Job Discussion Forums

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

This is getting to me, really.

You folks who make 4000 or 5000 RMB a month. Why are you working for this kind of salary?

You folks who are making 6000 or 7000 a month? Why?

Please explain to me why you have decided to accept a job for such a low pay (less than the minimum wage back in your own country) when there are so many jobs offering well over 10,000 a month.

When you accept such low salaries, you not only put extra money in the hand of your wealthy bosses, but you are also selling yourself short.

My Chinese T.A. earns 6000 RMB a month, with housing provided. One of my Chinese co-workers who teaches grammar, she makes 250 RMB an hour. Don't forget that Chinese also get a bonus every year at Spring Festival.

So what about you?

Please explain why many of you are working for less than my Chinese teaching assistant, and thank you for your time.

JGC458 · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 248 Location: Shanghai

Mr Whiner, I think why someone chooses to work for a particular salary isn't really anyone else's business. They probably have their reasons. Some of which many people might think are valid. And some that others on here may think are not so valid.

The fact that people choose or end up working for what you call a low salary may affect other people's earning potential - I agree with that. But is that fact something we can change? Perhaps not very easily.

MOD EDIT

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 12:25 am Post subject:

Members choosing to be contentious and addressing the messenger rather than the message on this board will be permanently banned to include their IP.

This is not a new policy, but it is one that is regularly enforced.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Perhaps you are right that on a personal level it isn't my business. But when I see advertised jobs on this site like this:

Children's ESL and IB PYP Teachers Needed at MOD EDIT in Chengdu, Home of the Best Lifestyle in China � From 6,500 to 16,000+ RMB

.. it leaves me curious.

And a little frustrated that we are all selling ourselves short. In a round about way, when someone else is willing to teach for a fraction of what I would accept, it drives down my potential earnings. So, in a round about way, it affects me. And anything that affects me becomes my business.

We all deserve better. And I am genuinely curious as I have no idea why someone would accept 4000 RMB a month (which is less than 700 dollars a month).

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

Ok, where do you get these jobs that pay 10,000rmb? Private training schools teaching 25 classes a week with no holidays? I am sure its not a University or high school. International school?

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

The first thing that comes to my mind is that when I skim job boards for China it seems the majority are only offering 5k to 8k a month. It's not hard to see why people accept those rates when from the looks of it that is the going rate. I am not trying to be smart but where are these 10k jobs? I see an occassional job at that rate but it definitely isn't the norm or what I would call plentiful. The other reason why I think people accept the pay is because they aren't in it for the long run. I was talking to a friend who owns her own successful business in Australia and they were planning to hit China next year for a stint of teaching. They wanted to take a break from their daily routine and didn't care what the pay was. I see in your other post you mention the right academic qualifications, just what are the right ones for the kind of jobs you are talking about? This makes it easier to compare apples to apples etc.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

The Chinese teachers at this college earn 50 RMB per 90 minute class. They teach (max) four classes per day, five days a week. The college WILL provide "housing" for them if they wish; a semi-private dorm room with two communal bathrooms on each floor. IF they work the maximum (I don't think any of them do) that's about 52000 RMB per annum. I earn more than that teaching sixteen hours per week AND have a full private apartment provided. I live quite comfortably and I stash about 1000 USD per month. I don't make 10K RMB per month, but I still think it's a pretty good deal.

drjtrekker · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 251

OH MR. WHINER.....
This is a good topic, BUT....

First, I understand you frustration. I have gone through it this year, (per some of my previous posts lately doing job search thingy).

Second, you need to be specific. Because, if you are talking about Uni jobs...YOU R COMPLETELY MISTAKEN.

Generally, jobs that pay that high are at the middle/high school/kindy level, and/or teaching math/science, or private school.
(i said generally...... there MAY be, May be, a few here or there, but most likely its teaching something other than esl)

Third...I bet you are talking about private/language mill jobs. NOT everyone wants that. Some people enjoy long vacations...and light hours...that needs to be stated.

So, the title of ur thread is misleading....don't let your frustration confuse the newbies. I think you should edit and re-title, unless u think i am wrong, in which case i would like to hear>>>>>

Another problem with your generalization is it really depends on the areas as well. Sichuan/chengdu....forget about it! BJ, forget about it. Shanghai, Shenzhen, maybe, and its obvious why--costs much more to live.
And, ironically, but maybe not, the out of the way job sometimes pays a little better(like my job)....but sometimes not, like Guizhou.

P.S. I am NOT defending low pay!!! I am a total advocate for more $$! hehe.

I await your re-title
Laughing

Calypso · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 27

I'm just not motivated by money. I know I can go home any time and earn a damn good wage. I'm here for the experience. Plus living here is so cheap that it's easy to save on a (relatively) low wage as well as live a pretty good lifestyle.
I've worked in places where I've earned a lot more and places where I've earned a lot less. Doesn't make much difference to me either way.

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

GWoW,

Tell me where these high-paying jobs are and I'll apply for one.

If I remember correctly, before you returned to Canada you were just another grunt working in the trenches. Now that you've climbed out of the trenches, how about giving the rest of the unwashed masses a hand?

I'd LOVE not to have to work for criminally-negligent schools. I'd LOVE to be able to save up for that new Toyota Highlander.

The truth is, GWoW, those high-paying jobs seem to be available to MOD EDIT