Job Discussion Forums

[Tanker]

A few years ago an English teacher could put their nose to the grindstone, work hard, get paid, and save. Saving is (WAS!) one of the biggest motivations to come to HCMC to teach. As a whole I also have liked living here.

But with the criminal back ground checks (U.S.), taxes, stagnant wages, and higher cost of living, I do not think Vietnam is that much more desirable than other South East Asian countries. Yes, we can still save more, but it's harder to do. Most of us are working part-time at two or three schools all over town, working split shifts. The major chain schools can give us hours, but they pay on the low-end.

The days of getting a ahead for your work in Vietnam, are gone in my opinion.

Do people agree? Disagree?

Please share your thoughts.

[lizarddoctor]

I agree and disagree

Yes the crackdown is slowly happening, but in reality is is hurting the bakpacker and tourist teachers more than anyone else. The only nationality getting the shaft is Americans already here since the US Consulate continues to have its colective head up in its own cavity. The result has been increased wages for those of use who actually negotiate and don't take the table scraps the schools try to put on our plates.

Working at 2-more schools is a benefit. I really hate feeling like a school owns me. And on payday when your one school is late with pay, what can you really do about it. Having a few paychecks a month lets me make my own schedual and not have to worry about running out of funds. The big schools offer a lot of hours on the weekends and night time during the week for low pay, and they can have them as far as I am concerned. I only work at one school at night and I am done by 7. They cannot have my night time unless they give me some day hours to compensate.

If anyone is working for any less than 12$/hr anywhere during the day, they are a fool. Any less than 15$ at night and they are getting screwed. Many teachers here are afraid of their own shadow and have no backbone when it comes to their own negotiations. Everyone just needs to realize that the schools need us more than we need them. You'll see on my site that I am actively confronting the mistreatments of teachers and making sure to stear everyone clear unless they like getting pushed around. A novel idea in this crazy esl world.

I offer a larger recommendation to HCMC than I would anywhere else in Asia, and my complaints are just as recommeded to those who would listen. Get spit on in Korea and China a few times and then tell me if its worth the time and energy of jumping a few hoops in Vietnam for a good lifestyle. Start negotiating people!!!!!!! I for one see the light of day when I wake up in the morning.

My 2 VND

[Snaff]

.....

[James_T_Kirk]