Job Discussion Forums

NickH · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 40

Hey all,
Well, I have been searching for jobs for maybe a week or a week and a half now, submitting my CV to various job ads. My aim was to get a job in Shanghai for the fall semester, but I think I'm now open to other locations as well.

It seems like all the replies back I have gotten back so far are either a) Really sketchy and dubious ,or b), offer jobs in some place I've never heard of (Jiangyin city? Yuncheng city?).

It's August 7, I don't yet have any flights yet, I'd like to come in on a work visa so I don't have to change it from a tourist visa once I'm already there, but either way, I still don't have any kind of visa so far. I suppose I am just kind of stressing out about all this stuff after I have made this big decision to take some time off from school and embark on this grand adventure which everyone I know personally thinks is amazing and/or crazy/bizarre. Please, I could really use some advice or help.

Sincerely,
Nick Herman

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

Nick,

I understand your frustration. However, I don't think a week and half is long enough for you to get stressed out. Some of us spent MONTHS trying to land a job, plus another month's wait before being told that the documents needed to get the Z visa is in the mail. Now is a very good time to test your patience. If this is getting to you already, then imagine how you'll be in China when things don't go your way and not as speedy as you want them to be. If you are too impatient, then you may end up getting the first job that you feel is "good enough", only to regret it later down the road.

For what it's worth, yes, you should definitely consider other cities as well. Don't just focus on Shanghai. After all, Shanghai is one of the hardest cities to find LEGAL teaching jobs now thanks to its huge population of expats. Likewise, it is also becoming harder and harder to find teaching jobs in Beijing, Dalian, and Qingdao. Basically, I would avoid any coastal city that doesn't snow in winter. If you want to experience China, then take a chance and try somewhere you've never heard of. As long as you are willing, I am very sure someone here can probably help you. I would put you in touch with my employer, but unfortunately they have all the FT's they need for the next term.

Don't rush it, it's better to be safe than sorry. If you have to wait for another month before leaving for China, so be it. China and its people will still be there in September, and you won't be the only person leaving in September to go to China to teach. I can promise you that you will still be seeing job ads from public schools in October for September. So maybe you should have thought about this earlier, but hey, the same can be said about the employers who have finally started looking for FT's now. Wink

latefordinner · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 973

Take a deep breath, hold it, then slowly let it out. Cut down on the coffee. Go for a long aimless walk in the park. Whatever it takes, relax. Looking for a job is a bit like fishing; sometimes everything is biting all at once, sometimes there's nothing. Even more so with China, where employers always have their own crazy internal clocks. Who can figure their sense of time? Who can figure the fates? (What's the difference between a boss and fate? Sometimes fate has a reason)
For my first job, I sent off my resume on a Saturday afternoon (Canada time), and Sunday evening came home to find a message on my answering machine, "It's 8 o'clock, I'll call back in about an hour". Hmm, figure the time difference, look at the clock, and... an hour later I was being asked how soon I could get on the plane. Relax, cause when it does come, you'll be expected to be fresh funky and ready to impress.

NickH · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 40

NickH · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 40

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

NickH · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 40

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

First thing:
The jobs are NOT aplenty - contrary to what some incorrigible optimists proclaim. There are posts available, but why should the hirers hire just anyone? They do run background checks, and besides, do you have relevant credentials to apply for a job here?

Second:
It is now mid-August, time for the kids to recuperate from their last semester or torture. Even their tormentors are on (paid) holiday and won't scan new job applications before the end of the month!

Or are you hoping to land a job in a language mill? Well then, there are thousands of itinerant jobseekedrs in China... the other day a training centre Personnel Manager told me he got 300-plus applicatiolns for a single position.

alani · Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 4

Hi Nick,

If your interested in working in Guangxi Province, theres a job in my school. My partner and I are leaving, for personal reasons back home, and are helping find teachers to replace us.

Anyway, my email is [email protected]

Good luck!

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

NickH · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 40

NickH · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 40

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

Nick.
Jiangyin city is listed as one of the cleanest cities in China. It also has one of the highest standards of living in China. It's about 1 1/2 hours away from Shanghai.

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944