2 Year Contracts
It’s becoming more common for schools to offer 2 year contracts. It’s the way the market is going. It may seem a lot at first and a bigger commitment, but it may not be such a bad idea! Read our 6 reasons for why it may be a great idea to commit to a 2 year contract.
1. It looks great on your CV
If you’ve committed to a school for more than one year it shows a level of loyalty. The better schools don’t like to see job hopping year after year and can be more hesitant to interview people if this shows on their CV.
Simply put, completing a two year contract will give you an advantage when job hunting.
2. Career Growth Opportunities
If you stay with a school longer than one year it builds trust and respect within the school, and if you have a particular interest or hobby you may be able to move into this area or include it into your job role.
Love PE but don’t have the ideal qualifications when applying to a brand new school? Your current school may allow you to move within the school to a different position.
Maybe you want to start an art club - the school might love this idea!
3. Gain confidence
Staying at a school more than one year and being able to competently do your job will give you more confidence in what you’re doing.
Being new constantly can sometimes hold you back and you are never able to fully establish yourself. An extra year in the same position may give you the time to really deliver high quality work.
4. You CAN still leave
You don’t think you’re able to commit? Worried the school won’t be the right place for you?
Don’t worry! Read your contract carefully; if you give the notice stated, you will have no problem leaving after one year if you really want to.
5. You CAN still negotiate after one year
If you do feel you deserve a salary increase after the first year, you can still negotiate. Do this at least a couple of months before the second year starts.
If you feel you are going above and beyond, if the school likes you and doesn’t want you to leave they will be happy to negotiate with you to ensure you will stay.
6. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
It’s easy to have the “grass is greener” mentality. The majority of foreigners in China are English teachers, so it’s all too easy to compare jobs and always see there’s something that appears better.
But if you enjoy where you are, why not stay one more year? Long term it looks better on your CV and you won’t have to go through the visa stress. Plus you’ll know what to expect next year, whilst already having built respect and trust!