Job Discussion Forums

[22Yossarian]

I am currently a Ph.D student in China. I previously was a history teacher was a Z visa. I am less than impressed with my Ph.D program and miss the 20K a month that came with teaching.

I have a few leads for history teaching jobs in China. My concern is my student residence permit is active until September of 2016 but I am looking for jobs that start in February of 2016. How difficult is it to get my university to cancel my X visa? I realize that I would have to go to Hong Kong, or my home country (depending on the mood of the government right now) to get a Z visa and go through the health check and what not again. But, my concern is that my university will not release me from my current visa.

[Non Sequitur]

Your school will lose much face if you leave the PhD programme because you are dissatisfied. Is it so bad that you would give up on the doctorate and go back to Z visa teaching?
Have you expressed your concerns to the school?

[22Yossarian]

It isn't so much about the university itself. It is living like a student in my late 20s is much different than living like a student 10 years ago, especially after having a good salary for a few years. It was a bit foolish on my part, but I didn't realize how hard it would be to go back to student wages. While there are some issues with the university, it is also I am just not a good fit for it, and it is best for me to cut my loses now before I have invested too much time in it. In order to be successful in a humanities Ph.D one must have their heart fully in it, and I do not.

Also, I had a pretty nasty case of bronchitis which turned into pneumonia, which is probably somewhat related to the air pollution. A few of my friends who have been in China have had some issues as well. I don't think I am up for 4 more years of China, and signing a one year contract for about 20K a month is a key part of my exit strategy, as it will allow me to put enough money in my bank account to go some place with low pay, clean air, and nice weather for a bit while I plot what I want to do next.

I have been in China for a few years now, and I suddenly just feel ready to leave. I am not miserable, but I have seen people who have stayed here too long, and I don't want to stay too long.

[Non Sequitur]

'Catch 22'?