Job Discussion Forums

[askiptochina]

[t-dawg]

I suppose nobody ever expects the Spanish Inquisition...sigh.
In the future I will write a three page personal bio as a preface, and explain every part of my post in fullest detail, haha.
As for my educational background, I studied undergrad English and Cultural Studies at university, where I also studied linguistics for a semester. I have a college diploma in culinary management, too, but it doesn't really have much to do with teaching. I have my TESOL, and performed well above the course provider's expectations. I was a paid peer editor in college and university, and a tutor in high school and beyond. I speak three languages and understand the mechanics involved in learning new languages.

But, yes, this is my first teaching job.

I know, however, that there are much better teaching jobs available in China and beyond. When I was applying for jobs, however, I was living with my parents after almost 8 years of living alone. I was unemployed and pretty much without job prospects, and ready to go do something else. I had a lot of job offers, and picked the one that sounded best. As I said before, I liked the sound of the city, and a lot of other posters on ESL forums have mentioned that there are so many jobs available that you should just "pick a place you like the sounds of". I emailed another teacher here to ask about the conditions, but unfortunately I only asked the standard questions: Are you paid on time? Was your apartment what you expected? Did the employer give you the books and resources you needed for class? The co-worker (now a good friend) did warn me about some morale issues around here, but I decided, stupidly, that I could work my way around it. I've been a chef for ten years; restaurant owners are crazy and terrible to work for; ergo I could manage one unpleasant boss in China who I wouldn't see every day. Wrong.

I applied for a job here in the same city today. I spent the Christmas holiday talking to other foreigners here about job prospects in the area and got some good leads and advice.

I will not be signing that contract amendment. I will ask that I either stay on here or be let go in a month, thus avoiding a breach of contract. If I have to spend a week or two in HK, then I will!

That being said...what the heck happens with HK? Do I need an entry visa for HK? Do I need to collect some documents before I leave here and bring them with me to HK, or is HK simply a way of leaving the country and coming back a few days later for visa purposes?

So much to think about...thankfully, my employer has given this "bad teacher" a week off.

[7969]

[mrwslee003]

Ms Dawg,

Your last post provided more info on yourself. So you've worked for over a decade outside the education field and you have left school for that long too. It is understandable that you have had trouble in the classroom, which is much different than running a restaurant kitchen.

However, I admire your adventurous spirit deciding to brave a different country and culture. That being said, I feel you are a tad naive as well,
not having check and double check the school's reputation and thought you could wing it in a foreign culture. Some are able to do it but apparently not you though. So the problems you have are not entirely
the making of the school and its principal. Your lack of worldly skills is
a big contributor. Lucky you have your Ft support and the suppor of your
local friends, otherwise, your situation could be worse.

We all make mistakes, the hope is that we learn from our mistakes.
Since your boss gave you, "the bad teacher", a week off, maybe your
boss is not entirely heartless.

[mrwslee003]

Ms Dawg,
I am just curious about your comment " I chose the best sounding city".
Do you mind sharing what city name sounds that good that swept you off your feet?

And that says a lot about your objectivity, your limited common sense even. However, you would probably do anything to help someone in need.

[Miles Smiles]

[t-dawg]

I have not actually been out of school for 10 years, only two. Like a lot of people, I have had to work hard for my education, which meant starting work and saving money at the age of 14 and working full time through my schooling.
I am not going to supply you with the name of the city, at least not until this is sorted out. Perhaps I've been a bit naive, but I do not feel that this situation is entirely my fault. I was clear and honest with my employer about my lack of work experience in education, and asked before coming here about teaching materials, training, and age levels. I tried my hardest to be well informed about what I was getting myself into, and it is not the culture at all that is the problem; it is my employer. If I gave the name of the city, it would be easy for anyone to discover the name of my employer. In the future, I will post this information as a school review elsewhere. But for now, while I am still employed and still have a chance to get out of this gracefully, I will refrain from doing so.
And, finally, if you really want this information, why on earth would you insult me? Limited common sense? Naive? Lack of objectivity? Lack of worldly skills?
I do not believe I am the first person to get themselves into a bad situation in China, and I certainly will not be the last.

[Lobster]

Tons of people come here to ask for advice about which cities are the most livable and foreigner friendly. It's how many people decide which job to accept. Until you are on the ground and working, it's not easy to determine what the experience will be like. Certainly not as easy as insulting the OP for their decision making after the fact.

RED

[mrwslee003]

Ms Dawg,
If you feel insulted because I interpreted your weak skills from the posting, then it is unfortunate and I should be telling you you are fine and beautiful and why would anyone be unkind to you and try to force you to do things that no one else wanted to do. These are not insults, girl, and I know the truth is hard to take for a lot of people, not just you. Should I tell the spade that it is as red as the heart or the diamond that it is as beutiful as the club?

Look at this situation: I need advice for the job then tell the people who give you advice they are not helping at all. I know such people do exist. So don't worry about it.

As far as you are concern many people came to China because they like the sound of the name "China".

No Ms Dawg, I have no intention of insulting you or anyone else. But I like to speak my mind. And I feel fine because of my efforts.

[steve b]

It is one thing to speak your mind, quite another to be gratuitously rude. At least the OP is a fluent English speaker.

[7969]

Mr Lee used to be more helpful. he must have landed on his head recently.

[Miles Smiles]

[steve b]

"I hear your hearts going out to Dawg, but I feel this girl needs direction and not sympathy!"

The girl asked for advice/assistance, not asinine gibberish from someone who thinks they can communicate in English. I find your posts rude and offensive in the extreme, unwanted I'll warrant by the native speakers who are members and for the life of me I cannot see why your continued membership of the site is allowed to continue.

I certainly don't agree with every poster here but at least in the main their opinions (even if diverse from mine) are usually expressed cogently. Next you will be claiming to be Canadian with no Chinese blood. What exactly are you doing here, pray, if it is other than to foment anger with your views - which collectively I would hazard are derided or reviled by the majority? [/b]

[Baozi man]

Start a campaign to free the board of Chinese pests.

Dilton, Mr. Lee, and Melon immediately come to mind. Once these people have been identified, ban them.

[steve b]

I agree. Whilst you and I disagree on most things I am behind you on this one!!

How do they register anyway? I had to explain my reasons for joining (that I was already TEFLing) before admittance.