Job Discussion Forums

[Old Surrender]

I got a job offer and a contract. In the contract it has something called a "performance bond." Basically, I give the school two weeks pay, and if I stick around for six months, I get half of it back. Finish the contract, I the whole thing back.

I'm thinking this is a deposit. From what I can tell, deposits are illegal in Taiwan. If I call the school out on it, how likely is it the school will strike it from the contract?

[markholmes]

It doesn`t have a hat on with `Hey, I`m a deposit` written on the front, but it sure looks like one to me.

Lots of things are illegal in Taiwan. For the most part, if you don`t like it, find something else. It doesn`t mean the school is terrible, it just means they are trying to give themselves some level of protection against potential runaway teachers.

[Ki]

This is exactly what a deposit is. And a HUGE red flag in my book. In fact I would still avoid this school even if they backed down on the issue. I think only crappy schools with low pay still do this because they fear teachers skipping out when they realise how much better they could have it elsewhere. Schools sometimes also do this when they give you free accomodation. Another thing to avoid in my opinion.

Tell them no. Don't give in on this one or it will be a slippery slope into a life of hell. If they feel the need for this illegal and immoral clause then ask them why their teachers are always so eager to leave midway through their contracts.

A performance bonus is extra money on top of your contract bonus for things like perfect attendance. Look elsewhere.

[BigWally]

My school called it a training fee, and said it would be returned at the end of my contract, which it was.

Although, I assured them that I had calculated the interest at the Taiwanese prime interest rate and told them I expected my training fee with interest to be returned at the end of my contract.

This way, I got my a return on my money that the school was using to fill their accounts, and the school owner saves face (always remember "guan-shi") because I'm not really asking him to make any special exceptions for me. He didn't have a problem meeting my request.

However, keep in mind I knew my school was reputable (as a friend had worked there previously), and I was planning on staying with the school for more than a year.