Stuck between a rock and a hard place.
BY ALAIN CHARTRAND
This was my second time in Shanghai. The first time I arrived, only a month prior, I fell in love with the city and its people. But now, I’m a resident. I’ve had this feeling before when I first arrived in Taiwan.
The classic feeling of exploring a new country was always great, but trying to get re-established can be nerve-racking. I hardly had any friends and I was unemployed with a two-month visa to stay in the country. A new teaching job would definitely improve my sense of security. However, I wanted to take at least a week off before I started to work.
A new apartment would also help provide a better sense of security. At the time, I was staying at my friend’s place sleeping on a couch. This meant that my freedoms were limited especially when it came to watching television. But with that being said, Irma and Stacy (a guy) were great hosts. At the time, Irma worked all day and Stacy was taking a break between jobs.
Shanghai has some good opportunities for teachers looking for jobs. However, finding the right job that will offer you the most money and the best benefits can be difficult.
Stacy and Irma knew this Chinese guy, Bogart (from the actor, Humphrey Bogart). He was a hiring agent for the Kid Castle Cram Schools sprinkled across China. Stacy informed Bogart of my arrival. He mentioned my particulars: the need for employment and living quarters. Some schools offer apartments to ESL teachers as a signing bonus, so Stacy told Bogart I wouldn’t work for less than a certain amount and an apartment.
There was a job, but it was an hour from Shanghai in a town called JiaXing. I went to check it out. The school wanted to charge me taxes without a contract, not to mention they didn’t have a permit to hire foreign teachers. I would be working illegally.
After a lot of pressure and no other options, I took the job for six months with the understanding that I would then be offered a new contract.
Shortly thereafter, however, I called the school back informing them that I had found a better job in Shanghai, but this school was desperate. The school gave me a new deal, which was higher than my original requested amount. Plus, there was no apartment supplied. I would teach 20 hours a week. I didn’t want to work Saturday and Sunday but my social life hasn’t been given the opportunity to blossom yet. Plus, this would be a great opportunity to make some money with lots of extra time on my hands. At least for now, I’d take the job. iT!
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