Working in China
Joyce Anne Agacer, May 30, 2005
So, now you've got a job, know what awaits you in China while working there:
Currency
Local Time
Office Hours
Department stores generally opens at 8:30 am or 9:00 am and closes at 8:30 pm or 9:30 pm. Business hours may last longer in summer.
Emergency Services
|
119 |
Fire |
|
110 |
Robbery |
|
120 |
First aid |
|
122 |
Traffic Accident |
|
114 |
Inquiring local phone number |
|
117 |
Reporting time |
|
121 |
Weather forecast |
Electricity
Drinking Water
Official Holidays and Traditional Festivals
Since October 1999, China¡¯s official holidays have been extended from seven to ten days, including January 1, the first, second and third day of the first lunar month of the year, May 1, 2, and 3, and October 1, 2, and 3. The extension of the official holidays enables the Chinese people to have a longer vacation during Spring and Autumn. During these periods, the number of holiday makers suddenly grows and traffic is jam, so aliens planning to come to China for a travel may adjust their time to avoid inconvenience.
What can I expect?
Sure, China has crowds and cars causing quite a cacophony. But what about inside the office? If you have Chinese management above you, expect a lot of last-minute changes, "creative" payment and sometimes empty promises. Also expect a lot inefficiency and things not to get done. Some of this thinking stems from the "iron rice bowl" era where everyone was guaranteed a job, whether they worked or not. Many times, you will sign a contract for a year, six months or three months. Read these carefully. It is usually negotiable. Working for a Chinese boos is more formal, the boss has more respect and power. Feedback is generally not encouraged from the lower echelons, including foreigners. However, this does not mean that you can't talk about problems that you are having and try to make them better. If the problem is with your boss, try to be respectful and reasonable. Otherwise, just leave. Foreign workers do not have much recourse to go after their Chinese bosses.
If you work for an embassy, thank your lucky stars that you do not have a Chinese boss, however do not expect that you may not have problems. Chinese people outnumber and sometimes unofficially run foreign embassies in China.
Sources:
http://www.overseasdigest.com/country/china.htm
http://www.ccpit.org/vhosts/english/VII.htm
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ch.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1173.html
http://members.aol.com/lumabner/china.htm
http://members.aol.com/lumabner/china/living.htm

