Job Discussion Forums

[rogerwilco]

Forget all this talk about bringing large shoes, deodorant, tampons, etc. If you look long enough you can find all those things in China.

In my opinion, the character traits or attitudes that you bring with you to your job in China are far more important than any material possessions.

A sense of humor and being able to laugh with others and also laugh at yourself will save your sanity. I have seen many here fail because they have no sense of humor. Most Chinese have a great sense of humor, and being able to share a laugh with them will make life here so much more enjoyable.
A sense of humor may be the most important asset to bring to be able to adjust to China.

Humility is needed in China. The arrogant will find themselves humbled or humiliated very quickly.

Patience is needed all day everyday until you can adjust to life here.
Losing your patience is a very quick way to "lose face".

Over the past few years I have seen many newbies arrive in China, and the ones that don't survive and thrive seem to lack patience, humility and/or a sense of humor.

[7969]

If more people paid attention to the above post they might find life in China can actually be quite good. Alas, many people lack the above-mentioned traits and prefer to fly off the handle at the first sign of trouble, blaming everyone else for their problems (not a lot different from being back home in that way, but in a foreign country you have a lot less leverage than you do back home - a point that's lost on some who come to China).

Great post rogerwilco. I agree with everything you wrote.

[sistercream]

Where's the "Like" button?

Agree totally with both the above posts!

[GuestBob]

[rogerwilco]

[wangdaning]

My wife gets them from taobao, but there are a few shops in town that sell them too (just more expensive).

To clarify this is tampons with applicators, most Chinese shops sell tampons without.

[desertdust]

Totally agree!!! This helped me greatly by having this attitude and helped my transition to Chinese life. Good post, rogerwilco.

[wangdaning]

Forgot to add that I like the post. Going in with flexibility and adaptability is necessary in a new environment.

Too many times people get off the plane and expect a whole society (the largest in the world in this case) to bend to their whims. Until you are Emperor of China that ain't happening here. It is difficult to not get frustrated, but minimizing your frustration is key. It is amazing what can be done when you relax and joke about it. For example, taxi drivers charging too much, often an issue. Making some jokes and laughing about it usually gets you the correct price. It gets me frustrated sometimes though, which leads to me waiting forever for a taxi (which compounds the frustration).

This doesn't just go for China though, it is quite good advice wherever you are.

[petebeatstreet]

I've been here nine years - I guess I must have enough of the above three to get by.

That said, I have left China more than once in complete exhaustion and frustration, only to return for Round 2, 3, 4.

[shoulderdocca]