Job Discussion Forums

[ms_casillas]

I signed a contract through a recruiter and was on my way
to China

Then he said, ok school wants to change the contract concerning sick
days

I aleady had hesitations about this school.

I said forget it !! But he already sent the signed contract to the school

What happeneed? Will I get in trouble if I now sign with another school
in China?

Thanks

[Totemic]

[suanlatudousi]

WHY, pray tell, WHY did you actually sign anything, let a lone a contract when you "aleady had hesitations" about the job ?

[Hansen]

I know this is difficult, but don't take the contract too seriously. The Chinese don't. Why should you? They mainly consider it a tool to manipulate you. They will not consider themselves bound by any unpleasantries that they may become liable for, under the terms of the contract.

Since they have aready invalidated it by changing it after it was signed, it's meaningless anyway.

[Teatime of Soul]

I'd agree to their change after signing of the contract. Of course, I'd expect them to agree to my demand of doubled salary and a personal chef too. Fair is fair.

[brsmith15]

OP, what school is this? Inquiring minds want to know.

[xiao51]

Dear Mrs. Casillas,

Do not under any circumstances allow them to start playing with a contract if indeed it has been signed. That is a very, very bad precursor of what might follow. There are just too, too, too many jobs here in China for qualified ESL teachers -- just too, too, too many -- that you need not sit for this kind of behavior at all.

There are several good agents out there, still, and there are many portals available, and there is also direct contract. With all of that taken together, you should be able to seek and to find exactly what you want or close to it.

Never, ever sit for an abusive boss in China, an unpleasant situation, a depressing atmosphere -- the job market remains truly hot, as I said, and when one door closes here, or when one door is closed, at least 10-15 will open, degree or no degree, training or no training, newbie or no newbie.

If I can be of any specific assistance, please don't hesitate to PM me.

Xiao Lin

[eddy-cool]

[eddy-cool]

[xiao51]

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

No cooling off where I am. Plenty of work available and good conditions, generally speaking. Work in the education field seems to be one of the more secure areas to be employed in.

[Teatime of Soul]

If you don't work legally in China then of course, you'll have no legal protections. But some employees are fine with that. Not my cup of tea, but to each his own.

Lots of applicants these days. Perhaps due to the economy elsewhere. Friend said he's interviewing a lot of recent and fairly recent college grads who are working at the bottom end of the service industry, and China looks pretty good to them. No idea if that will actually effect the job market here or not.

Best of luck, let us know when you arrive.

[Hansen]

I agree with Mr. Cool. Although I'm not in a very strong bargaining position, I have noticed an even deeper disdain being manifested toward me than was manifested before. Perhaps because, in the beginning, I felt I had nothing to lose, I made demands backed by real threats to leave. My "demands" were met. At that time, the school was interested in having me stay. Now, with a new FAO with UK connections, I'm not so sure.

Even if it would be difficult to find a replacement, many employers don't know that. I can hardly imagine, after several years, anyone wanting to live in this place. In my own case, my hobby justifies it.

Something else to consider for those who have been around a few years, moving is not a pleasant experience.

As for the OP, her situation is not good. Changing the contract after it has been signed and she is on her way, that is simply a devious and underhanded move by her employers. It doesn't bode well for the future. But what can she do?

[eddy-cool]

[xiao51]