Job Discussion Forums

[Rooster_2006]

I've had a horrible experience in Taiwan. The country itself is nice, but the competition for EFL jobs is so acute, I just can't get ahead. Absolutely awful -- I have just gone further and further into debt for nearly eight months. My job gives fewer hours than are legally required for an ARC (in other words, I can't even pay for rent and food without dipping into my savings), and all attempts to find another job have failed. Of the many applications I have sent out, I've gotten a total of seven interviews, all of which suck up half a day, require a demo, lots of money, and result in the same verdict: "you were good, but we hired applicant #24 because he was a little bit better."

I'm tempted to go to China and try out my luck there, because I've heard that the job market isn't as tight as Taiwan, but I'm worried that I'll just go through the same thing all over again, burning through the last of my already pathetic bank account...

Are things better in China?

I've done the calculations, and I'd consider it a "success" if I could land and hold down a job that pays 4,500 RMB or more. Could I expect to find such a job in just a few weeks?

[thefuzz]

It's not milk and honey here either, mate, so you should really make a conscientious decision as to whether staying in Taiwan is a good idea or not. You've already put in a lot of time (I'm guessing) into establishing yourself in Taiwan, you probably have contact with a few schools and if things get really bad you can also do private work at home for example (here is my thinking you've got at least a few phone numbers of former students). If, on the other hand, the situation is truly bleak give China a go.

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but since you're not picky about a job to start out in China and you need something fast (and you should sign a contract while still in Taiwan), the best would be to ask a recruiter for help. Yeah, I know, we always say recruiters are bad and you should stay away from them, but in dire situations like you're in right now they might be able to help. Contact as many as possible and choose the first least dodgy position you see...and start your China adventure. Later, while living here and networking a bit, you'll be able to say goodbye to your recruiter and find a job elsewhere...in a city you like and a place where you really want to work at. This is the only way I see you getting a job ASAP...going with direct contact is great if you have time to do the legwork.

[KnockoutNed]

I've been aggressively seeking work in China for the past 3 weeks and I have had several offers - so yes, it is possible. You need to be persistent.

Just be smart and have something lined up before you move over. Sign a contract then work additional hours outside of you school if you need more $. Seems simple enough to me . . .

Oh, and dont waste your money on crap you don't need

[Rooster_2006]

I've been trying recruiters since '07 to find jobs in China. Always smoke and mirrors with them. Always a familiar cycle of "congratulations, you have been accepted," followed by A) making some ridiculous request of me, like asking me to come to China four months early or B) saying that I have been un-hired.

Maybe this is an oxymoron, but does anyone know any honest recruiters who don't play games like that who could help me?

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

try this site:

China TEFL

i've had four jobs in china, one of them for the past four years. i found all of them on this site. others on this forum have used them before as well.

you can contact the schools directly. no recruiters to get in the way. email your resume to every school on the site if you have to. i'd be surprised if you came up empty.

good luck.

[DaveW125]

[ttorriel]

Why not a traditional job in your own country ? Otherwise, Japan and Korea are your better choices since money seems to be such an issue for you.

[Rooster_2006]

[Hadit]

Rooster, you should be able to get hired via a Chinese language school, only the uni jobs require degrees. Have you considered Vietnam or Cambodia/Laos too also? China or Vietnam might be a good place for you to freelance too. I wish Taiwan had more opportunity as well, it seems like a neat place.

[rogerwallace]

Rooster, teaching jobs back home are drying up and its getting worse! I's say go for it in China(close,cheap and did I say close). Just check out the contract close!

[SnoopBot]