Job Discussion Forums

[olabueno]

So, imagine this. I'm 5 mos. into my first contract and I want out. I had no intention of leaving when I signed, but things have changed. There's nothing really wrong with the school, it does the best it can with the resources it has. But, I'm not happy.

And now I want out.

I've read all the posts about other people in my situation, but they are mostly outdated.

Here's the scoop. I want to go south and find work in another province. Must I have a release letter? I've heard people say yes and no. My contract is standard, 1 year, breach penalty, etc.

Can I legally attain work (teaching) in another province without this release letter? Again, no need to respond if you pulled a runner in '89. From what I hear, regulations have been tightened. But, I have not been able to attain reliable information.

To be clear, I'm not intentionally trying to deceive my school. I just simply do not know how they will react to my request for a release letter. For all I know, they could ask for some loot, they could cancel my wrk permit...hell! they could oblige me! I have no idea. I do a fine job, no complaints, no problems, no attendance issues, etc.

What say you Daveland? Thoughts? Suggestions? Finger Wags? I will consider all of them.

Many thanks!

[Teatime of Soul]

Does your contract address the issue of one party breaching the contract?

[Hansen]

"I'm not happy." Anything in your contract about not being happy or being happy? Best situation for you is to man up and finish your contract. You apparently have no good reason to leave, except how you feel. Why not explore options for becoming happy in your current situation? Develop some coping skills. Learn to deal with adversity. Do your best and obey the law of the pack, whatever.

Short of being happy, how about just being content? Will you settle for that? All the vagaries associated with doing a runner, you can avoid, by completing your contract, just as you said you would.

Almost certain you won't be sorry.

[killian]

winter break is coming. hold on there. sounds like a vacation is in order.

[olabueno]

Yeah, my contract has the standard breach clause.

And Hansen, as far I know, there is nothing in my contract related to happiness. That's more of a personal goal I carry. You're welcome to give your opinion of the matter, but I'm really looking for something more helpful/useful.

"Can I teach in another province without obtaining a release letter?"

I'm not in a debating mode, I will leave. I'm simply trying to gain knowledge from others that have faced this problem recently.

Lately, I'm thinking maybe I'll enjoy my vacation, then try my luck in Thailand...maybe even Vietnam or Laos.

Teaching in another province is looking less likely (and sounding less appealing) every day.

-frustrated

[thefuzz]

So do you think that the grass is going to be greener in Thailand, Vietnam or Laos? Will living in those three countries going to make you happy? I reckon that first and foremost you have to ask yourself: do I even like teaching? If your heart is not in the game you'll never going to be happy teaching anywhere else...and that's OK, not everyone is made to be a teacher.

[Laurence]

[brsmith15]

I think you'd better prepare yourself for the fact that if you want to work at a legit school here, you'll need to return to your home country, get an invitation letter from your new employer, present it to your local Chinese mission (embassy or consulate), get your return Z visa.

It's what I had to do when Telfort/Delter stiffed me and refused to even come close to honoring their contract after I followed the spirit, letter and intent of the departure clause - finished all my classes, gave 2 months' notice, paid any outstanding bills. My new employer had a great deal of guang xi with all kinds of educational authoroities but to no avail.

Think of it as a vacation and take the time to rest and reflect.

[alter ego]