Hi Everyone,
I am hoping we can have some open discussion about how we feel about living and working in China.
1. In Shenzhen, I worked for a start-up school. Like many "wannabe international programs" it had enough money, our starting group of teachers was good, but run by Chinese businessmen, not teachers.
So, things fell apart over a few years, until they merged with another company.
There were problems like police arrests for false visas, students who bullied me and other teachers, etc.
2. Some of my experienced expat teachers, who lived in China for 10+ years, gave me advice.
At first, I said I thought it sounded cynical. But, they did say that they were simply reporting what they observed for years.
"In China, people are expected to be greedy. Always try to ask for more money immediately, if anyone asks you for help. Never give away help for free, as people get entitled faster than Western countries."
"The favor system works one way. If you boss asks you for a favor, he does not truly remember it."
"Chinese businesses and families only care about the result. So, they are willing to lie, cheat, take shortcuts, etc. to do that."
"The trick in China is to show up to work on time, work very hard, get a reputation for hard work plus results. But, on the flip side, know when to put your foot down; many Chinese bosses will find ways to try and get you to do more, cut costs, or get entitled, if they know they can."
3. Of course, I just want to understand China. I remember I read a book once called "Understanding China" written by a famous Washington D.C. policy analyst. It was quite good. Maybe I can read it again.
4. I want to be clear that I want to make the Chinese way of life work for me. I welcome debate, contradiction, or anything that can make the rules for success in China clear to me.
It reminds me of military slogans "The military will not adapt to you; you need to learn to adapt to it."
"There is the right way, the wrong way, and the US military way. If you can perform the way they say, you will get along okay in the military."