Thread: Getting a better deal.

I'm aiming this mainly at teachers who have worked somewhere for at least a year, and either recruit or have the ear of a higher-up.

Nobody says you can change the world in Thailand, but it's very possible to chip away at some of the more unfair elements you find in contracts here.

Since I've been at my school, we've had the pay increased for all by a(not really) earth shattering 5k to 30k...still peanuts, but there's still room for more.

We've finally got that 11 month contract increased to 12...no sign of the bonus yet though....next project.

We've also managed to negotiate that 12th month as paid holiday...the threat to give us summer classes has vanished once the thai teachers worked out that it would eat into their holiday....serious result to the unpaid poverty of the last 3 years.

What you need to do is to keep dropping polite hints, mention what other school's give their teachers, paywise, and otherwise contractually. Casually mention that you were invited to work there. Recruiters can complain of the difficulties of attracting new teachers and can point at other higher local salaries. If you're valued enough this should work.

Keep pushing for more tiny bit by tiny bit, never demand, just suggest, make the HOD think it's her idea.

You can't change the world but you can make it better for you and your colleagues.

When negotiating with Thais, don't be a dick, but don't grovel, either. If you act inferior, or diffident, or desparate, they will treat you like shit. You must be willing to leave your job or they basically got you. None of this "hinting" bullshit. They need to be told plainly, but without hostility, what it is you want. Make it clear to them that you can easily go elsewhere and be prepared to move. I keep it positive, upbeat but I speak plainly and clearly.

For some schools, Whitey that's just what they want you to do...usually the cocky ones who think they've got recruiting all figured out.