"It is why you will find people coming on to boards like this and complaining about "pretend teachers", they attempt to discredit people like myself and others who are trying hard to derail the gravy train that they have been riding for way to long."
Silverboy

That's an interesting comment that I can partially agree with, even though I'm not exactly sure if my understanding of the term "pretend teacher" is the same as yours. I think I would define a "pretend teacher," though, as an FT who simply collects their pay without giving a second thought to the quality of English education they are providing. Therefore, wouldn't it be they, the pretend teachers, who are riding the gravy train? In that context, those of you who are still teaching in China could take a look around you and easily identify the host of "pretend teachers" who, by virtue of their silent acceptance of the status quo, contribute to the mess that is English language learning in China, be they teaching at chain schools, international colleges (what a joke) or actual colleges at real universities.

When teaching in China, I often heard FTs say, "Well, the pay is okay considering the cost of living." So, despite their perceptions of the problems, they were still willing to carry on, whether those problems were addressed or not. Those who do attempt to bring about positive change are often labeled as troublemakers.

I guess that makes you and I troublemakers. Truthfully, I did rock the boat way too often. They'd keep hiring me back because they loved my white faced, long nosed presence in the classroom, and I'd keep rocking the boat. As long as I didn't capsize the boat I was accepted.

Interestingly, I see the success of franchise and training schools as being based on the fact that students can't get the quality of English training they need at public colleges and private colleges that are loosely attached and associated with universities so that they can hire foreign teachers as a marketing ploy. Naive students, especially those who want to study abroad, are then lured by false promises of huge gains by private training centers. It's an ugly circle.

It's an easy enough choice. Take part in a huge scam, or find an alternative elsewhere.