So it turns out that I still work for the language center. I tried my best to quit, but within the confines of Chinese law, I couldn’t have my cake and eat it too… yet. This is about compromising, and my employer agreed to meet me in the middle.
It’s a long story so I’ll just give you the meat and potatoes of it…
I decided I no longer wanted the language center job in China.
Per my contract, I must provide a one-week prior notice of resignation if I want to leave.
I wrote a formal letter of resignation stating one week of prior notice, signed it and submitted it on October 29th.
After a week, I planned to collect my letter of release, which I need if I want to get a job elsewhere in China.
Once I have the letter of release from my employer, I can take it and be off. End of story.
All seemed well, until…
The language center refused to give me the release letter.
You see, if I leave the company right now, I would essentially f*@# over the business.
The company was depending on me when it hired me. The language center needs more foreign teachers and it cannot afford to lose me at this moment.
While I really want to get out now, my selfish conscience actually submitted.
I was given two options:
1. I pay 10,000 yuan ($1,600) and I can leave now.
2. I work for the language center until they hire a replacement teacher.
I agreed to option number 2.
I’m hoping it’ll only take about a month, then I’ll receive my letter of release.
Once I have that letter I can switch to my next employer.
My next employer…
A college in Rizhao.
I’m excited to teach college courses, hopefully starting next month. I’ve already toured the campus, received my teaching schedule and met some of my future students. It’s just a waiting game now.
What’s even more badass about this college gig: I can teach whatever I want. The curriculum is mine to shape and mold. I can discuss anything with the students, as long as it isn’t religion.
The hours are better, which will give me more time to focus on my blog.
The college is just as eager to hire me as I am to begin working there.
So this whole thing didn’t turn out so badly.
Yes, I’m still teaching young kiddos in the meantime, but there isn’t any bad blood between me and the language center (I hope).
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