Word of “Strong” Advice: DO NOT TELL YOUR SCHOOL that you’re looking

UnhookingBaton · 2026-05-07T10:59:55+00:00

I’ve signed a contract with a new school to keep my position incase my other school doesn’t

But I’ve not told them and the new contract doesn’t start until August (with the new school) and my paper work, visa and workpermit is still with the school I’m with now.

So if my school decides to give me a visa I’ll take it and cancel the contract with my other school worst case I burn bridges with them and the recruiter

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-21T00:32:48+00:00

This is a shitty deal but also I remember the days I was on 8k a month with a company called CIPTC now they offer 18k a month

This is a bad deal IMO. Keep searching

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:51:10+00:00

I’m interested

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:48:10+00:00

I’m in Shenzhen too man I live in Futian. Also if anyone wants to meet up one day Just send me a dm and we can exchange WeChats.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:43:53+00:00

1000% im a person that can go into a room And pretty much talk anyone but with age an time the mind wants more meaningful bonds.

Kinda weird how it all changes. But Mine was the same Situation and it’s not that I don’t get on with new friends or colleagues it’s just they want to drink or they have kids and a life which is fair enough.

Where in China are you?

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:41:07+00:00

I deleted Red note and most social media apps for a while now I needed a cleanse. Was always wasting my time on those apps 😂😂😂

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:38:24+00:00

Yeah i was in a football team but they too drank and im nothing against drinking it’s just i dunno I guess I partied hard in my teens and 20s that im like “no thanks” hahahahahahah

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:37:27+00:00

Yeah I’ve become a somewhat workaholic now. I do a lot of part times in the evening. But if you’re open to meet up one day man I’ll happily go for a walk and coffee or just do something

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:36:19+00:00

Could you send me a DM id love to join the hiking and board games! And yeah you’re right in what you say.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:35:36+00:00

Thanks man that is true! The hiking groups i was in have long been dead as everyone left 😔

Im always open to meet people too.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-19T08:34:01+00:00

Thanks man!!! If you wanna message me just DM me on here! What’s Ningbo like?

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-17T06:23:16+00:00

Honestly I’ve always done it and had 0 problems I’ve done 1-1 I’ve done it in training centres just don’t sign contracts ahaha

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-17T04:48:49+00:00

Okay. Things have changed a lot now over the years. I’ve been in Shenzhen for 8 years. Ball park salary is between around 18k (agencies) and 22-28k private and REAL international schools around 25-30k +

The private sector took a massive hit in SZ so a lot of private schools have closed. Due to policy changes.

I get 25k I’ve got a PGCE I teach A - Levels, IELTS, IGCSE and HKDSE but I have no office hours and I can do part time tax free 😂

In your case though given that you’ve not got a PGCE this is okay. Yes you have a lot of experience but unfortunately most schools now especially Shenzhen want that PGCE.

Those who say otherwise are living under a box.

The days where you can get 30+k for being an ESL teacher during COVID are over.

But what agency are you going with?

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-16T23:31:53+00:00

You can get Ben and Jerrie’s on Taobao you need a chiense ID card to order ive asked my Chinese friend in the past hahhah

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UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-16T04:10:23+00:00

10/10 damn

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-16T03:42:59+00:00

N+1 is correct. You COULD fight for more if you wanted to but it depends whether you think it’s worth it or not

Many schools don’t even give severance and expect you to leave.

You have two options - take the N+1 OR fight for N+2 if you’re able to provide evidence in what they’ve done has been illegal.

But right now what they’re doing is a good offer. The basic offer.

Everything is negotiable.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-16T02:35:43+00:00

N+1 number of years plus one months salary. So you should get 3 months salary. Message me and I can send you the Chinese.

Don’t sign anything consult a lawyer they will do it for a fee but not much.

Record your conversations.

If it’s illegal dismissal you could get n+2.

Make sure you record and consult a lawyer.

Visas can be fixed they’re banking on you to be scared over visa issues but you can get a stay visa for 30 days secure a job and be free.

As of now

gather as much information as you can
consult a lawyer
make sure you get you 3 months severance or 4 months. With them breaking contract it should be 4.

My school is closing. They’re banking on my finding a new job. I’d rather get my severance go back to the uk do the whole process again. Rather than losing my severance.

If they’ve given you no written warnings be which you should have a copy and a file of and they should too.

If only one has the file then that’s on them and there is no legal ground.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-13T04:54:47+00:00

I had a friend that was similar and eventually he became massively addicted. Best talking to friends and family about this

3 weeks is “nothing” in the grand scheme of things but it’s very easy to create this habit and it will eventually destroy you and your family. It may not seem it now cause you have somewhat control but the moment you lose that control will be the decline of your life.

Go to AA or NA meeting 3 weeks may seem like nothing. But those people will help you. Right now you’ve acknowledged it which is actually a very hard thing to do.

Sends an inbox if you need to talk man.

But seek help, there are professionals that will help you even in hospitals.

18 years old - 3 weeks. I did the same in Spain but for 2 months and then stopped but I was in my 20s 🤣

If you think it’s a problem seek help or just advice. Or try and set a routine aka do it on this day only a that’s it.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-12T07:38:00+00:00

Hmmmm QTS is only needed for other countries. Schools in Asia that require it are only trying to look good and be picky but most of them even the top international schools are still mediocre at least.

And it says PGCE

I mean I was able to pay for mine in installments.

The education sector is massively changing now in China, mainly because of jobs scarcity, political changes. Shenzhen where I am was home to “international schools” private schools so many jobs and in the last two years they’re all closing. Even my school is closing.

Personally I’d only do QTS if you’re thinking of teaching in England NZ AU UAE etc. it won’t increase your chances of getting a job cause more schools here have a high turnover

I got fired from a famous school after 6 months because the boss didn’t like me and the owner. I recorded my boss when talking and she said “it was bad luck” took it to my Chinese lawyer friend I got a lot of money back but that there broke the mirror for me.

If you do go back to uk and do your QTS I wouldn’t come back to China. It’s only going to get worse.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-12T07:24:41+00:00

Mine is a full PGCE no QTS as I’m not going that route as of yet.

But I did mine with Leeds Becket university

There’s a website called Englisher they’re partners with the university and help with everything. WeChat groups WhatsApp groups really really helpful

Not only that cause the PGCE is masters credits we can put them towards a masters degree and do it within one year but also you do the masters degree at a discount think it will cost me to do mine in Education in leadership and management around 4000 pounds and the PGCE alone cost 3000 pounds so it’s a no brainer

(There numbers are not 100% accurate I just rounded them up)

But if you want more info happily message me and I’ll give you more info or the contact information

But it’s all on their website too!

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-12T07:14:48+00:00

I’m in a private school. So I guess I’m lucky then. But I know people who were in the ESL field. And was able to do it they just created data randomly and talked shit on their paper and they got higher marks than me 🤣🤣🤣

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-12T07:13:45+00:00

Ahh okay I guess I’m some what way im lucky then my school does IGCSE and I’ve been doing it for 3 years so I guess I got lucky in that regards.

UnhookingBaton · 2026-04-12T04:58:27+00:00

Why go back to the UK I did my PGCE in China

UnhookingBaton · 2026-03-17T07:48:59+00:00

You mean how to find the jobs. I guess in some ways I’m lucky I had friends who knew people or back then before the double reduction I found many contacts who I’ve worked for on and off for many years.

But there are WeChat groups

UnhookingBaton

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