Job Discussion Forums

[KnockoutNed]

Is that common? The school will continue to pay my rent but I will not receive my salary for the 2 months of summer. I am signing a 12 month contract.

Is this something that can be easily negotiated?

[randyj]

That describes my contract. My RP also lasts until 8/31.

[tomstone]

I've been wondering about that myself. I THINK my current employer is going to start that (no pay for summer, keep the apartment). It wasn't like that before, I received my full pay the entire time I was under contract. There was some "give" on my part, the original contract was for half pay for summer with a round-trip ticket to the US, so it was a better deal for them (far less money). IF THIS OCCURS, I'm debating whether I shoud accept. Is this happening to anyone else?

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[chengdu4me]

I have a 12 month contract. I am paid whether I have classes or not. During the summer, I will work the 6 week summer camp and have two weeks off after that until the new school year starts. But, I also have two months off paid at end of semester/Winter Festival break. I will also have 3 - 4 weeks off in June when they prepare for end of year exams.

I don't get/didn't want the R/T airfare since this is home now, so as a trade-off, I get all this time off during exam prep months as well as the normal holidays. I have my own home, so the living stipend is year-round, as well.

So, no R/T airfare, but approx. 3 1/2 months paid time off a year. Other benefits are paid medical and dental insurance. Medical evacuation insurance. One month of paid sick leave if needed. All government fees paid relating to working papers. Commute transportation costs reimbursed monthly. Also have a dorm room for when I am there for my long two day week as well as free meals.

Everything is negotiable. What you get depends solely on what you ask for and are willing to negotiate calmly and logically. Being complete rigid will get you less than being flexible.

Think about everything on the menu and then fill your plate. More of this, less of that, does it really matter as long as it all ends up at the same place?

If they want you to stay year after year, then it is their best interest to make sure you have an enjoyable, stress free summer break without worrying about money or travel or medical expenses or anything other than whatever you want to do so you can come back refreshed and energetic enough to dance through another year.

My school wants me to stay indefinitely, so they make sure that I do not have any concerns other than my classes and my family. I am lucky.

[Sinobear]

[kev7161]

I'm pretty much in the same boat as chengdu4me. I'm in the midst of my 5th contract (after a nice 3-month leave of absence back in the states) and we sign new contracts every spring and, to date, I've always received a little more something upon every new signing - - usually a little more pay. This coming contract, I will have a full health insurance policy as well as an extra 5% retirement bonus (5% of my net salary added on in other words). It's just a matter of finding that (almost) perfect school, doing a good job for them, getting in good with the higher-ups, and sticking around, if that's what you want.

[chengdu4me]