Job Discussion Forums

[mnguy29]

I have started a teaching job in a very nice city in the south of China. I am not happy with what is happening as far as the number of classes per week, days worked, and especially the salary. Yes, I signed the contract but I was not told many things before arriving to teach. I am talking with some other schools in the city about teaching at their school. Your opinion? What is the best way to leave a contract? Tell them the truth about not being happy and wanting to go home? I refuse to pay the huge penalty they state in the contract! Can they force me? Or, secure the better position and just leave? I am not sure the best way to do this. Ideas? Thanks!

[johntpartee]

Tell them what the problems are. If they don't fix them, walk. They can't "force" you to pay the fine if they can't find you. I know how that sounds, but be advised that foreigners have basically no rights in this country, so legal "arbitration" will be one-sided (i.e., you will lose). I don't know about securing the other position. I would talk to the potential employer, tell them what's happening at the present school, see what they say.

Nobody should have to tolerate abuse.

[LanGuTou]

If the working conditions do not reflect the contents of your contract especially in terms of workload and salary, you have right to recourse. You should first approach your employers and make it clear that you are unhappy with the breach of agreement. If they refuse to change the new conditions, try to amicably negotiate your way out of the contract hopefully by getting a standard release letter.

If you signed a contract accepting the conditions that you are faced with and then found them not to your liking on arrival, you have little cause for recourse. You may be able to discuss the matters and they may change some things to accommodate your request. If you walk away, they have the right to withhold your release letter and demand any breach penalty stated in the contract. You may find that getting another teaching job in China without the release letter is difficult but not impossible.

[SahanRiddhi]

Have you heard, the economic atmosphere is quite unwell in the present? Hang on there for a while and make sure your name is fit. After a time has passed, consider informing your boss to take the employment and shove it elsewhere! But don't jump the finish line too soon.

[xi.gua]

[LanGuTou]

[kev7161]

Yeah, I've gotta say, the "details" of your problems are certainly sketchy. It's amazing how quick people are to believe that the school is some shifty, dishonest place without even knowing the circumstances (which of course is often a bit lopsided). There's always going to be a "better" school somewhere around the corner but, TIC - - almost any school will have its share of hits and misses.

[mnguy29]

Yes, the number of classes is in the contract stated up to 20. I was told it is never more than 16 or 17. I was also told an effort would be made so I dont have to work evenings and weekends. I work on Sundays and two evenings a week. There is also something in a memorandum I signed about health insurance being optional and they are forcing me to pay 500 rmb for it and it basically covers nothing. I know how much teachers are making in some of the other schools here, universities, int'l schools and it is much better and only 14 to 20 classes a week Mon to Fri. Sometimes three times more salary! I do not mean the language mills. I have no interest in them. Basically, I feel we are being exploited as teaching machines. We also have to kiss the butts of some unmotivated students who have rich parents who are forcing them to be here. I have a BS in teaching and many years of experience. I dont think sitting down and discussing these problems with the school will make any difference. Will I really have a problem with a new job in this city if I leave?

[mnguy29]

Yes, the number of classes is in the contract was up to 20. I was told it is never more than 16 or 17. I was also told an effort would be made so I dont have to work evenings and weekends. I work on Sundays and two evenings a week. There is also something in a memorandum I signed about health insurance being optional and they are forcing me to pay 500 rmb for it and it basically covers nothing. I know how much teachers are making in some of the other schools here, universities, int'l schools and it is much better and only 15 to 20 classes a week Mon to Fri. Sometimes three times more salary! I do not mean the language mills. I have no interest in them. Basically, I feel we are being exploited as teaching machines. We also have to kiss the butts of some unmotivated students who have rich parents who are forcing them to be here. I have a BS in teaching and many years of experience. I dont think sitting down and discussing these problems with the school will make any difference. Could I really have a problem at a new job in this city if I leave?

[mnguy29]

sorry about the double!

[vikeologist]

[LanGuTou]

[DixieCat]

If you find a new employer who wants to hire you then take the problem to them and ask them to help and work it out. The existing FWB can be transferred as well as the current RP. This is of course subject to local regulations. If you try to quit on your own, most likely it will stir up a sh*t storm.

[ryanwhistler]

You took the job and agreed to work there

THAT SIMPLE

Typical you want to back out ... that is why the reputation of foreigners is so pathetic here.

[mnguy29]

ryan-what about these schools that lie and dont tell you the whole story about the job? What about their reputation in China with foreign teachers? They say anything to get you to come out of desperation. Come on, you know they dont tell you all you need to know to make an informed decision.