About two weeks ago, I received notice that my school would not be renewing my contract for next year. This has been both disappointing and distressing. I had hoped to remain in one place for a while—apart from my dislike for constantly uprooting and moving every year or two, I had been informed that while mandatory retirement in China is age sixty-two and that I would not be able to get my working visa renewed, if one worked continuously (Yes; I know the difference between continuously and continually!) at the same company/school for at least five years, that organization would have the option to retain one’s services beyond that cut-off.
Well, this is par for the course in China when one teaches English as a foreign language. But, this means that I need to find a new place and move out this summer (assuming I find a new contract for the next year). Ordinarily, this would not be a problem; however, the timing is terrible.
Back in February, I bought my flight home, from mid-July, returning to China at the end of August. Changing employers now would mean moving in the summer, between semesters, when I would not be here. This vexes me. I cannot forgo my trip home to the States this year; I have an old and dear friend who is dying of dementia, and I need to get home to see them while they can still recognize me. And there are a number of other chores that need to be done, from visiting graves to clearing out old storage lockers.
While I have contacted a couple of agents, as is the custom in China, I have not heard anything in over a week. To be fair, that is probably due to the May Day holiday. Of course, I am worried. –I am a natural worrier; if there is nothing to worry about, it bothers me, because it means I’ve forgotten something. At any rate, finding a new position for the Fall semester means having to move at a most inconvenient time.
Fortunately, my school told me that I could store my things here in their dorms over the summer. All I need to do is make sure that everything is properly packed up and ready to go, so I can send for them later when I return to China and get moved in to my new digs.
I also signed up at a sight called “Teachaway” and am currently setting up a profile. The sight allows teachers to fill out profiles—resumes, past positions, specialties, credentials, and the like. Who knows? Perhaps I will be able to move on from China altogether.
Nudnik Online 