Isn't it strange how many "misfits" there seem to be here in China and posting negative reports about schools and recruiters? Why do you claim that their experiences heve embittered them to the point of absurdity and an inability to paint a true picture? Many people of your attitude claim these and similar things but never explain WHY there are SO MANY negative reports here on this and other boards. Perhaps every " negative " poster is a misfit or perhaps.....
You talk about "...the absence of the cushy life they experienced in the West". Why would anyone travel ( at their own expense ) to an alien country and culture to work if their life was "cushy" in the West?
You say that "They only write about the problems and have never imagined a solution". Have you actually read their posts? Isn't the overiding solution that employers, agents and schools STOP LYING TO and CHEATING FT's and treat us with honesty, integrity and respect? and that this will be reciprocated? Or is that " Rocket science" to you?
You advise that prospective FT's "Properly research any school..." ummmmmm...how? Don't some "schools" (and agents) change their names regularly to avoid the bad reports they recieve from FT's?
" undergo direct contact.. " What happens when they LIE?
" Make sure you contact teachers who've worked there before" Errrr how do you know they have?
" Don't use recruiters.......avoid working in private schools..." Is that an admission that there are serious problems in dealing with these people? and does that make you " a misfit" too?
" Be humble" Yes Sir, No Sir, three bags full Sir !
" Expect the unexpected ". Booked your travel tickets for the day after the end of term only to be told ( a few hours before ) you have to work an extra few days? You should have expected that so it's YOUR FAULT !
"....you will see and experience things you could only imagine right now"
How very true that is! Some things here you could not imagine in your worst nightmare!
I suppose this post makes me a " misfit " "whiner" "whinger" " China basher" " anti Chinese" etc. etc. Still rather that than an naive, misguided APOLOGIST!