Job Discussion Forums

myesl

Hi Folks,

How easy is it to find part-time work teaching ADULTS either in classes or private lessons when one first arrives in Shanghai? Of course, if you've been there 3 years, finding work is no problem, but I am curious how easy it is to put or answer an ad and get a bit of work. I have plenty of ESL experience, speak Chinese, and will have a visa.

If their is such work available, where does one find it when new in town, not having any connections?

Thank you!

Super Mario · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:56 pm Post subject:

http://shanghai.asiaxpat.com/careers/view.asp?category=22&city=9

myesl · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:04 am Post subject:

Thanks!

To be honest, I was looking for some feedback from Shanghaiers along the lines of, "Loads of part time work." or "Not unless you know the mayor personally."

The problem with ads is that one doesn't know if each ad gets 2 or 200 responses.

Super Mario · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:47 am Post subject:

The same goes for a job ad anywhere. Each person will have a different answer to your question. I only once went looking for part-time work, over the long break. I got the job, and the pay was very good. You'll need some time and contacts, but initially the expat site small ads are the only way forward.

myesl · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:22 pm Post subject:

Super Mario, I am not some silly newbie. I've lived in a variety of countries and cities within those countries. Different places are different. Job markets are not all the same. If you aren't willing to venture a guess, fine. Thanks.

Super Mario · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 9:34 pm Post subject:

I didn't think my previous post was patronising. I'm just not willing to give an opinion that I can't support from experience.
You said "side-job". This implies you have a regular job nailed. My employer was forever offering extra work [contracted company training] to us FTs. It was easy, close by, with transport provided. So you may have to do nothing: opportunities will come to you.
Other than that, people who went looking for more work invariably found it. I had to find a last minute replacement for a "no show" for my school. A single ad on the website I refered you to got several replies within hours: all people who'd come to SH looking for work. Luckily, one was perfect, the others less than. So the deal was done within 12 hours. This would indicate plenty of competition, but my limited experience here [and in looking at other FTs I worked with] would suggest they really aren't ESL teachers.
These web places do work. And I'm not sure what the alternative is. Wandering around Xujiahui wearing a sandwich-board?
So, yes, it does seem easy if you have relevant experience. I'd suggest Y200 an hour plus is "good" pay, but you're unlikely to get that tutoring or even in language mills. Company training is the way to go.