Job Discussion Forums

[panman36]

I'm about three months into my current contract. I'm unhappy here and I just got another job offer I'd like to accept. I'm wondering what exactly I have to do to change jobs? I'm guessing I'll need to have my residence permit transfered to the new school. Is that correct? Unfortunately, the new position needs me to start next week. What if my current employer won't cooperate? I'm prepared to pay the breach penalty of 15,000 RMB that's stated in my contract. Anything else I need to do? Thanks.

[MisterButtkins]

You could try being a man and not breaking commitments

[John9900]

Sometimes it�s necessary for what ever reason�s to move to another place/job. Life�s too short to waste a year somewhere you are not happy at. Talk to both your future employer and current employer and see if you can reach an agreement. Don�t mention the 15,000 rmb penalty just yet. That should be your last card.
Technically to be allowed to change RP you need a release letter from your current employer. Talk it over with him and see his reaction. Then try to negotiate based on that. Don�t just pack up and leave. Giving a weeks notice is too little I think. That�s why try to talk with your future employer and see if you can delay it for some time. In the meantime negotiate with your current employer to release you from your contract. Be diplomatic and don�t lose your temper and see how things work out.

[panman36]

[choudoufu]

don't expect to get a lot of sympathy.

you're planning to break a contract mid-semester and have stated
that you're 'unhappy.' any reason you can't stay until the end of
the term? if not, don't expect any cooperation from the school.

or are you saying your employer is not meeting the terms of the
contract?

[Miles Smiles]

If you're unhappy, it's likely that your employer is unhappy too and may be willing to terminate your contract.

Get all terms in writing. It's possible that you will need a new residence permit if you DO change jobs, even if the school is around the corner from your present place of employment.

One week is pretty short notice. Your proposed new employer can't possibly make you legal between now and when you would start a new job unless somebody were able to light a fire under the Powerz That Bee and make things move VERY quickly. Sometimes schools' head offices are located in a different city, and sometimes, the paperwork must originate at the school's main office.

Take a good, long look at what the new employer is offering and make sure that it can make good on its promises. You may find yourself in worse shape after you jump ship.

I think Mr. Buttkins' admonition merits comment. If your present employer is meeting all terms of your contract, you have a moral and legal obligation to fulfill the terms of your contract. However, if there is dissatisfaction on both sides of the fence, it may be advisable for you to hammer out a deal for your departure that is acceptable to both parties.

[panman36]

[Miles Smiles]

[panman36]

[Non Sequitur]

Your new employer can be helpful - especially if he has any status.
But, have to say, you may need to toughen up.
A good proportion of FTs find that their early jobs are not true to label.
And then you realise you've been projecting Western norms onto China.
After that one approaches jobs with a 'risk minimisation' mindset rather than an 'aspirational' one

[panman36]

I still haven't had the talk with my boss yet.

Another question: is my current employer absolutely necessary in the process of changing things over to the new school?

My new boss seems worried that he may "cause trouble" for me. Should I be worried? What could he do?

[Miles Smiles]

[xiguagua]

I've changed jobs before, mind you I didn't do it midterm, I did it during the spring holiday. I decided I wanted to leave in about November but I did the right thing and finished the term. Then I simply sat down with my FAO and told him that I was unhappy here and it's effecting my classes and teaching and I would not be able to live up to their expectations if I were to remain there. They were understanding and gave me the release letter and all that jazz for my new job. They even didn't cancel my RP right away so I would have time to get it transferred to my new job.

I tried to give this advice to another FT I knew and he ended up just leaving on bad terms, the school cancelled his RP and he was forced to leave the country.

[Baozi man]

Panman, As another poster suggested, "Be a man." Complete the contract you signed. Being willing to pay a 15,000RMB contract breach is an honorable but stupid way to fix your problem. You have no idea what your new situation is going to be. Changing jobs could put you in a bad light in the eyes of various authorities with whom you may have to deal in the future. Your boss is not the only person who has a hand in your destiny.

Why is your new opportunity so much better than the old one? Perhaps if you can explain that, I would better understand your plight.

[Miles Smiles]