Job Discussion Forums

[kev7161]

I stayed at my last school for two years. I didn't particularly like it and the second year was worse than the first. However, I did stick it out and completed my contract. I left my apartment in clean and good shape (probably better than when I moved in) and my classroom was also cleaned before leaving. I didn't leave on good terms (meaning I wasn't happy when I left so no long, sad good-byes) but I did receive a glowing letter of recommendation from my FAO.

I think the guy who left two weeks before end of contract is pretty much a scumbag. Obviously, not knowing a thing about the working/living situation (outside of what the OP is sharing with us) is one thing - - but two weeks? Come on!

My feelings are that if you are in a bad situation and you've tried to resolve the problems to no effect, then wait until the Spring Festival break (or, if you are in 2nd semester, summer break) before bolting. Tell your employer? Don't tell? Well, I know what I'd do, but I realize that things are different from school to school. I say, pack your bags, write a letter and slip it under the door of your director's office, exchange email addresses with those you've grown fond of, and say see you later! Again, that's for one of those crummy schools where nothing seemed to work for you.

[erinyes]

I have seen many crazies over here too.

I went to a Crazy English camp when I first arrived in China. We just went there to do some volunteer work and to meet up with the FT that would take us to our real job.

Anyway � they fired one guy cos he was a drinker and abusive to the other FTs. One girl cos she was a bit crazy; she had written all over here resource books �get me the hell out of here� and was heard saying �they are teaching them to take over the world� under her breath. and another man for completely not following any of the lesson material and calling the students pathetic. This all in the space of 10 days!!! We ended up doing some classes for them and it was in fact lucky that we were there in the end.

I guess that some people come here because they couldn�t hold down a job in their own country and not to experience a new life style.

[sigmoid]

This all seems very incredible considering the high salaries and excellent conditions that schools in China are offering.

[erinyes]

[therock]

Did the guy who left two weeks before the end of his contract get his airfare allowance? If he didn't why the heck did he leave before receiving his airfare money. He only had to wait two weeks.

[vikdk]

On a serious note, why all the name-calling? (a roger quote)

[Brian Caulfield]

I agree . But how many schools are like yours and rehire teachers ? Most of the ones I see just keep the treadmill turning . It will be a while before they understand what a good teacher like yourself is .I think it is a reality with the Chinese young worker today . When you talk to the average person of twenty eight at English corners you find that they are bouncing from job to job . It is good for everyone . It forces employers to put wages up to keep the good worker like yourself .

[7969]

[Babala]

Just a comment for Brian. I find it's the FT's who bounce from school to school who are the ones on here complaining the most. I think if you find a school you like and who treats you fairly, the smart thing to do is to stick with them.

[andyscott84]

Babala, I agree. If you're in a good school, why leave? Sometimes I find myself thinking I should leave this school, mainly because I fear getting too settled and too comfortable. I shake those thoughts as soon as I can. It's true that once you find that school, cling onto it with all your strength.

As for the unsavoury types that wander through, well as long as teaching EFL is called a 'working holiday' you're bound to see these people. That is until they realize that it isn't a holiday and make a run for it. But hey, nowadays there are plenty of people who aren't interested in doing a honest days work for pay. Probably why our jails have a waiting list to get inside.

[vikdk]

a classic quote from 7969

[mandu]

i really like my job
it pays well,i enjoy working with the other teachers.this is the best job i have had and its taken me 5 years to find it.

i will try to stay as long as i can and see my children i teach right up until they start school.

Iam crazy in my own way but i work very hard and always try and give a good lesson.

[shuize]

First of all, the question "Are there any real teachers left in China?" is making the giant assumption that ESL is actually a "real" subject that might attract "real" teachers in the first place.

The longer you stay in this business, the more you realize that just isn't the case.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[vikdk]

sorry Jizzo - just gettin a bit cold in my neck of the woods - thought i'd stoke up the fire a bit