classroom (a VERY realistic expectation) and each of those kids (their parents) spent, I don't know, 1500 yuan for the camp, then that's a revenue of 45000 yuan . . . for one class full. I have 5 classes each day and I know it's with AT least two different groups of students, almost certainly more. I don't know that I'd feel too guilty asking for an extra thousand or two.

[alter ego]

[kev7161]

Congratulations Alter-ego . . . is that what you are after? Yes, I know there are summer camps out there that pay better, I've been lucky enough to be a part of those in the past. And sure, having connections is truly a godsend for some long-term FTs here in China so, again, good for you. I've worked a summer camp for two summers that was, you know, PRETTY GOOD and I've also worked one for two summers that was, you know, PRETTY CRAPPY so I've experienced both ends of the spectrum. I'm not assuming the one I may take up is either/or, I just know that I shouldn't expect all sunshine and happiness yet will be happily pleased if it is.

I don't really HAVE to work in the summer, my school already pays me a salary, but I'm choosing to for my own reasons. And if I take anything from your response is this: I shouldn't feel guilty (or that I'm being too greedy) for asking for a bit more out of the 20-day camp, yes? Any experienced hand in China should know that negotiations are the name of the game. And I DO care about making a decent wage (certainly not as decent as the one you are promoting, but we all can't be that lucky or well-connected), thank you, thus the main point of my post.

PS: I think there was a subtle dig in there somewhere . . . once I'm at a summer camp, firmly entrenched in my classroom, the students get a fine summer camp teacher with lessons, songs, games, art projects, etc. The type of classroom a summer camp should be.

And the *sigh!* is not a sigh of relief, more of a sigh that landing a summer job and getting SOMEWHAT well compensated is challenging to say the least (for some of us obviously).

[Sugar Magnolia]

I'll be spending 4k in Yangshuo. I like to think of it as an all expenses paid vacation - 2 classes a day.

[Sonnibarger]

kev pm me if you want contact details for a different camp.. 10days 6 hours a day 6000rmb.. u can do 3 back to back if ya want. they offer a hotel and pretty good food.. class sizes are around 30kids.. but every classroom has pc and projector...
camps do clear a crap ton of profit.. 1500rmb would be about the cheapest 14 day camp out there.. most range from 2000-4000 per student.

[Mikeylikesit114]

I'll be doing two 12 day stints teaching SAT exam prep. 250 an hour, seven hours a day.

No accomodation, but that won't be a problem.

[alter ego]

[kev7161]

Thanks Sonnibarger. I guess I'm okay with my current one; I got word after my initial posting that it IS for only 15 days so that's good. I would feel pretty crappy if I backed out now since we are so close to the start date. Bad karma and all that. I negotiated my own private quarters and that's important for me. At the ripe old age of 48 I'm not sure I like sharing a place with a stranger who may smoke or stay up late watching TV or snore when sleeping, etc. (and to be fair, he may feel the same way about me!) I think I'll be okay and I may work a second one for the extra cash . . . not sure yet. The main reason for working a summer job is to do a little traveling during August and NOT having to spend much of my own personal savings and regular salary. Makes me feel better spending that extra money instead of saving it for a rainy day or something.

Alter Ego - - no problems, thanks.

[kev7161]

My how things can change in a just a few days. Just yesterday I was offered 7500 because they want to change to 20 days and are mulling 6 periods a day (3 morning English classes, 3 afternoon activity classes). I am trying to convince them to have only 2 afternoon activity classes, just make them a little longer (around 60 minutes each instead of 45).

Today I get another email offering me 10000 rmb (same guy, same camp) if I want to act as a consultant and help organize things with them. Hmmmm, am I walking into a summer camp nightmare? I mean, it's "only" 20 days if I can handle that. I'm just not sure they really know what they are doing yet, all of about 4 weeks before the start of the camp! More later . . . .