Shenzhen Post

As unemployment soars to record limits and layoffs are becoming more initiative rather than last resort, more and more westerners are seeking opportunities across their borders. China, with its luring promises of adventure, advancement and wealth are bringing native English speakers by the droves.

I have witnessed more than my share of sad stories, failures, misunderstandings, and cultural non-acclimatization from humbled leaving westerners. Not to say there isn’t success stories as well, however the sheer number of complaints outweigh the balance. The westerners, with many of them now in crystal clear hind-sight saying, “if only I had known”. So before you jump ship read what’s lurking in the deep.

There was a time not too long ago that all you needed was to be Caucasian. The locals would look at you with an aura of automatic competence and economic fortitude. Conversely you would feel noticed, appreciated, almost celebrity like (blonds especially) thus, creating drama. Well those days are gone, the more of us hits these shores the more mystique we had are diminishing. In fact, the roles are reversing (so to speak).

Now, the Chinese hiring managers has volumes of resumes to pick and choose from. But still the competition is better than the odds back home. Before you sign that contract, consider and learn from the blunders and pitfalls of those that have taken this path before you.

Aileen, a very attractive Canadian, came to China with a one year teaching contract at a university. In the beginning she was treated so well by her students and staff that she had thought this was her dream job. Male colleagues would lavish her with gifts and dinners. Then things changed, she hadn’t realized that these colleagues and managers and even students had ulterior motives. Then she thought to get out of the threatening advancements by quickly finding a significant other. Back in Canada, where she had suitors form lines couldn’t find a single suitor beyond wanting a single encounter. She finally broke her contract and left early losing her deposit and having to fund her own way back.

Brenda, an American came to China for a one year teaching stint. After working for the first month expecting her pay and having used up what she had getting settled. Found out that the first and second month’s salary was to be held and given in arrears after her contract was completed (this was considered the completion bonus). She rightfully contested because it wasn’t in the contract. The employer said it was common practice in China to secure the contract’s viability. She refused to work under the grounds that the employer has not complied with the agreement. The employer paid her landlord to have her locked out of her apartment while she was out and couldn’t get her passport and other items to leave. She called the police with no avail; the US authority in China couldn’t help. A whole slew of events took place before she got an emergency passport and left without pay, laptop and other valuables.

Jean-Pierre, a French civil engineer was seduced by an attractive coworker. Evidently, the coworker was the boss’s third wife being used to black mail the married Frenchman to get contracts under false pretenses. The Frenchman had no choice but to comply and to this day is praying that the deals he closed don’t come to haunt him.

Steve, an Asian/American came to China on a one year teaching contract. The school rejected him and wanted him to go back home because he didn’t look Caucasian. Though his travel fare was paid by the school, he had to go back the same day since he had no place to stay. Similarly it’s easier for non-English speaking Caucasians and Africans than let’s say Asians or Filipinos with excellent English to find teaching jobs in China.

Mark, an American analyst just couldn’t get along with the Chinese company he worked for on all levels. His brutal accident/murder is still being investigated; it’s been six years now with still no suspects. The US Embassy is aware of this, but seems to have their hands tied due to US-China relations.

These are just a pebble in the reservoir of stories I have, if you would like to hear more please leave a comment even to say yes, tell me more.

Names have been changed, however the actions and reactions are the focus and have not been altered.

–By: JonT

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