So I made a big mistake. I knew better than to take employment at one of the big chain schools, but after meeting the hiring manager here in Taiwan it appeared that she was a decent person and I signed the contract. Now it is becoming quite clear that this is not going to work out, they are not keeping the number of hours to the minimum on the contract and the last straw was when I worked 6 hours and was only paid 100 NT, a mere $3 dollars! What a joke,a bad joke.
So I am wanting to know what my options are. I still do not have an ARC or Visa through this employer, only a contract. I was informed that I needed to sign another contract in Chinese (clear scam warning) but have not seen nor signed this contract. I will not work another free day for this school, I plan on leaving ASAP, I don’t believe in donating time and energy to an organization that not only clearly makes tons of money, but treats people like @#$# .Can I work for another school on the island? Can they sue me or cause problems if I leave? I like Taiwan, but it looks like I may need to make an exit. Can they cause problems with future employment or visits here?
I have no idea about Taiwanese employment law, but I’m sure it doesn’t favor the foreigner that cannot speak or read chinese. Like I said, this is a big school, they have tons of money and I’m sure some good lawyers.
[quote=“Homey”]I was informed that I needed to sign another contract in Chinese (clear scam warning)[/quote]Actually, it’s a pretty common procedure. [quote]Can I work for another school on the island? [/quote]If they have not applied for the work permit yet, this means that you should not have to wait for them to cancel the “inexistent” ARC. So yes, you should theoretically be able to apply for the ARC with another school. [quote] Can they sue me or cause problems if I leave?[/quote]A lawsuit is less than likely, but they could potentially blacklist you, I think.
[quote]What is the best plan of action?[/quote]Give them a written notice even if you don’t legally have to, and do not blame the school for anything. Find a good excuse to leave that doesn’t involve not liking the school. Teaching is not for you and you are going back home, or something like that. Low profile is the word.
Well, after a little discussion with the manager, the contract was terminated.
As far as mentioning the name and branch of the school, well I’m not convinced that is needed. I checked with a handful of other teachers at this school, and even a few that have been there for a number of years and I have come to the conclusion that like anything in life, we all have our unique experiences and perceptions. Many teachers have never had any problems with being paid and appear to be fairly happy.
For some reason I am still not aware of, I was not treated like someone they were serious about employing. Another person that started at the same time was clearly treated differently. I think if the manager likes you, then you would have no problems, regardless of your teaching ability or experience.
Who knows though? If I had given it a little more time and just dropped the issue of not being paid the measely few hundred NT, then eventually maybe things would have been fine. I like to believe that when the students, fellow teachers, and parents, are happy then sooner or later the management might start to give up on the small time nickel and dime scams. Then again, it might have gotten much worse. Who knows?
I am starting to think that Taiwan is much the same as working in China where a degree of corruption and lies is par for the course in even the best of jobs unless they are entirely foreign owned and managed. I keep forgetting this and tend to be a little too idealistic for my own good sometimes. I honestly believe that despite what they might tell you, that teachers that have been with a school for a long time have had some issues and disputes, but tend to forget them easily and focus on making friends with the management instead of complaining or standing up to them, or as I like to call it “kissing a$$”.
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paid a 100 NT for 6 hours? come on now.
Was this overtime, what was your normal pay/salary? Other teachers working for what? Sounds like they wanted rid of you, perhaps think about why that could be. Did you ask other teachers about pay and conditions?
That’s true. There are quite a few foreign bosses out there who have become “Taiwanesed,” so to speak.[/quote]
Thanks for the heads up. Sad, but I’m sure its true.
I guess many employers on Taiwan have seen so many people come and go that they take a short term view and don’t really care so much about retaining and taking care of good people, and maybe teachers are all easily replaced with a constant supply of new ones. Not sure, its all a learning experience for me.
That’s true. There are quite a few foreign bosses out there who have become “Taiwanesed,” so to speak.[/quote]
Thanks for the heads up. Sad, but I’m sure its true.
I guess many employers on Taiwan have seen so many people come and go that they take a short term view and don’t really care so much about retaining and taking care of good people, and maybe teachers are all easily replaced with a constant supply of new ones. Not sure, its all a learning experience for me.[/quote]
That depends on what you have to offer. If you are only a Fresh of the boater (and I’m not being offensive here, I was one once) with no real experience except graduating from university, what makes you different from the scores of others who are doing the same thing? If you have credentials, and/or REAL skills, companies would be falling over themselves to keep you. The serious buxibans that is,anyway. If you are hoping to get a job based on your whiter than white complexion, those days are unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your viewpoint) coming to an end, and you are going to have to get to the back of the queue with the the early 20-somethings. If you are above that age group you may find yourself being passed over for a younger model because they have more “energy” :loco:. Which, in my experience is not the mark of a good school.
This is right on the money. How you’re treated in Taiwan, more so than in other places imo, depends very much on the individuals you meet and how they feel about you.