Job Discussion Forums

[amudbc]

What are my chances of getting a job in November for less than a year (preferably six months). Ideally I'd be looking to work in Shanghai, or another large city. Im in Korea and wouldnt expect anyone to pay for my flight or anything.

I believe langauge schools would be my best option...what about breaking contracts? Is that serious in China or not really a big deal?

Thanks in advance

[Non Sequitur]

Things get steadily harder the more conditions you put in.
Getting a job mid-semester - do able.
For less than one year - not so doable. It takes a lot of admin effort to employ someone so a uni or vocational college would want to write off that cost over a year - 9 months if you started in November and worked through to the following July.
Add the Shanghai proviso and it gets a bit harder still.
A language school may be the way to go.

[amudbc]

Im not interested in working for a unin or vocational college, partly because it'll cause a lot of hassle for them if I leave early (likely). Thats why Im after the language school option. What's the best way to find a short term contract in China? Shall I just ask potential employers, and if I do and they don't offer them, will I hurt my chances of getting a postion?

[Non Sequitur]

I hope someone with language school exp can help you there.
If you could do the summer from abt 12 July and then transition to semester work at a language school that may give you the time period you want.
I suggest register with SeriousTeachers and get your resume out there and a few conversations going.

[Teatime of Soul]

You'll need a fortuitous alignment of events to find a position that meet your needs.

Language schools are no different than any other employer, they want continuity in their workforce and in the classroom, so a short term contract isn't among their top preferences.

Shanghai attracts the multitudes of applicants, most who are willing to sign a standard contract.

Not to dash your hopes, but you'll really need to work hard to get what you are looking for. Persist.

Cheers

[Non Sequitur]

Yeah I think ToS has summed up the situation well.
Good luck though!

[amudbc]

I might sign a year contract with plans to leave early anyway....how bad should I feel about doing this? I mean, theres a chance Id change my mind and stay of course, its just unlikely. The truth is, many of them give the impression this happens all the time and this leads me to think I shouldnt worry overly about it.

[amudbc]

Wheres the cheating and fraud? Are you serious? Im not criticisiing, I genuinely want to know if you think Id be causing them that much grief by taking a job and leaving after six months. Im in Korea, I wouldnt need the airfare paid, and if its a langauge school - i thought they'd be pretty resistant to early departures

[Non Sequitur]

??
Haven't you just summed it up?
'Pretty resistant etc'
I think the break fee or other penalty clause in the contract you sign will give you a handle on their 'resistance' level.

[Big Poppa Pump]

Getting a six month contract is easy. Better to get one around september though. Language schools go on their own semester system, well at least the one I work for does.

[powerrose]

Yeah, its just not cool. I feel like you're implying that because some language schools are disreputable and some foreign teachers are flaky backpackers, that its ok to lie when accepting a contract.

Why is it not ok to lie? Because you may cause the school to treat the next teacher poorly due to your behavior. The school will lose revenue and reputation. Students may pay for 20 classes with you and suddenly have to get used to a new teacher when you bail on them. You can't use the school as a reference. Plus all the moral/karmic implications (I'm assuming you have some morals and ethics ).

What is up with your timeline anyway? We need way more info here.....

[amudbc]

Ok well thanks for the advice - I wanna go to Mexico, I used to live there. I really want to get back there sooner rather than later.

My timelines a little messed up cos I started work in Korea in November. What do u reckon my chances are of getting a six month job in China full stop? (I specified Shanghai earlier but now Im broadening that). And - do u have any advice on getting said six month job? (I dont expect my flight to be paid)

[Non Sequitur]

Hasn't Big Poppa said it definitively?
You seem to be putting off the step that will get you a job. That is engaging with an employer.

[powerrose]

Aston offers 6 month contracts, but they usually coincide with a school term. I honestly can't think of anyone who would hire someone to work November to April......... Sorry.