Major sources of irritation and frustration.
As some of you know, those who I have talked to online, I am having a bittersweet experience so far. However, the past week has been pretty much 80% Hell, 20% Heaven. Below is an online conversation I had with a friend about my problems. Notice this took place on the 15th and its now the 27th, my birthday...hopefully today isnt as bad as the past week. My issues since then have blasted off the ground like the new aircraft chasing after the X-prize. I am really not enjoying myself. The only times I do is when I am with other teachers or teaching some of the kids. When I deal with Bond (entailing all the dealings, the house, money, teaching schedual, living expenses, etc etc) i hate everything this country has to offer. I feel I am getting a very distorted view of this country and I have cursed it and its people more times than I can remember. I am to the point where I am seriously considering just leaving to a different place. Trying to find another job here. Oh, and this conversation doesnt cover the fact that I can't find any martial arts in this god-forsaken place - another major issue I am having. I need to ask some of my computer genious friends...How do you go about Google-Bombing someone? Cause that is what I plan to do to these assholes.
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:18:22 PM): they have no clue about whats going on...always changing what they tell me. Never giving me a straight answer.
pal (9/15/04 10:19:15 PM): You mean your arrangment in China?
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:20:44 PM): yes. my teaching schedual and other things too
pal (9/15/04 10:22:57 PM): Maybe the people you asked simply just don't know the answer and is afraid to admit so.
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:24:11 PM): yeah...why cant they just admit it...save me a lot of frustration with them...this "Saving Face" crap is really pissing me off.
pal (9/15/04 10:26:10 PM): Guess they are trying to impress you, don't want to look like they don't know anything in front of a foreigner.
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:27:45 PM): hell, i dont know anything. lol. Well, this company deals with Westerners, they should try to make their company a little more of a western style. and not tell lies all the time. i know its asking alot, but they wont lose teachers like they did today. One guy just got fed up, got his paycheck, gave them the finger, and left. Well.....he didnt really give the finger, but figuratively speaking he did
pal (9/15/04 10:29:33 PM): That's too bad. Hope there is other things you enjoy or appreciate there.
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:31:28 PM): i sure hope I can find some. i like most of the kids. the teaching isnt the problem..its the company and their Shenanigans that displease me immensely and its giving me a very distorted view of Chinese culture...i feel.
pal (9/15/04 10:32:20 PM): are you planning to stay for at least a year or so?
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:32:51 PM): well. i was plannin a year,...but i may change my contract...or break it...or try to claim they broke the contract and bolt
pal (9/15/04 10:35:23 PM): Are their lies intentional? Do you feel that they want to treat you badly?
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:35:38 PM): yes and no. The boss man told me and many others straight up lies to get us here. Once we got here everything changed. I was promised so many things and a bunch of teachers were too. Its not just the head owner telling us stuff and then hasn't lived up to it...its how the company makes a mistake and then will try to blame a teacher for it. One of my friends had that happened and they felt wretched for days. The company is fanning the flames of its own destruction.
pal (9/15/04 10:36:56 PM): That could be a case of poor leadership.
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:37:21 PM): yes
pal (9/15/04 10:39:57 PM): I know it must be hard for you... please keep an open mind and enjoy your time there. If you just look for bad things... that's what you are going to find. Try think the glass is 1/2 full instead of 1/2 empty.
I are Menudo (9/15/04 10:40:42 PM): thats what I am trying to do...but things are wearing thin. There is alot that I enjoy. but this company is really screwin it up.
Everyday something new pisses me off and is pushing me more to my departure.