Job Discussion Forums

liebkuchen · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 25 Location: China

I've posted recently about a medical problem that's needing sorted this summer only things have slightly snowballed in the past week (I'm coping at the moment by 'creatively' self dosing) and I need to get my head around the best way to resign. I don't want to- its the final option and hopefully I'll be better in a few days with some rest and this was just a 'blip'.

My contract is a 30 day notice period. I might need a trip to the doctors to prove I'm as ill as I say I am but that'd be okay as I'm not faking it. I'm wary that the longer I leave it to say I'm having issues, then the more of a problem I make for everyone.

What happens if I have to terminate my contract prematurely and I need a reference? My work has been good as has my relationship with the uni's FAO. But obviously, if I have to go early I'm letting everyone down. What's the best way to handle it? I realise I'll lose my airfare reimbursement but I knew that was always a risk if the job didn't work out for any reason.

Also, if I have to tell my FAO I'm not coping should I mention depression or would 'homesickness' be better?

As I say, hopefully this is a premature panic but I need to ask.

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

You could always tell them the truth:

I have a medical problem I need to sort out and need to go home to deal with it.

liebkuchen · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 25 Location: China

Ta- I'm just wary about the contract clauses.

If I supply evidence of my need to go home I believe its seen as resonable and both sides just part ways. But if I just say I'm going home, no proof, I'm liable for those penalty charges (not that I have the money to pay it anyhow...)

If I do a moonlight flit, its akward for all my friends and all the good people I work with including my FAO. I'd also scupper chances of a reference.

milkweedma · Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 151

If there's a breach clause it's often better to pull a runner because they usually make their rules up as they go along.

Lobster · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject:

Don't you have a medical release clause in your contract? Also check SAFEA regulations and labour law guidelines.

RED

Idrinkwaytoomuchcoffee · Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Posts: 19

Once you've shown them your hand, that good relationship you've had with them could change in a heartbeat.
If you have to prove to them that you're ill does that involve going to a local doctor with your FAO acting as interpreter? If they know you have to leave on a certain day, they could easily start withholding wages, drawing everything out etc..Maybe I'm just being cynical !
I wouldn't worry too much about honouring contracts, just look after number 1, especially when your healths involved.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

Idrinkwaytoomuchcoffee · Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Posts: 19

It would be good to hear from anyone who has successfuly used the medical clause in their contract.

xiguagua · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 768

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

According to the OP, I think that depressions and homesickness are the medical condition and those are uneasy to reason with. I gather a psychologist could issue a suggestive offical statement to help the FT out of his contract; however, i doubt such local specialists are up for the task or that Chinese employers accept such reasoning for release of duties. Please, don't shoot me as this is just my opinion based on my knowledge about the country.

My advice is to get one of your family members, from your homeland, to write a reasonable offical request for you to return home (perhaps signed by a lawyer). Have them shoot it over either scanned or faxed and present the letter to your FAO then.

liebkuchen · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 25 Location: China

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

double post, sorry

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

Sorry. Was it me who has missread you?

If I were seriously ill, I would surely seek a local specialist to prove I am not fit to continue my employment agreement. Depressions or homesickness, in my view, may be more difficult to certify and/or present to even a great FAO, especially once the term begins. Perhaps, I�d call such an honest approach a gamble. Should your school disagree with the request, you may have to deal with some more difficult times later on there. A good lie is sometimes better than the truth.

liebkuchen · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 25 Location: China

No, Igor- you didn't misread me Smile

Only finding the local specialist without my FAO's going to be impossible as there's no 'foreign' hospital and the only medical things I can say in chinese are 'headache' and 'ibuprofen'.

I agree that its a gamble whether I'm honest or not. Eurgh!

Guerciotti · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 5:03 pm Post subject:

Actually your FAO is better off if you stay, no matter how crazy you may seem.

Regardless, possibly you are in the depression stage of culture shock? You arrived in August or September? It is rough but you can get past it. It most likely will last beyond Thursday I'm sorry to say. Won't you be happy when the students return? You seem like a nice lady, the students probably adore you. I'm an ugly old man, and my students adore me! Wait I'm dreaming。哈哈

Did you go to the gym today? I love the gym!

I can't predict or dictate what you ultimately do, but meanwhile don't stay in your apartment/flat all day! Take a walk. Go to the gym. Do something. Find a restaurant where you can eat and just sit and read for a few hours. Go shopping. Read a book. It helps if I internet-connect to a radio station back home and just listen. Please do something.

I wish you the best regardless of your actions.