Job Discussion Forums

amandabarrick · Joined: 30 Dec 2004 Posts: 391

My employer is paying me more than in my contract. Throwing me bonuses here and there. Not an obscene amount but more than the contract salary. They also asked me to bring invoices and receipts for anything I buy and reimbursing me for it. They give me lavish gifts, but that may be because it is teacher's day soon. I am loving it, but I am just worried that they may in the future ask me to work extra hours or teach more classes, etc... Would all the overpayment now some how obligate me in the future? Anyone have any experience with this?
Happy Teacher's Day!

AB

rocknroll · Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 41

LUCKY YOU ! Very Happy

One of the reasons : They are afraid that you would run away

Happy Teacher's Day ! to you too

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

i'd say relax and enjoy it! just remember that they've been decent to you and that you might need to scratch someone's back in the future. It's fair enough IMHO

randyj · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 11:40 pm Post subject:

Nolefan is right. The favors reflect satisfaction in Amanda's performance as a teacher. The favors are unsolicited, right? The Chinese people have a serious attitude toward favors given and favors received, but more the solicited variety. True, acceptance by Amanda does obligate her somewhat. Still, I think it is important to remember that these favors were not solicited.

Don McChesney · Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 656

Yes, last week I was given a pay rise and a bonus that wasn't in my contract, very nice.
Today, I have been given an extra two classes a week to teach. "Very sorry, but there is no-one else to do it, oh, and can you re-test 17 students the last FT failed?"

However, I have a good relation with the FAO and admin, and because I am the only FT here, I have leverage for future scenarios, so I don't mind really. It's MY turn next time.

latefordinner · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 973

First I read that Jeffinflorida gets his airfare refunded at the beginning of his contract, then about goodies and treats for Teachers' Day, then this thread. Somebody put on a pot of double-strength coffee, I'm going to need it when I wake up.
This summer I worked a short summer camp, and I was offered a completion bonus if they were satisfied with my work. I didn't expect it, as the offer was made orally and I've been dissapointed far too many times in China. Surprise! Not only were my hosts as considerate as could be throughout the teaching period, but at the end they were happy to pay me and even concerned for my welfare about carrying the extra cash. Yes, it does happen.
Is there a quid pro quo involved? No doubt, but then depending on the trust factor, that may or may not be much of a problem. I've been burned often enough that I'm still very suspicious of employers' motives, but I've also been on the receiving end of many unasked and unexpected kindnesses. I'm not yet so calous that I'm ungrateful. I guess it's not a bad idea to ask, "What can I do for you?" once in a while. See if you can anticipate their concerns and do something for them. It takes time for the relationship to evolve, but I'd have to say that on the face of it, you're already doing something right.

amandabarrick · Joined: 30 Dec 2004 Posts: 391

Thanks everyone for your advice and input. I know I should just enjoy it but I am not used to the VIP treatment. None of the favors were solicited, they just gave me a bicycle the other day. All week co-workers and admin have taken me to lunch at some pretty nice places. Chatting with my FAO I mentioned I would like to buy a DVD player and where is the best place to buy one. He said he would keep an eye open. The next day he gave me a new one, wouldn't take any money for it.
I emailed with a previous teacher at this school and he said that is the same treatment he got. But I am starting to get the hang of the Chinese rules of politeness as far as declining certain things at first then humbly accepting for the sake of giving the other person face.
AB

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

Yeah, it does happen. I was once handed 10,000 RMB for doing nothing, and that was at Delter/Telfort but back in the salad days before the various schools came under incompetent, rapacious, dishonest Chinese management.

My present boss gives me YYYY if I do something he asks for, often something that I regard within the scope of my job.

Hey...........you must be doing a GREAT job. Keep it up!

Don McChesney · Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 656

Further to my post (above), I have just been given 700Y after a Teacher's Day function. Why? To spend on my next holiday (1st Oct)
No, I'm not complaining. Sometimes we can work with each other if we have a little respect.