Job Discussion Forums

[wangdaning]

[nonconsilium]

Let me be clear--the only reason I posted the sour response "to the going to the darkside" remark has to do with the fact that I've gotten flak from a lot of people for considering to do educational consulting in China. Criticisms are legitimate, somewhat, though it's important to remember Chinese kids only compete amongst themselves, and the whole higher education admissions system has always been geared to the rich (who can afford SAT prep and service trips to Africa), as most low-income Americans know only too well. There are a few bright stars out there (the UC system, Harvard's limited cache set aside for the poor), but by an large it remains unchanged

I AM sour on America's economic situation, my huge student debt load, and the difficulty of finding a job with multiple degrees AND skills (technical, multilingual) AND years of work experience. I've literally applied for hundreds of jobs since getting my graduate degree; I've networked networked networked, attended soft skills seminars, and the best offer i got was a job at a grocer. I have no intention of subverting children, I included that only b/c I thought it might shut up critics of helping Chinese children come to America for study (like that initial replier). I do have every intention of sharing my culture and views, but I'm not so closed-minded that I will push children to adopt them. Mostly, I was just annoyed to ask a legitimate question and get flamed as a first response, and then gang-flamed when I flamed back. What a great forum this is.

As for teaching, I don't mind it--I just don't want to teach English again. Been there done that, and unless you love it, it is best to avoid getting sucked into it as a career, because I have been warned by sundry that it qualifies you for little else, and my long term aspirations are not in teaching.

[teenoso]

It is easy to understand your frustrations at your situation, although frankly getting an advanced degree can just be a blind alley, and make you more 'unemployable' in the real world. Older , but less experienced, etc etc. I am sure you know this already.

Some of us are teaching English in China because of this problem (!). But , you are wrong about teaching. Sometimes I think ( like the Vogon guard in Hitchhiker's Guide... ), the hours are better than the actual minutes. It can be stressful and boring at the same time.
But, I have learned and experienced much more in the 5 years here, than in the previous 20 + years living and working in England.

However it is your sour attitude that really is the underlying issue - the first response , by Bud , was meant in a light-hearted , jocular manner, but somehow you came back with all guns blazing. Nobody owes you a civil answer if you deliberately flame and provoke. You expect others to be generous and yet are not generous yourself.

I don't want to sound patronising, but thousands are in your situation , and they remain positive or at least accepting. With a negative attitude , the kind of a job you are looking at ,is probably the worst kind of job for you.

Finally , I think few people on this forum will ever have had any experience in 'academic consulting' , and those that have may be reluctant to 'share' with such a contrary poster.
Please take these comments in a friendly spirit!

[choudoufu]

okay, dude. here's the deal.

there's some group of young, hip expats in china providing "educational
consulting services" where they wildly overcharge chinese parents for
minimal support getting their seed into fourth-rate community
colleges in the us.

they've decided to hire some flunky with no experience teaching, no
experience in china (perhaps overseas), no ability to speak chinese,
and only (maybe) minimal work experience..........and have the poor
feller come over on a tourist visa......and with no contract neither, just
"a proposal."

does this sound legitimate? you really expect any serious answers
(other than RUN AWAY!)?

if i didn't know better, i'd suspect this was just another set up thread
by our friends at the CFSU........