Raoul's China Saloon (V5.0) Beta

The Teachers' Lounge => Teacher's Tips (ON-TOPIC) => Topic started by: Raoul F. Duke on May 21, 2007, 03:48:23 AM

Title: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 21, 2007, 03:48:23 AM
Off work, this list is a lot shorter.  afafafafaf

I've been interviewing a lot lately- going from freelancing back to a steadier full-time gig I hope- and am freshly stunned by the litany of unreasonable and unconscionable things schools here try to slip past us. It got me to thinking, and I came up with the following list. Add to it if ya got one!

Things I Won't Do For A School

1. Allow my passport/residence permit/work permit/etc. to be held hostage by the school or recruiter. These docs stay in my possession at all times except as needed for necessary legal processes, such as renewing a residence permit. If they're not released to me in a timely manner, I stop teaching and immediately call my Consulate. This passport-holding practice is The Big One...probably the single stupidest thing you can possibly allow to happen in a job here. Never, ever let anyone do this.

2. Accept a probation period at lower pay. I understand that a new job is conditional and may be terminated if the employer isn't happy. If you don't like me, FIRE me...but don't steal from me for 3 months in the process.

3. Change grades, unless clear evidence of error or very special circumstance can be shown. I calls 'em the way I sees 'em. If the school wants to change my grades, I probably can't stop them. However, I will not legitimize this process by doing it for them.

4. Knuckle under when presented with an attempt to force a contract change, or blatant failure to perform the contract by the employer. I'm a reasonable guy. I'll work with you. I understand that things are a little late sometimes. I at least try to not sweat the small stuff too much...I won't punt a job just because I never get the free Chinese lessons in my contract. But I will not allow anyone to outright give me the ol' switcheroo on any significant part of our agreement...pay, allowances, and major benefits. I'm no one's bitch, and I'm not gonna let myself get slapped like one. If I'm still working there, I will quit. There's a zillion other jobs out there. If the contract is ending, I will raise all kinds of hell. I will always do everything in my reach to make it easier to abide by our agreement, than to break it.

5. Allow my home, telephone number, or free time to be unreasonably opened up to students or school activities without my consent. Some schools simply assume that you'll be delighted to be on 24/7 duty to teach emergency classes, promote the school, hang out with the kids, field all manner of calls to your home or mobile phones...you name it. When it happens, this nonsense needs to be brought to an immediate screeching halt. My space and my phone money and my free time are MINE, dammit. I am intensely jealous of them. I understand that some presence at school events, with proper notice, just comes with the territory. I don't mind, if it's reasonable. Some allowance for making yourself available to students is DEFINITELY reasonable. Sometimes I genuinely enjoy socializing with students...but this will be MY choice, not the school's. However, when presented with a surprise I find intrusive, I'm as blunt as I have to be about saying 'No'. And a couple of schools have released my phone numbers to masses of students without my consent (which I would never give anyway); when this happens I turn so ugly that the school quickly backs down and tells students not to call me. If I want you to have my phone number, I'll give it to you myself. A number of students I genuinely consider friends DO have my phone numbers.
The Chinese inability to understand the concepts of "privacy" and "personal space" is simply not my responsibility.

6. Teach weekend mornings. Everyone has their personal quirks; this one is mine. If you aren't naked, female, and friendly, I don't want to know about you before at least noon on the weekends. I KNOW some students want weekend morning classes. People in Hell want ice water, too.

7. Let a private school farm me out to public school classes, or other classes that don't fit my basic job description. Another personal choice. If I want to teach upper middle school, I'll go work at an upper middle school...without another entity taking a cut of my salary for it. However, I don't want to teach upper middle school; at that age I'd rather shoot 'em than look at 'em.  bababababa If I go to work for a school, I want to work for that school...not a recruiter in school's clothing. I know one poor devil at a school that got farmed out to a...horrors!...KIDS CASTLE!!!  aoaoaoaoao aaaaaaaaaa asasasasas

8. Let a school withdraw and hold various "deposits" from my salary. One school I just interviewed with- and ran away from screaming- tries this. So do others. If you read the fine print you'll realize that they will be keeping out several thousand RMB of your salary over the first few months. No. I'll pay housing and utility deposits, within reason, just as I would anywhere else, but I won't work for a place that withholds my money from me as a means of control and/or stealing. No can do.

OK, all I can think of for now. I'm sure others will come up...
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: AMonk on May 21, 2007, 08:22:51 PM
I like your list.  My personal bugbear would be shared accomodation.  A room/suite for me (and Hubby) within an apartment is O-U-T. 
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 22, 2007, 04:51:59 AM
I thought about putting shared accommodation on as a "Yellow Light".

The reason I didn't is that for some people, especially absolute newcomers, having a roommate is almost a benefit. With the right roommate, it gives one a built-in social network/partner in crime/coping assistant. It can make acclimation a bit easier. It can be a good thing.

Ladies seem to fare better with this than men do. Unfortunately, most men get paired up with big ol' ugly hairy nasty whiny naked drunk guys,like George, uuuuuuuuuu who stay drunk constantly; rant for hours about black helicopters and the Kennedy assassination when they finally cease their endless complaining about China, the city, and the school; puke all over the TV; have an unending stream of low-end prostitutes move in with them; constantly belch and fart like a dyspeptic camel, etc. etc. etc.

Personally, I wouldn't stand for a roommate who isn't a lover. I wouldn't take a job that won't provide a private apartment. But I can't say this for everyone...sometimes it does work.

If you DON'T want a roommate, watch out for words like "private bedroom" in job ads. "Private bedroom" = "shared rest of the apartment" = "uncaring cheap-ass bastard of a school owner". Do be sure and ask about this point when checking and negotiating with a school.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Stil on May 22, 2007, 05:29:11 AM
I don't do curfews. Some schools especially Middle schools and all girls schools close up tight as a drum at 10 or 11 and expect all their teachers to adhere to this curfew. M'kay that! I want to make sure i can wake a guard up at 3 in the morning. If there is no buzzer then i want a phone number. (gifts to guards keep them happy especially booze and smokes) I also expect to have anybody i want stay with me in my home. If i am having family or friend stay over for an extended period, I'll inform the school but only as a curtusy. Not for permission. I also don't let the school keep a key to my flat. If I think they have one, I change the locks. I'll choose who has access.

Unfortunately, most men get paired up with big ol' ugly hairy nasty whiny naked drunk guys,like George, uuuuuuuuuu

George isn't whiny.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 22, 2007, 05:38:02 AM
Great catch, Stil. I won't do curfews either. NO ONE should allow an employer this degree of control over their personal lives.

George isn't whiny.
I've been agreeing with ya a lot, dude, but I know better on this one.  uuuuuuuuuu
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: ericthered on May 22, 2007, 07:40:43 AM
A lot of good points. Hmmm..ten things I won't do for work...w
1. Work for EF.
2. Work for EF.
and so on.
Number nine would be something like not wrestle Komodo dragons in the nude...no, wait...I would probably do that before working for EF again.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: George on May 22, 2007, 10:17:16 AM


George isn't whiny.
I've been agreeing with ya a lot, dude, but I know better on this one.  uuuuuuuuuu

Would you mongrel bastards lay off me!! I got a headache!!....and get back on topic!!!!
 bibibibibi
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Stil on May 22, 2007, 01:49:19 PM


George isn't whiny.
I've been agreeing with ya a lot, dude, but I know better on this one.  uuuuuuuuuu

Would you mongrel bastards lay off me!! I got a headache!!....and get back on topic!!!!
 bibibibibi

I stand corrected.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: George on May 22, 2007, 01:53:42 PM
 bbbbbbbbbb
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Lotus Eater on May 22, 2007, 05:04:52 PM
I don't want an assistant in my classes. If the students need explanations, then we need to work it through together, not have someone come in and take over - giving an explanation I don't understand.  I'd rather take it slowly and make certain I know the explanation is what I want the students to understand - not someone's else's idea in a  quick and easy way.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: BamBam on May 22, 2007, 05:43:00 PM
I'm with you.  Without a translator, the students learn to listen closely, make inferences, and ask for further explanation if they don't understand.  With a translator, they don't even try to listen.  They just look over to the assistant for a translation that may or may not be what I am trying to teach.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Eagle on May 22, 2007, 07:52:42 PM
I won't have an assistant teacher.
I won't share an apartment with anyone other than the missus - anyone!
I won't be farmed out to other schools.
I won't be working more than five days a week. (Must have a two-day break)
I won't work for less than anyone else is making, in fact expect (and get) more.
I won't allow my contract to be fiddled with to my disadvantage.

If any thing happens which pisses me off - I have a nice place called HOME to return to and a nice pension to make living at home comfortable.  In my position it is easy enough to say "M'kay it"! and walk away.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Con ate dog on May 23, 2007, 02:05:34 AM
I won't use New Concept English to teach.  It's  bqbqbqbqbq

I won't sign anything written in Hanzi without a Chinese friend to read it for me.

I won't drink aaaaaaaaaa baijiu at a school function.  Try and make me.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Eagle on May 23, 2007, 03:51:01 AM
Good heavens - eating and drinking are another matter entirely.  What's the worst that could happen other than barf all over the uni president or some such bigwig.  You gotta do what you gotta do. 
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: gonzo on May 23, 2007, 09:55:19 AM
NO FREAKING ENGLISH CORNERS
asasasasas
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: dragonsaver on May 23, 2007, 10:42:45 PM
Didn't Bush throw up on the Japanese President at a dinner?  Not that I would want to live up to that reputation.  bibibibibi
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Newbs on May 23, 2007, 10:46:03 PM
Prime Minister I think DS, but you're dead right.  Just finished watching that episode of the Simpsons, where Bush moves in across the road.  One of his lines is "I'll ruin you quicker than a Japanese banquet." uuuuuuuuuu
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 24, 2007, 06:12:41 AM
This is an on-topic area. Please.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: decurso on May 24, 2007, 08:35:26 AM
I won't use New Concept English to teach.

 

 
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: decurso on May 24, 2007, 08:48:47 AM
Ahem...a wee accident there.What I meant to say in response to Con's post was this...

Amen brother. To get this back on topic it's always a good idea to find out what materials are being used. If you think they suck either get them to change up(which they won't because schools get "special" discounts for using certain books) or politley decline. I put Cambridge Young Learner, Welcome to English and Expressways 3-4(the first two are good for older beginners) in this category.

 
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 24, 2007, 10:58:06 PM
Amen on "No Concept English." Terrible boring spoon-feeder books.

Thought of another one.
I won't teach without at least a ~5-minute break between classes.
A lot of the so-called training centers will try and put you into 3-4 hours of classes without any break at all, so they can maximize their profit, schedules, and utilization. They tried it at Web and we shouted 'em down...simply refused to play along until they finally backed down from it.

I just won't do this. I don't require an elaborate break, but I AM going to take 5 minutes or so between classes to smoke a cigarette, curse and grumble, and clear my head. Without this I become uncomfortable...and less effective. Once in a while a student will complain about this; I patiently explain that I am not a machine, can't go on for hours without a stop, and don't make the schedule.
If this doesn't satisfy them, they are welcome to bite me.  uuuuuuuuuu
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: babala on May 24, 2007, 11:21:03 PM
I will not go out to promote the school in any matter that I consider undignified. Meaning I will go out to a business and give a speaach on the importance of learning English, I will not go to the local KFC to have people gawk at me.

I will not allow course consultants to run into my office 1 minute before a demo class and change what I have planned (they tried that one last night)

I will not be subject to any kind of fine.

I won't take extra time in a class with a student who has insisted on being put in a level that isn't suitable for them (eg. beginner student in an intermediate class)
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: old34 on May 25, 2007, 04:08:28 AM
I won't (or at least will try very hard not to) let any issues between the school, administration,and/or FAO and myself affect my obligation to my students in each and every class.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 25, 2007, 05:18:29 AM
Very much so, o34.
But that I do for them. And for me. Not for the school...

A lot of good 'won'ts' coming up in here.
You guys been around a bit.  agagagagag
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Lotus Eater on May 25, 2007, 01:31:21 PM
Be careful about some of the 'won't'.  I.E. teaching out of set textbooks.  If the students have bought the book, paid good money for it, and feel safer with it, for me you then have a professional responsibility to at least use it as a basis or reference.  Otherwise they've wasted money and if your students are like mine, they don
t have money to waste.  It's unfair to them.

Even if you hate the structure etc, there has to be some way you can use the material.

I have no problems with fines or penalties for breaking contracts - both ways.   Happens with every contract all over the world.  Why should it be different here?
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 25, 2007, 05:18:34 PM
Yeah, a distinction should be made here.
I really hate "No Concept English" and think it's a terrible book, but I'll teach from it if I must. I don't expect to dictate the text.

However, I think what we're mainly talking about here is accepting a new job, not changing things once you've taken it.

I have zero respect for contract-breach fines. I don't care what it says in the contract, these things exist solely for THEIR protection, not for ours. The only way you'll ever get such a fine out of a Chinese school owner is to beat it out of him.  cbcbcbcbcb
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: babala on May 25, 2007, 07:20:32 PM
LE,
   When I mentioned about fines I actually wasn't thinking of the breach clause (although I don't have that in mine). I was thinking more along the lines of ridiculous fines like if you miss a class, you owe 200 RMB even though you are not paid 200 RMB per class. There are some Web schools that will fine you if you punch in 1 minute late, the fine being 50 RMB. Now if a teacher works 1 - 9 and their first class isn't until 3pm but the Web will fine them 50 RMB if they punch in at 1.01pm??? No way!
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 25, 2007, 07:36:37 PM
This is one of my major beefs with Web International. They are the industry standard of unconscionable idiot rules and practices- fines if you're late, fines if you call in sick, no breaks, lunatic paltry "allowances" for housing and travel, and so on.

What's worse, Web clones started by opportunistic for Web staffers are popping up like toadstools after a Spring rain...and they use Web as the template for these matters. Arguing that because of these very rules Web can't keep a foreign teacher for more than 6 weeks simply evokes a moronic, slack-jawed grin of non-comprehension.

It might be understandable if these things were only aimed at teachers who abuse their privileges, but they're not. You can bring in your former appendix in a jar of formaldehyde, and Web will still assess the fine.

And start looking for the replacement teacher they know they're about to need.  ayayayayay
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: babala on May 25, 2007, 08:11:17 PM
That's true Raoul. All of the Webs I have worked at have never had that stupid fine policy or care when you punch in. That's probably why I have reamined. Where I am now, the rest of the staff punch in but not the teachers. The training centre across the street doesn't let their teachers leave during their shift. We go in and out as we please. Training centres are starting to demand more and pay less.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on May 25, 2007, 11:14:55 PM
Training centres are starting to demand more and pay less.

Indeed they are. And I think it's really important that we not let that happen.

That is indeed also one saving grace of Web...some of the outlets are relatively sane and decent. Or so I keep hearing...Suzhou Web was so-so at best.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: decurso on May 29, 2007, 01:11:56 PM
In my time here I have met two people who paid to come here. bibibibibi

 One paid 1200 USD and recieved a 3500 per month job at language center. When conditions went from bad to worse the agency told him "to hang in there" and they'd see what they can do.I'm not sure the details of the other person but she cliams to have saved for over a year to cover the fee and she was making less than 4000 as well.

 This is what we're up against folks.... asasasasas
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: contemporarydog on June 14, 2007, 04:50:42 PM
I won't stay in the office all day unless there is a reason.  I don't understand why people put up with crappy office hour rules.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: kcanuck on June 14, 2007, 05:06:55 PM
Well, as it happens I am going to a job where there are office hours.  I know it will be difficult to get used to but I figure it's going to help get me ready for my reentry into the real world when I go home in the summer of 08.  I did negotiate a decrease in the amount of office hours initially requested and I'm hoping having a bit more of a schedule will be the incentive I need to make more of an effort to learn Chinese.  On the brighter side, my hours of teaching decrease from 16 here to 14 at the new place and my salary goes up. And there will be a computer/internet at work so I think I can kill a 2.5 office hours a day.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: contemporarydog on June 15, 2007, 02:51:12 PM
If you have a decent office with access to a computer (which isn't choked up with QQ and zillions of horrible virii etc), heating, a real desk, etc, then fine.  And assuming that there are proper facilities and access to lesson planning resources in said office.

But at my old school in Wuhan, for a mere 4500 RMB a month, they expected us to stay in a horrid, cold, dirty, unfriendly, office, where we each had a titchy little ancient wooden desk, no access to computers, no resources for lesson planning, we still had to go to the shop to buy card to make flashcards etc for lessons.  asasasasas

Ah - edited to add: that only lasted a term.  6 out of 7 teachers inexplicably left (I wonder why) and they dropped the office hours!
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Lono Tiki on June 19, 2007, 04:57:38 AM
I will work 1pm to 9pm, in spite of the difficulties it creates in getting enough time with my wife... but I won't give up my dinner hour to go do an oral assessment or level test.

I won't wear my company's stupid little badge around my neck (new policy they just instituted). I talk and I teach with my hands and don't like shit flappin' around while I'm doing so.

I won't pay any fine for not wearing the badge, nor will I pay a fine for clocking out at 8:59pm instead of 9:00pm or for clocking in at 1:01pm. I'm never late anyway, because I use my office hours every day to do lesson planning (which I enjoy doing). If I'm late, it's because there was a train crash at the tracks next to my home and the entire place is shut down. But, if I'm not going to be paid for the time I work before the clock clicks over to 1:00pm or the time I sometimes am there helping students after 9:00pm, I will raise holy hell's holy hell if someone then wants to take 20rmb for 1 minute.

I won't teach kids ever again. Frankly, I kind of enjoy it... but my puny ass immune system can't seem to handle it.

Speaking of immune systems, I won't be responsible for finding a replacement if I am sick. Personally, I think it's the school's job to cover those classes and most students understand if a teacher gets sick. I quit a job in March when the teachers were threatened with firing if they were sick (ironically, from an Australian manager who was once so hungover she had to be sent home).

I won't hide my feelings. When I'm happy, all of my coworkers know it. When I'm not, all of East Asia and most of Africa and Europe know it. I know that many will disagree with this, because of cultural differences and what not... but it's just how I am. I get angry when I should, such as when I walk into a class with the wrong material because the receptionists didn't tell me the original student canceled and the time was rescheduled to another level. I will admit my mistakes, but I won't tolerate looking bad because of others'.

As others have said, I won't give up the limited free time I do get with my wife to answer emails from students, talk on the phone with students, or be pestered. Those that invade my private time are subject to nuclear retaliation.

I will teach from the material provided, but I won't hesitate to alter it to improve it (keeping the goal in mind). I (same as above) won't make myself look bad by teaching crappy material just because it's "the system". I'm not as old as George (but then again, neither is the Han Dynasty), but I do have enough experience to discern the goods from the shit when it comes to material. I know a lot of people would disagree with this, but I'm a cranky old stubborn curmudgeon.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Pashley on June 19, 2007, 05:45:14 AM
You missed out "work without a proper working visa".

Some schools want you to do that, just go to Hong Kong and get another tourist visa, apparently because they are too cheap to get the proper certification to request working visas. A friend who started a school and did get the ertification told me it was expensive (30,000?) and took two years, even with a Chinese partner with good guanxi. But that does not mean any of us should work for someone without it.

Some schools even lie to teachers on this, promising a working visa in ads or email and then not delivering once the victim is here. A Chinese friend's suggestion for a teacher in that situation was interesting. She was here on a tourist visa; the school wanted her to go to Hong Kong at her own expense to renew it, and of course they were paying her a pittance so she couldn't afford that. His suggestion: threaten to turn them in. They give you cash in advance for the Hong Kong trip or you go to the PSB with a trusted Chinese friend and a copy of the email promise; ask them what you should do since of course you don't want to work illegally. She just got a better job elsewhere, but I've often wondered how following his advice would have worked.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Lono Tiki on June 19, 2007, 05:51:20 AM
I think a lot of the schools that are willing to risk the trouble of hiring a foreigner on an illegal visa probably have enough guanxi to get out of trouble, so the threat likely would be less than effective.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: babala on June 19, 2007, 09:28:24 PM
Lono Tiki,
          You sound like you work at Web.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Lono Tiki on June 19, 2007, 09:49:49 PM
No, not at Web... but I have worked for two of the largest training center companies here.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on June 19, 2007, 10:09:49 PM
You are guys after my own heart. Don't take any guff, man.

Let me fix you a drink on me. Have you tried my Triplane Etha-RitaTM yet? It's the bar's signature drink. It's a yummy margarita made with one shot tequila, one shot ethyl ether, and one shot aviation fuel.

It's good for what ails ya, and it sounds like youse guys is ready for one. agagagagag

Steeenking badgees and fines for not needin' no. Sweet Jesus.  bibibibibi
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Lono Tiki on June 23, 2007, 12:43:17 AM
I always have problems with a lack of functioning white board markers, which is really uncalled for given the size of the company I work for. Today I got fed up when I tried to write and got a faintly light greyish line, so I chucked the marker over my shoulder and nearly clocked a student.

I won't do that anymore.

 bibibibibi
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: dragonsaver on July 01, 2007, 01:04:02 AM
Chalk hates me too.  It breaks as soon as I start using it.  Last one that broke my finger nail went down the board instead.  Students all cringed from the sound.  But at least broken chalk writes - empty markers don't.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: moon over parma on July 01, 2007, 01:32:20 AM
Chalk hates me too.  It breaks as soon as I start using it.  Last one that broke my finger nail went down the board instead.  Students all cringed from the sound.

I cringed thinking about that sound and imagery!
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on July 01, 2007, 01:48:12 AM
Gee, we've come a long way here...
If insanely brittle chalk or dying whiteboard markers are the worst things that happen to me in a Chinese school, I got life pretty good.  bfbfbfbfbf
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: cheekygal on July 01, 2007, 08:50:16 AM
I'm fine with either chalk or marker. I would definitely prefer everyone having a computer connected to teacher's computer of course. But oh well!
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Mimi on July 12, 2007, 08:19:44 PM
I dislike writing on any kind of board, because my handwriting is terrible!!  But having just come off of being a desperately broke college student who would work any job just to have gas in my car and a place to live, I am not very particular.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: old34 on July 19, 2007, 02:44:55 AM
Plus as an added bonus, the more you write the stronger your arm will become.

Missi, how strong is your arm? The national college baseball tournament is next week in Beijing and I've only got one pitcher and we're looking at 4 games in 5 days. bibibibibi
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on July 19, 2007, 07:41:47 AM
Please be on-topic here. agagagagag
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Senor Boogie Woogie on August 23, 2007, 05:56:40 AM

*A new one is never accept a job that requires one to leave the city, even if transportation is included.

*Second, if you cancel more than once, tough shite, I am not making it up!

These two rules comes from my Saturday job. I was talked into working a company class outside of Hangzhou but was told that it was near Shaoxing. Turns out the job is way outside of town, and I am stuck riding with a young kid who drives like a complete mope and I have to be really stoned just not to strangle him.

The problem with this company is that they cancel about half of the classes. Then the boss expects us to go when they want us to go. That's BS in my opinion. We have had this class since March and still have not finished the introductary level. I told the boss that I will do it one more month and then I quit. If you want to take a job outside of town (for some reason) find out exactly how far this place is and how much time it takes to get there, then negotiate the time in the car sitting when you could be in town earning. I got the shaft on the "sitting on my ass in the car" deal.

From the Center of the Oriental Universe,杭州,

Senor
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Con ate dog on August 25, 2007, 09:10:32 AM
I won't travel outside the city without adequate compensation.

I won't stand for students talking on their phones right in front of me in class.  If adult students answer and scuttle outside to talk, fine; they have jobs to do.  But college students better toe the line on this one.

I won't be a playmate for an uppity tutoring student who doesn't know who's boss.  Tutoring gigs pay well, but being an 8 year-old's Toby ain't worth it.

I won't have my social time pimped out.  Okay, once in a while mucky-mucks come into town and dinner is arranged on short notice; I accept that shining these guys is part of laowai's job.  But if they expect me to drop everyting and run off to some Do on a half-hour's notice, I'll check my social calendar, and if I'm spoken for, tough titties.

I will not endorse any product unless I believe in its quality.  This has actually happened; fortunately my school sympathized with me.

I will not sleep with any omre runway models just because they're related to my FAO.  I'm not a piece of meat.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: George on August 25, 2007, 10:58:53 AM
Quote
I will not sleep with any omre runway models just because they're related to my FAO
Yeah! Those omre models are bad news!!
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on August 26, 2007, 04:27:20 AM
This on-topic thread has gone from the topic to kinda silly whiny stuff to just plain old banter. Please...
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Felix Li on August 26, 2007, 05:34:52 AM
New Concept English IS bullshit, especially when it is used to teach oral Engilsh. But for basic English teaching, it's ok, it's usually ok for a Chinese teacher. Got to say that, i think NCE should have been put into fire. Just can't understand why some so-called BIG schools, such as Only Edu, keep telling their students that NCE is a magic book. Sometimes the fact that Chinese training centers keep fooling Chinese students by telling them wrong way in which English should be learned. Anyway it's easy for those centers to find a teach who can teach NCE at a very low price. Maybe that's the scecret: what they care is money, only money.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on August 26, 2007, 06:08:37 AM
I've heard reports that school owners are sometimes paid kickbacks if they select "No Concept English" for their schools.
It's not a dealbreaker for me. I'll use the bastard if forced to, but will make a lot of noise about it in the process. If a school where I'm applying mentions they use it, that school immediately drops a notch in my estimation of them.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: old34 on August 26, 2007, 06:28:40 AM
Whenever a Chinese student someone asks me my opinion of New Concept English, I tell them to go look at the first page of whatever edition they have.

Quote
English edition © L. G. Alexander, 1967

Kind of negates the "New" in New Concept English. They get the point.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: non-dave on August 26, 2007, 02:26:49 PM
The trouble down here is that No Concept English is highly desired by the students who all think that (apart from Crazy English) it is the one to learn. No doubt that misconception is pushed along by the schols who get a good deal on purchasing & selling them at muchly inflated prices to the students.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: babala on August 26, 2007, 11:18:26 PM
Here's an issue that just came up for me. I will not accept anything less than 100 RMB an hour for teaching part-time. I have been with Web for the summer and thought I would stay on p/t as it's such an easy gig for me but they offered me 4000 RMB per month for 48 classes. Needless to say I told them what they could do with that offer.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Pashley on September 11, 2007, 06:32:30 PM
I will not accept anything less than 100 RMB an hour for teaching part-time.
Where are you? My experience has been in Fujian and Zhuhai. I consider 150 normal, would interpret an offer of 100 as either a joke or a negotiating ploy. A bad one in either case.

I have taken as little as 120 for easy extra work at a school connected to my main employer and 100 for one-on-one tutoring. Not for teaching normal classes.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on September 15, 2007, 05:56:23 AM
I'm with Pashley. My answering machine turns down offers under 150 per.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Mr Nobody on September 15, 2007, 03:23:30 PM
Where I am, most FEs get 50 per hour. I won't get out of bed for less than 100, and going to bump it up next offer, which makes me pretty outrageous in this area,in the deep dark south. I'm upping it to 150, but will probably take 120. That's per class, not a real hour.For other things, like advertising I'm asking for 1000 per day or 400 for an hour because they spend most of the time at dinner, or talking, or showing me around factories etc that I don't give a toss about, wasting time. So an hour is actually half a day, and a day is more than eight hours. How these people waste time.And I hate trying to do work stuffed to the gills. Why not eat AFTER work, and then can have a beer too?

What I won't do for work, well, lots of you got most of it, but the one thing not mentioned that I really won't do is dance, sing a song or otherwise leap about like a goose. I keep telling them I am an educator, not an entertainer, you got the wrong one of my mother's sons.

Twice so far, I have got up to walk off, after explaining several times that I find it insulting and demeaning and pointless. One place I went to, I went for free to just talk to high school kids who hadn't met a foreigner, and wanted me to talk to the kids, with the understanding it is like an English Corner. My wife's colleague's friend ran it so I said OK. Then I get there there is a stage, and the headmistress introduced me by microphone and said I was going to sing a song. I went no, sorry, explained again it my position. So she said, how about a dance? So I started walking away, up to my wife and her colleague, and said, "Let's go". In the end to save their various faces, I did an English corner type thingy, and refused all offers including good money to go there ever again. For any reason.

 asasasasas bbbbbbbbbb

I ask you, do the Chinese teachers to that? I think not.I noticed it was just students on the stage, the teachers maintaining a quiet dignity ....

A pity, the kids were nice.

Had similar issues at another place grrrrrr.

Dancing Monkey Syndrome, and I for one won't peel bananas with my feet for the entertainment of the peasant masses.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: The Humanaught on October 06, 2007, 05:42:05 PM
I thought about putting shared accommodation on as a "Yellow Light".

The reason I didn't is that for some people, especially absolute newcomers, having a roommate is almost a benefit. With the right roommate, it gives one a built-in social network/partner in crime/coping assistant. It can make acclimation a bit easier. It can be a good thing.

I agree with this completely. I would never accept shared accommodation now, but in my first 6 months in China it was great having roommates for exactly the reason you said. I think any good school should be flexible about this and offer alternatives (housing stipend, or whatnot) for those that don't want (to risk) a roommate.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: woza on October 13, 2007, 09:14:51 PM
MR N
If they had put a gun to your head which song would you have chosen to sing.

I think New Concept English is a great book for beginners but it is mainly used by the Chinese teachers.  My son uses it in his bi-lingual beginners class to great effect.
Don't knock it if you don't understand it.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Mr Nobody on October 14, 2007, 12:19:56 AM
If they had put a gun against my head I would have first broken their arm, and worked my way through various vital bits.

I am way better and hurting people than singing.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: jwbhomer on October 18, 2007, 03:53:52 PM
I will not accept shared accommodation and I definitely will not let my employer dictate who can stay with me in my private accommodation or for how long. I know of one university teacher who got threatened with dismissal for bringing bargirls (yes, more than one) back to his room, and another whose contract was not renewed because he let his girlfriend live with him.
Pierre Trudeau said "the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation". I would say a university has no place in the bedrooms of its teachers!  asasasasas
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Mr Nobody on October 18, 2007, 03:58:38 PM
Just baulked on where I was supposed to share with the other foreign teacher (who smokes) on an away trip.

So did he. So we have our own rooms now, for a junket to see some peasant school surrounded by pig farms.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: contemporarydog on April 09, 2008, 04:43:53 PM
We shared in Wuhan.  I quite liked it though as the place was huge so nobody really got in each other's way (that) much.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Riz on May 30, 2008, 12:51:31 AM
I hate going to the English corners at my uni! It is mandatory for most of us to go there and answer all those foolish questions put by the students which are mostly VERY personal.I hardly ever get any English language related questions.They ask us to dance,sing,make them 'Happy' and shit like that.I flatly refuse to do any of such things.I have asked them to prepare some real questions on a piece of paper that could enhance their language skills .

Going to English corners is a section in our contract that they had made us sign.They deduct 200 yuan in case we don't attend that.BUT....there are two foreign teachers here who have never been to the English corner.They can speak Chinese very well and one of them is tutoring the uni's president's kid. Our contracts differ from one another and so are our salaries.There are lot of shady things going around.Some we know and many we don't.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: ericthered on May 30, 2008, 01:40:57 AM
See, this is one aspect of teaching that I think one might be able to do something about. I don't know if it'll work but here's what I'm going to do:
I have done English Corner before. Hated it. But I do remember one student who piped up and said that, as a teacher, I should prepare subjects for discussion. It was the end of my contract and I had had my fill of spoiled students but, for the sake of common decency, I will refrain from elaborating on the details of my answer. Suffice to say that I requested the student to sojourn to an infamous place, the road to which is, supposedly, paved with good intentions.
Only on English Corner was ever good. I had discovered, to my great delight, that several classes were doing a spot of Greek and Roman mythology. So I typed up a note and handed it to the class monitor, stating that those interested in coming to the EC should know that the topic of the session would be "Compare Mythologies". I even convinced the school to lend me whiteboard to take outside. This was during the summer in Nanchang, I guess you can all imagine why the EC should be outside. I spent about two hours, one hour more than recquired, going over the basic pantheon in Greek/Roman mythology, delved into Norse mythology and then had a wonderful discussion about the various gods and creatures, their function, even touched upon the Chinese myths a little. Also, I made sure to tell the Dean that this was not a Bible group, that I was not trying to convert anyone into worshipping Ratatosk, Heimdal, Mars og Poseidon.

I think that if you lay down the rules at first: no personal questions, no "Do you like Chinese food/girls/music etc" questions, that the purpose of the EC is for them to talk, preferably engaging in an enlightened, academic discussion about a topic, it can work.


Or I may just be an idealist who should wake up and smell the jiaozi....
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Riz on July 21, 2008, 06:12:13 AM
I had a job offer recently. I told them that I would live with my gf who's been living with me for 2 year now. They askedme to provide details about my gf. Her college's name, cell phone number, her parents contacts etc. I turned down the offer.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on July 21, 2008, 07:17:21 AM
Good move, maybe on more fronts than you know. Definitely don't do THAT for work. ayayayayay
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Con ate dog on July 22, 2008, 04:23:15 AM
GOOD LORD!  Nosy, interfering assholes.  "I'll give you her info just as son as you give me the same info about your piece on the side."
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Monkey King on July 22, 2008, 07:32:36 PM
I just read a few of these posts, and I have to say how grateful I am to be at a school who, so long as I turn up and do my job, basically leave me the hell alone.

I just can't understand these schools that are constantly on FTs backs, getting in to their personal shit etc.  It must be job creation or something. People justifying their existence.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Con ate dog on July 29, 2008, 11:03:39 PM
Yeah, that, plus some paranoia (justified IMHO) that another school will come sniffing around, trying to poach FTs.  Plus control freak FAOs.  Plus smothering meddling posing as concern.  Plus a low opinion of FTs' ability to take care of themselves.

Let me count my blessings as well, for a school that butts out of my business.  ajajajajaj
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Lotus Eater on July 29, 2008, 11:45:42 PM
And the school you are contracted to gets hit with all the mafan if something happens to you.  The city or regional FAO can be quite nasty to them.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: fox on December 07, 2008, 06:41:32 PM
I just read a few of these posts, and I have to say how grateful I am to be at a school who, so long as I turn up and do my job, basically leave me the hell alone.


Ditto.

They arent very good at telling me when certain classes will be cancelled and i turn up to an empty classroom but there is little grief in that as my flat is just a stones throw away - well, a slingshot would be required!
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: The Local Dialect on January 18, 2009, 08:00:15 AM
I just read through this, most of what I wouldn't put up with has already been mentioned, but I have a few of my own to contribute. Hope you don't mind the ressurection of a few months' old thread.  agagagagag

I did want to add, never allow a school to hold you accountable for attrition rates. I worked for a school that tried to pull this once, saying they were going to fine/fire teachers who "lost" students. Unless they can come up with irrefutable evidence that students are leaving because of the teacher, don't fall for it. Chinese schools love to play "blame the teacher," it is quite the easy way out. Even if students leave because they are dissatisfied with classes, this doesn't necessarily mean the teacher is to blame -- was the teacher given adequate resources? Were student expectations reasonable? Did the school make ridiculous promises to the students or their parents? And even more importantly, does the school support and stand behind its teachers? When I ran my own school we'd have parents complain about foreign teachers doing things in a non-Chinese way. I used to have to explain that most Westerners had different ideas about teaching and learning, and usually the parents were ok after that, but lots of schools hear a parental complaint and immediately go on the war path.

If you teach kids, don't allow the parents in the classroom, ever. If there are windows into the classroom, cover them. It is totally distracting for the kids to see their parents outside, and it undermines your authority as a teacher.

This may have been covered, but don't agree to do anything spur of the moment. Some schools have a terrible habit of asking teachers to do things just hours in advance. When I ran my own school my Chinese colleagues would often come to me with some last minute request and my answer would always be "deal with it because I'm not asking so and so to come in on 2 hours notice." They got the picture eventually, but you really have to drive this point home. Chinese employees are usually at their employers beck and call, there's no concept of personal time vs. work time, so they often expect the same of us. It isn't acceptable to me. While I value my job, I'm not so afraid of losing it that I'm willing to become a slave to my boss' whims or incovenienced due to their lack of planning.

And a big fat ditto to all the personal life type meddling. I think a certain generation of Chinese are used to this kind of interference, afterall, it wasn't so long ago that workers all lived in company dormitories and your danwei had to approve your marriage. It is only in the past 10-15 years that a real concept of privacy has really existed for anyone but the lingdaos. But for Westerners, it is completely out of the question that our employer should give us a curfew or want to have our partner's parents contact info ... just completely absurd.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Con ate dog on January 25, 2009, 11:23:59 PM
Helluva post.  bfbfbfbfbf

I've had parents sit in on class.  You need the cajones to scold them when they whisper answers to their brats, but if you can control them, they learn the lesson along with their kid, and the homework gets done.  The students learn faster.

That is, however, a big If.  My results in classes with parents were great, but it was a big classroom, the parents were far back from the students, and they were afraid of me.  Your results may vary, and the extra learning support the parents provide out of class, mighty as it is, may not be worth the disruption of your lesson.

In short, I'm for it, but I'm greatly outvoted in this.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: psychoeddings on March 10, 2009, 02:33:22 AM
Hi, everyone..I am a newbie here.
This particular thread caught my attention cos I am teaching in Sg, but am exploring & looking at chances to teach in Shanghai (nothing's confirmed yet).

But before I jump from a frying pan of oil into another vat of boiling oil, just thought I'd find out more about how it is like to teach EL in Shanghai.

Must say, the information gleaned from here is really an eye-opener.
Appreciate the honesty :)

Cheers ;)
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Escaped Lunatic on December 16, 2009, 09:59:27 AM
But before I jump from a frying pan of oil into another vat of boiling oil, just thought I'd find out more about how it is like to teach EL in Shanghai.

Teach me what in Shanghai?  If you'll cover the plane tickets and hotel, I'll be there.  ahahahahah
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: china-matt on December 16, 2009, 05:02:45 PM
Just had a new one here in the states... I won't bring my personal computer into the office for work. What a stupid request that they "forgot" to tell me during my interview. I'm convincing them to either let me work from home or buy me a computer for work. Either way, I'll be looking for employment elsewhere.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: BrandeX on December 17, 2009, 01:10:15 AM
seems to be a norm in a lot of the small training centers I have been in here in China.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Pashley on December 03, 2010, 01:58:03 AM
Just had a new one here in the states... I won't bring my personal computer into the office for work. What a stupid request that they "forgot" to tell me during my interview. I'm convincing them to either let me work from home or buy me a computer for work. Either way, I'll be looking for employment elsewhere.

Not a problem for me. I usually have at least one computer that is better than what they give me. I'm typing this on a machine of mine, at work.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on December 03, 2010, 07:53:07 AM
Kangaroo: Right on, sistah! Testify! agagagagag
Part of working successfully in China is learning how to not let these pushy weasels play you for a chump, and I'm happy to hear you've made the leap. bfbfbfbfbf

Pash, I understand what you're saying, but I'm kinda with CM on this one. Provision of proper equipment should be a hallmark of ANY job, and trying to leech onto my own personal equipment is kinda cheap and creepy. I might end up using my own stuff anyway, as you indicate, but that should be MY choice, not theirs. kkkkkkkkkk
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Ruth on December 04, 2010, 03:14:07 AM
No is often a difficult word for me to say. I'm a pleaser, you see.  However, I said it emphatically - several times - to a student yesterday.

It seems that there will be a singing competition next Sunday evening.  At first I thought I was being asked to attend or judge. I was prepared to ask for time and location, as I try to be a teacher involved in the campus community.  Then the student said, "We want you to perform."  aoaoaoaoao "No, I don't sing." "You could dance." "No, I don't dance." She's getting desperate now. "You can do anything you like." "No, I don't do anything like that." I finally agreed that she should send me an email with the information and I will ask my friends if anyone is interested.

So, any of you up for this?  No pay, of course.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: chinalin on December 04, 2010, 05:00:23 AM
Hey Ruth

I am with you girl!!  I had a sort of similar situation recently.  My first year students wanted me to teach them to sing an English song, for a student 'party', which really translates as a performance.

So, I was happy to help out, and I do not mind making a fool of myself, singing at the front of the classroom.  They kept asking me if I would go to the performance, and I told them, that as they are at our new campus, which is 40 minutes on a direct bus, from here, if the college would make sure I could get back after the show, then I would be happy to be there.

The performance was last Sunday evening, and on Wednesday, they asked if I would sing with them.  I was not too fazed by that, as they really needed support, with their timing, it was not good.  So, that was OK.

But then, by Friday's class, it had changed to 'We want you to sing the first two verses, and then we will join in for the rest of the song'  That was a hilarious mistake for them, as, although I had been teaching them the song, I had made no effort to learn the lyrics, and in the end, I stood with paper in hand, at this very 'prestigious' show!!

Never again!!

To add insult to injury, the bus that was arranged was leaving here, at 4pm, 40 minutes to the new campus, and the show did not start until 7.30!!!  What the ....???

So, I took my cross stitch along with me, to avoid being totally bored, and to give myself something to do, during the long wait.  My new students are not really up to conversation at all, and I did not want to have to sit like a dummy, waiting for something to happen.

So, Ruth, you stick to your guns girl!!

Lin
Zhaoqing, Guangdong.

 bxbxbxbxbx
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on December 09, 2010, 08:36:12 AM
Life in China gave me a whole new appreciation of the humble word 'No'.
It's one of the most massively useful and important words in the whole English language, and that utility and importance greatly increases while in China.

Sure, it's important to learn to understand when one should be agreeable and roll with the flow. After all, we're basically here to get along, and none of us want to create needless problems for ourselves. There ARE times when the best policy is to just smile and go along with things, and it behooves you to learn this as quickly as possible.

That said, though, it's at least  as vital to learn the timely, firm, and fearless application of the word 'No'.
If you don't, you're going to find yourself used, abused, and yanked around without mercy or letup. The Chinese, especially Chinese bosses and managers, are world-class masters at getting the absolute most advantage possible out of you...and they will not hesitate to apply those formidable skills to you. You will find yourself goaded, wheedled, and pressured into all kinds of work and profitable (for them, not you!) situations, until all the juice is sucked out of your dessicated carcass and you are discarded like an empty gum wrapper. And you will not only not get properly paid for things you do...you will lose whatever little real respect the Chinese have for any of us. You're going to be seen as a chump, and this loss of respect will be projected upon you personally and upon ALL foreigners within their purview.

That is, of course, IF YOU LET THEM DO THESE THINGS TO YOU.
The cure for this? SAY 'NO'! Smile, be polite, be open-minded...and say 'No' when you need to.
Folks, if you're going to survive and prosper in China, you're going to have to leave behind your shyness and your weakness at the border. You're going to have to get tough and you're going to have to get weird...at least as tough and as weird as the Chinese themselves are...or your ass is going to get steam-rolled into a greasy spot on the road.

I often tell people, quite truly, that when I first arrived in China I was the sweetest, nicest, quietest, most easy-going, downright mousiest guy you ever saw in your life.
But China turned me into John Wayne Toilet PaperTM: I'm rough and I'm tough and I don't take shit off of anyone. asasasasas
And you, my friends, are each going to have to find your own version of this road. bjbjbjbjbj
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Monkey King on December 09, 2010, 01:33:56 PM
Definitely - I used to do a lot more extra stuff, judging, performances etc, even then I said no a lot, but it's never-ending and after being here a while you kind of move into a new space where you realise you don't have to do anything extra if you are not into it.

A lot of people seem to thrive on it though - let them have their 15 minutes I say.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: kitano on December 09, 2010, 02:35:31 PM
i've had that experience in china and korea, my guess is that in eastern culture a favour means a different thing to in western culture. chinese workers also often do constant completely unfair 'favours' for their bosses so i don't think it's because we are foreigners
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on December 10, 2010, 10:11:14 PM
I think you're onto something here, Kitano.
Situations I've really, truly, actually been hit with myself, without warning, include:

- I've taken you out to a nice dinner. Now you will give me several months of free private English classes.

- I've taken you out to a nice dinner. Now you will change your college class grades for my ex-girlfriend and her friend.

- I've taken you out to a nice dinner. Now you will marry our non-English-speaking relative, whom you just met tonight.

The moral: When you go out to dinner with Chinese friends, be sure and pay your own way. bibibibibi

By the way, I'm delighted to report that, thanks to the mystical and magical powers of the mighty word 'No', in NONE of these cases did I hold up what most suddenly and unexpectedly became "my end of the bargain." aoaoaoaoao kkkkkkkkkk asasasasas


Although, looking back, I guess I could have married the Yanbian-Korean hottie and given her free English lessons... afafafafaf
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: piglet on December 11, 2010, 05:05:36 AM
Definitely on to something. We have that over here too. For example
You have your hair cut and it turns out that the hairdresser's nephew is in your class so you are expected to "up his term grade".
Your plumber has a kid who is trying to get into your school,ergo you are expected to speak to the "powers that be" to secure him a place even though he is a dimwit and has not passed the entrance exam.
etc etc.Lots of other similar nepotism-like situations, too numerous to recount at the moment.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: jpd01 on February 12, 2011, 08:01:44 PM
I won't ever allow my image to be pimped out without my permission, I saw that my part time job had a picture of my mug on some promo stuff and I went completely ape shit.
I told them they would have to pay me 10,000rmb for the right to use my image on any material as I had NEVER given them permission to use my image in any way.
Another one was the recent "winter camp" activities, nothing too bad but they were filming us during the races and outdoor activities. My colleague and I decided to ruin the fun by swearing profusely the entire time to each other and ruin the audio on the shoots.
The school wasn't happy about it but we simply explained that they had never asked us if we were ok with it so it wasn't our fault as we had never agreed to it.
I will NEVER agree to dress up like Santa! fuck that! I hate that I'm expected to be happy about dressing up in a cheap, ill-fitting crappy costume that cost 20rmb and smile and dance and various other BS. I'll do it as long as I can selectively head-butt any child of my choice if they piss me off.
Lastly as a public school teacher I won't let a school guilt me into working over my winter and summer break unless I am 100% happy to give up my holiday time.
"oh but the students really love you and want to see you" awww that's sweet but unless I need some extra money I'm getting drunk and sleeping in till 2 in the arvo every day.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Mr Nobody on February 17, 2011, 03:16:23 PM
Yep had most of these things happen to me.

I usually am able to think of a reason why it would be better for them if I didn't, though, so they stay happy. Except my contract calls for me to judge speech competitions, but I get out of that regularly by getting them to use the other foriegn teacher instead.

One time was a bit hard, though. The rellies here, good people, wanted their loser son to go to uni in Oz (since he had failed here) and wanted me to get him into uni there.

With all the best will in the world, I wouldn't even know how to start, or even if it's possible. Anyway, the loser can't speak English, and wouldnt get the idea that he had to work HARDER not less. Not stupid, just lazy. One of those people who's ideal career would be beta tester for first person shooters.

He's got a 2millionCNY trust fund that is available when he turns 23 anyway, so he doesn't give a flying fcuk. That would be this year. He drops out or gets kicked out of a college or uni every year so far.

Anyway, the santa thing has been tried, the performance thing tried every year, and basically the only thing I do is go to the student's bbqs for lunch, not all day, take my daughter as an excuse to go home early.

Funny, I remain popular.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: jpd01 on February 17, 2011, 06:17:39 PM
Yes, despite being an angry unreasonable man  ababababab I tend to be the most popular teacher in my University and hence get a better ride than the other two teachers. And in my part time jobs in the past I've always been popular with the students and staff. Brings about the question, if you are bending to your employers will like a serf and it doesn't make you the most popular white monkey in the world then what is the bloody point?
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Mr Nobody on February 17, 2011, 07:54:45 PM
There is a saying, and it is quite true. Dunno who said it first, but it goes something like "If you want something, ask. You may be surprized" or better "if you have unreasonably high expectations, you quite often get them."or something like that.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Mac Attack on March 16, 2011, 07:43:56 PM
This is my first year teaching in China. So, I have been reluctant to refuse any reasonable requests made of me. Having said that, I was asked to perform in front of the class by singing a song. I did this but since the school asks so little of me I didn't mind so much. I teach only 10 hrs a week, have a free apartment, and free meals at the school. Also, I am paid 7,000 RMB a month. You can't beat this anywhere!   bhbhbhbhbh
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Tuco on March 20, 2011, 12:26:01 AM
1. Take shit and listen to people whine too much. there is plenty of work for us.
2. Take shit from students without just cause.
3. Be farmed out
4. Sign a contract unless both the Chinese and English versions are viewed by my trusted bass player/translator.
5. Share my house.
6. CURFEW?? wow ok i never worked at a university. that shit is way da phuck out!
7. Spend time with students or give them free online stuff or document support without being paid or I decide to help them myself.
8. Allow myself to be underpaid compared to the current market.
9. Work at any language school.
10. Give free lessons in exchange for anything other than sex with a hot chick.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Ben-Dan on March 20, 2011, 12:36:46 AM
^  and thus a several hours' long streak of PC posting came to an abrupt end.

I wouldn't wear a funny costume and twirl around in the street. Saw someone doing that today, though as a phone advertisement, I think. Well, maybe I'd do it "in exchange for sex with a hot chick," but, otherwise, no, never. [joking, eh, I wouldn't do it EVEN for sex with a hot chick. No, let's be honest here. I'd settle for a mediocre one, or even one of the "leftover women" from the "No House" video, or even the ones that didn't make it in the video. You get the idea].

I pretty much wouldn't do anything I didn't have to, so it's all about drawing the "invisible line in the sand" about what I have to do.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Tuco on March 20, 2011, 04:02:50 AM
Ben Dan

That reminds me of a time my buddy got me an interview for a TV show. After meeting at the local coffee shop with the director, I agreed to come see the studio. I should have asked more before I went there but anyway..

Once there, I met some of the cast and crew, looked around the studio and then asked to see a video sample.

Out came a little chinese woman dressed as a flower and dancing around singing totally lame English songs.

No way I bailed on it and it is a big show. Forgot the name of it, for kids, the pay was damn good too but myself being a metal head who loves guitars and girls, I figured that there is only so much honor I could afford to lose..
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Ben-Dan on March 20, 2011, 04:14:08 AM
Ben Dan

That reminds me of a time my buddy got me an interview for a TV show. After meeting at the local coffee shop with the director, I agreed to come see the studio. I should have asked more before I went there but anyway..

Once there, I met some of the cast and crew, looked around the studio and then asked to see a video sample.

Out came a little chinese woman dressed as a flower and dancing around singing totally lame English songs.

No way I bailed on it and it is a big show. Forgot the name of it, for kids, the pay was damn good too but myself being a metal head who loves guitars and girls, I figured that there is only so much honor I could afford to lose..

Sadly, all I can think about is wishing I could see a picture of the woman in the flower costume. Seriously, or, more seriously anyway, wearing a costume is going too far. I do know two teachers who dressed up as Santa, however. Wait, 3 or more.
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Tuco on March 20, 2011, 04:21:12 AM
playing santa is not as bad. At least i could enjoy seeing kids faces smiling.
After refusing this job the boss asked me why, I promptly lifted up my pants to show him the grim reaper tattoo and the skull on my shoulder followed by, "kids do not like me, they are afraid."

It worked but consequently, my buddy did not talk to me for some time after that.

That's ok, if I could be famous I would only want it to come for what I love doing.

I figured that, I already am selling myself with "language", that I could not sacrifice the music I honored since I was 4 years old.

:)
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Escaped Lunatic on March 20, 2011, 04:12:34 PM
playing santa is not as bad. At least i could enjoy seeing kids faces smiling.
After refusing this job the boss asked me why, I promptly lifted up my pants to show him the grim reaper tattoo and the skull on my shoulder followed by, "kids do not like me, they are afraid."

Lifted up your pants to show him a tattoo on your shoulder??? mmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmm

Must be some new fashion I've missed out on. ahahahahah

Would be great if the show was done live - you could change from some silly flower costume into a proper death-metal outfit just before going on camera. uuuuuuuuuu
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Raoul F. Duke on April 11, 2011, 06:55:15 PM
offtopic  This is an on-topic area. Please stay on topic. asasasasas
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: piglet on May 07, 2011, 06:12:41 AM
I will definitely not help a student's cousin to write her school report,especially over a public holiday,even if he asks me really really nicely and says his cousin can't afford a private teacher  kkkkkkkkkk
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Stil on May 07, 2011, 05:41:04 PM
I will definitely not help a student's cousin to write her school report,especially over a public holiday,even if he asks me really really nicely and says his cousin can't afford a private teacher  kkkkkkkkkk

I might .... If his father is Li Gang
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: Booger Presley on June 02, 2011, 09:49:52 PM
 I really wish I would have found this post and taken it to heart, prior to working in China. Nearly every point was something that caused my blood pressure to rise.  llllllllll
Title: Re: Things I Just Won't Do For Work
Post by: missdemeanor on June 15, 2011, 12:03:20 AM
Commuting is a biggie for me, I simply refuse to sit on the emphysimia express for over an hour stuck in traffic.

If I make my own resources I intent to keep 'em, sure the place pays my salary but no way under gawd's black  sun am I going to give up the time and effort I spent making things for classes.(kindergarten and primary)

I won't spend my own money photocopying stuff and expect to be reimbursed if I do.

There's a clause in my contract that says 'teachers are not permitted to consume the students' food at snack/lunchtime'. Like hey, what about students eating my food? I have been known to sneak off with a piece of pinguo now and then, so arrest me.