qualities that a good employer looks for in their candidates. Employers need to know that they have potential employers available to fill and necessary slots.

iv. Rub elbows.

Remember the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” It is a very wise and practical saying and it has specific applicability to your current situation. Get out there and start meeting people. Go get some business cards made up with your contact information on it. Have both English and Chinese cards produced. Start leaving your cards everywhere. Whenever you are introduced to someone, provide them with a card. Leave them everywhere. If you have a personal website with your resume and/or accomplishments then be sure to put that on the card as well. The blog that you have been writing for the past 6 months is an accomplished but one that should stay off of your card. Unless that is you are trying to land a journalism position. Putting your occupation on the card is optional; however, it is not recommended as it can close more doors than it could potentially open.

If your business card (name card) has: Mr. Joe Smith – English Teacher/Tutor on it followed with the traditional information, it could keep you from getting a job with that new web company opening up down the street that deals with Western clients. Keep all your doors open with a generic business card. You should attempt to give-out at least 5 or 6 cards a day.

Network. Network. Networking is a learnable skill but it is based somewhat on a person’s charisma. The more charismatic a person is the better their inherent networking skills. Don’t think you have the skills? Brush-up on ways to develop your charisma. Networking is a separate topic altogether and you’re here to plan your exit strategy. Just know that networking is an important part in an exit strategy. It could provide you with the opportunity to land on your feet, or even prosper, in an unfortunate period.


v. Turning over rocks.

Try turning over a few rocks. You never know what you will find. You could find a key to open a new door. There may even be some loose change. More often than not, there is nothing. But you don’t know unless you look.

Now that you are officially part of the company, it’s time to go to work to try to get a better understanding if you will be staying there long. The best source of information will come from your fellow teachers. Some of the information will be biased and some will be rumors. Use your skills and common sense to distinguish fact from fiction. Don’t start asking too many questions as soon as you get there. However, within a couple of weeks you want to know at least the following:

- What is the financial situation of the company?
- How many resignations within the last 6 months?
- Have there been any terminations?
- Any history of late salary payments?
- Gauge the overall morale level?
- positive things being said about where you work?
- Can you visibly see signs of solid management?
- How are you treated?
- suggestions to make changes to your contract?

Two or three weeks is generally a long enough period to get an idea of the conditions of your employment. Sometimes you know right when you walk into a place if you don’t like it. Having that “feeling” makes it extremely hard to work anywhere for an extended period. Don’t ignore your gut instincts or feelings. You have them for a reason as they are our means of avoiding undesirable situations.