No, it is not worth being in China like that, and the money could be used for better purposes
than paying fines for overstaying or working illegally or for paying bribes. All those working at EWHA illegally should worry and get the hell out asap; with an L visa,they can leave any time and get similar (illegal) work somewhere else!

True. Paying bribes wouldn't be much fun to avoid Chinese prison. But don't you think finding more illegal work is just out of the frying pan and into the fire, so to speak? I certainly wouldn't like to risk it.

One thing IS for certain, China has/is getting worse with each passing year, I definitely noted a big change in the ESL employment scene, stagnation of salaries, indifference and ignorance towards FT's. If you are serious about teaching, there are far better places than China, that is for sure. Especially avoid the kindergarten and training centre scum places.