Job Discussion Forums

[Newbs]

Well, I'm about to head back to China and, like last semester, I will be the only FT on campus. This may have some advantages, but it certainly has its disadvantages. I miss having other FTs around to "bounce ideas off", discuss lesson plans, or analyse the latest observations that we can make about the middle kingdom.

Daves certainly fulfils a very important role for me, but are there other suggestions to ensure that this situation is a positive one, not a negative one?

[Sheep-Goats]

Well, you'll certainly have more encouragement to learn Chinese and get out of the house a bit...

[Norman Bethune]

Some positive aspects of being the only FT on campus to consider:

You will not have to work alongside or socialise with other neurotic, psychotic, sociopathic, or just plain annoying foreigners.

You'll never be compared unfavourably to other FTs at your school by students or teachers.

One FT good, two FTs bad. You will have the sole attention of the waiban and FAO and not have to worry about the negative fallout caused by the actions of other FT. The admin won't make your life miserable whenever the other FT birtches to the admin about her problems.

If you are a moocher or freebooter, the opportunity to eat well, travel to student's homes, go to KTV and have the bill paid by Chinese staff and students will be numerous.

Opportunities to "tutor" co-eds in the privacy of your own flat will be yours alone and not be the subject of gossip by other FTs.

You'll be able to watch all those cheap DVD's without having to lend them to another FT.

You'll become a better cook using just a gas ring and a Wok than you ever thought you could be.