In response to Rivena

I gather you have switched the argument to unis only!

No. I know middle school teachers who've had 12 month contracts.

Might I suggest you stop tarring all Chinese employers with the same brush?

You may, but I haven't done it.

Middle school work generally involves much less prep and no marking. IMO it's better to teach at middle schools. Money is earned for much less effort there if you avoid big cities. Teaching ability ranks low in the sticks as a rule. You're basically being paid for your western features - just great, isn't it

This probably sounds a lot worse than you intended, and you're probably being a bit ironic (I hope). You're not saying it's a boon to work somewhere where you are only really valued for looking like a foreigner; where your teaching ability doesn't matter; and where you don't need to do shit, are you? I think you are.

Personally, I prefer working harder, doing real teaching, making a difference, and being fairly compensated. Each to his own.

Some of them are always complaining - they've an entitlement mentality!

Actually, I think you show more of an "entitlement mentality," because you think you are entitled to housing and a 10 month salary for merely being a foreigner and not doing squat. The idea that qualified teachers with ability can't ask for what used to be the standard package is anything but an entitlement mentality. It's just not wanting to be screwed by those who think they are entitled to rip you off and keep the difference for themselves.