Job Discussion Forums

[johntpartee]

Almost every contract I've seen in China mentions a "probationary period". I'm wondering if anybody on here has ever been excused. What happened? You were let go, of course, but how did this affect future employment in China? Did they give you a reference letter with some "creative" wording?

[rogerwilco]

None of my contracts ever mentioned a probationary period.
It is getting very close to the new school year, and the schools are getting desperate.
Just ask for a contract without a probationary period if you are really interested in a school.

[johntpartee]

None of them did? Wow, that's odd. I think EVERY contract I've seen mentions it, usually one month but sometimes three. I've never been let go, I was just curious about the aftermath if it did happen.

[Miles Smiles]

Mine has a probationary period for health. If my health is bad, I am canned. It makes sense considering the lushes I've met in China.

[rogerwilco]

[nickpellatt]

My last contract had a one month probation period. That period cut either way ... the teacher can leave if not happy, and the employer can ask the teacher to leave if he (the employer) is not happy. At this stage no penalty clause etc is due, so its useful for both parties.

I never saw it activated to get rid of a teacher (although they should have IMO) but I did see a teacher use it to leave. The school principal advised him that his class would be observed because the students werent happy that he spent around 75% of his class time delivering lectures and talking at students. He wasnt happy at being observed as he is an 'experienced Chinese Uni teacher' (LOLOLOL) and so left....he was working elsewhere within a week, so I guess it probably doesnt affect moving on!

[dharma86]

Does "probationary period" only exist for private schools?

I've never seen it on any public schools i've looked it.

[Von Dut]

I have worked for both public and private schools. Never seen a probation period on any of my contracts.

[maotouying]

[maotouying]

My previous school put up a 2 month probationary as it was part of the contract addendum.

What that entailed for me. Once the 2 months was over I was to get a 200 RMB a month extra pay. Which of course started in September of 2009 and after 2 months was to get this increase. Which did not happen at that time because the school FAO did not get an "evaluation" from the head of my Language Department until like November or December and I would START at that moment. I addressed them as it was "Hey its 2 months now where is the increase" but they gave the RUN AROUND as I said above. And it was NOT until January i started to receive this extra pay. Skipping me pretty much most of the first term. So they essentially say ONE thing and even if it written it means a complete different thing. Got to be on your guard.

[cormac]

Most of the contracts I have seen (where the person doesn't have tefl) have a probationary period of a month. Usually its a case to reduce the salary by 1000 rmb. So its more a ploy to save money for them.

[maotouying]

Save money or someone lines their pocket on downward. Who knows.

[igorG]

My SAFEA contract has one month probation, but my "real" employment contract has 3 months period. Which one do you think matters more?

[mat chen]

Funny how it works. They can let you go but you cannot leave. Isn't that what it was like in America in early 18th century?

[johntpartee]

Of course you can leave. Pack up and split. Easy.