Job Discussion Forums

[Gary]

Hi All,
I've been reading these forums for some time now, having been looking for a job in China and trying to get some tips off all of you experienced guys and girls. Seems I went wrong somewhere, as I've (that is, my partner and I) have just been shat on from a great height by a recruiter (yes, I know, avoid at all costs!!) The upshot of it all is that both my girlfriend and I have return tickets to Shanghai, due to arrive on 8th December, and tourist visas but no jobs!! We've given up jobs and homes, borrowed money for our tickets and visas and now are in a pretty desperate situation. We have to go to China as we have no where to live after 7th December and very little in the way of money. We are both native speakers, both have degrees and TESOL Certs. and some teaching experience. So I guess the crux of this email is, should we be able to find work in the Shanghai region without too many probs? We obviously want to live and work together, but do you think that this will be a problem for potential employers? Sorry if these questions seem a little dumb, it's just that we are pretty desperate and just want to find a job that is all legal and above board (ie we want Z visas, not Fs) If you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[MyTurnNow]

Hey, it happens to the best of us...

Yes, you can find work here, especially if you are willing to teach (shudder) children. I recommend that you have a look at http://www.thatsshanghai.com which will re-direct you to the current URL. Schools in the bigger cities tend to advertise locally more than on places like Dave's.

Good luck,
MT

[Roger]

my two fen's input: Be prepared for a rough ride. Spring festival begins on 22 January, and ends in mid-February; any school desiring to hire someone will discard you during that period. Reluctant to sign a contract NOW. Besides, I don't know what the deal in Shanghai is, but in Guangdong it is increasingly troublesome finding a stable job. All want to use you as a part-timer, and that means wasting a lot of your time.
I wouldn't bank my hopes on Shanghai only - how about the hinterland, lovely Hangzhou, famous Suzhou, even Nanjing and Yangzhou?

[Minhang Oz]

The above posters are spot-on. Your best bet is to cobble together enough work to keep you going for now, [ also look at www.expatsh.com classifieds ], whilst casting around for something better. This isn't the worst time of the year altogether, as many schools/colleges [proper ones] are looking to fill Spring semester vacancies, with the term beginning mid Feb. Being here, and available for an interview, is a big plus for employers. PM me for a possible lead here.
How long are your visas for? You can get up to 6 months, so it may be worth upgrading them to give yourselves time. This may mean doing some illlegal work in the short term; its been done before, but be aware of the risks.

[Gary]

Hi all,
Just to let you all know that we have managed to sort something out on the work front. We'd like to passon our thanks to all of you who took the time to reply and offer your help/wordly wisdom. (Cheers Steve!!) Anyway, thanks again.