Job Discussion Forums

[hak]

Hi again
I have a freind who is interested in the Middle or Secondary ESL teacher position for people with Australian or NZ passports.It is on this sight, she is a little reluctant because of its 3 year contract.What are the drawbacks of not finishing a contract and what are the views that people may have in relation to the ethics of only doing 2 years?
Thanks

[Manny2]

Hi Hak,
Are you referring to the jobs posted that are being advertised by Griffith University, Australia, they seem like the same level of jobs that have also been advertised by cfbt , UAEU and IAT in the past although I believe the latter two decided not to run with the programme. Pay will not be great and either a low accomodation allowance or shared. Plus could be posted in a remote place without alot of support. Griffith has previously done alot of recruiting for the technical colleges in Oman and feedback re their hiring practices etc are not very positive - you can do a search on the Oman board - personally I would have nothing to do with them but if your friend wants to know more then apply and see what will be offered. Plus it is not clear who one would be signing a contract with , it may be with Griffith or not. As far as 3 year contract goes it is pretty standard here at least at tertiary level and with a 6month to a year probation period , most people stay if only not to have to pay back the furniture allowance if you leave before the three years ( if you get one )...but saying that staff can leave by giving 6 months notice . Now I am speaking about a situation where one is employed by a reputable organisation that provided contracts detailing all of this so you know exactly where you stand if you want to brake your contract, many places do not offer such contracts and if you choose to work for a place that does not have everything spelled out clearly in advance then who knows the implications for breaking a contract -There have been one or two horror stories on this board in the past re promises made and not seen through but there was never anything on paper.

[NadiaK]

As Manny says, 3-year contracts are quite common at the tertiary level. I know a number of people who have given their 6 months notice and left earlier. Not a problem.

[Afra]

It's not true to say that there is no problem about leaving before a six-month notice period. At HCT, this is at the discretion of you Director and the central system's requirements. Some people have been allowed to leave at very short notice for various personal reasons but it's not typical. Other employers may be different.

[veiledsentiments]

I think you misread Nadia's post, she said that there is no problem leaving as long as you give the 6 month notice.

It normally takes a serious personal emergency to get permission to leave with less notice.

VS

[Afra]

No misunderstanding.

[NadiaK]

Yes, VS is right. Apologies for the ambiguity.