Job Discussion Forums

laodeng · Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 481

(edited)

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Is there anyone above her you could talk to? It couldn't hurt and you have nothing to lose.

Guest · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:41 am Post subject:

Yes, do not give up without a fight. How long have you been at that particular University.

I find it very interesting and refreshing to know your age and that you are still teaching. I thought I was on my last legs at 57, although I would like to teach here for another 3 years if possible.

Teacher Lindsay · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 393 Location: Luxian, Sichuan

"New Mexico (USA); 3rd university job in Shanghai."

Since when have Americans used the word "struth"?

"Many distinctive Australian words have been driven into extinction or near extinction in recent decades .....

Some examples:

struth! - expression of shock or dismay

laodeng · Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 481

Evil companions, Teacher Lindsay. evil companions.

laodeng · Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 481

To Gordon and Rhonda: The lady seems to have established a fiefdom, but the Old Guy is not going down without a fight. Thanks for the encouragement.

oprah · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 382

I was interested in the comments regarding age.. I am up there and have not felt any discrimination re : age, and was not planning on leaving China for quite a few years yet. I would be interested in what the older population of teachers have to say.

whitjohn · Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 124

I'm 60 and going strong. Ride my bike to school everyday, play badminton three times a week, climb the stairs to the 5th floor classroom, and am constantly told by my university students that I am young. I feel 30 and don't plan or "retiring" or quitting any of my activities for many years.
I've lost close to 40 pounds of western fat in the past year and feel wonderful! Hang in there Gordon, Rhonda and others...you have more than three years left!

Guest · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 9:29 pm Post subject:

Dear Oprah

Instead of being a liability, age seems to be an asset here in China. I know the female teachers have to retire here at 55, but I arrived when I was 56 and and now 57. I hope to stay here for a few years yet.

I think the Chinese people look upon the older people as being more STABLE and reliable - which was only reinforced when three of our teachers did a "midnight run" during the past 2 months. They were all younger and had unreal expections of their job and China in general.

I personally had the same job for 25 years (with the same bl**dy boss) and so that shows that I am a "stayer".

I personally think it is wonderful that I have a place here - whereas if I were trying to get a job in Australia I would be way too old and have NO HOPE AT ALL. I feel that I have been given a new "lease on life" and not just put on the scrap heap.

I am going back to my job of 25 years during July and August, while I am visiting Australia, but that is just to collect some dollars. (3 days a week only).

oprah · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 382

Well then I am not alone in my age, I am 59 and do not have any expectations of finding real work if I go back to my country . It was a real chore to get things together regarding personal "things" before coming. I now have a tenant to pay for mortgage, instead of me worrying about a job and paying for it myself..
My school asked for an older person when they decided to hire their first foreign teacher.. I hope they are happy with ;me. They can not do enough to helpl me with my needs.. They say I do not know how important I am.. as a foreigner..
I no longer go to the only department store in town, as I am so important that the whole town stops in their tracks to stare at me. In other places the people not only stopped but they were friendly and helpful, here they just look.

ChinaLady · Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 11:29 pm Post subject: Blindsided

ah, Laodeng, what to say. hummm, well, last spring the same thing happened to me. my wonderful boss was replaced by the "dragon lady." who told me my contract would not be renewed. seems the students liked me toooo much. ah, gee, gosh darn! BUT after finding another job - not in Shanghai, by my choice - I received several e-mails from previous students and fellow faculty. the "dragon lady" got her orders from the university deputy party secretary (as does everyone else on campus). new "blood" was wanted. never mind skill or anything else that should matter. if the current CCP person on campus says you are gone, you are gone. no rhyme, no reason. and, which makes it all the more fun?? you ask?? the CCP person does not have a degree, has never taught "anything", is appointed to the position because of who they know or who they are related to or, , the sun, the moon and the stars are lined up at the moment the person was born.
smile and go on to another school. o, and get your fellow Chinese faculty members to write you letters of recomendations. any negative stuff will be drowned in the good paper you presnet.
and . . . SMILE!