Finding work in China
By David Dayton
Since Thanksgiving I’ve had 4 people call me about working with SRI or information about new jobs elsewhere, two people talked with me about starting their own companies and a couple others talk with me about networking for other work options. I also met in the airport a new couple just moving over to SZ for new jobs. After the first couple of guys called, I realized that I should be collecting the ideas that I was sharing for a future post.
Here’s what I’ve been telling people about finding work in China. I’ll put the corporate ideas in Part II.
First, if you want to work in China, you need to be in China.
I’ve heard that finding a new job is a full time job in and of itself. I agree. And how effective is working in China from the US? Less effective, right. So if you’re looking for work in China you need to be here.
If you’re here you can talk with people that own companies, that are doing projects, that are employed by the companies you want to talk with—you see these people at church, at Starbucks, at the supermarkets, at the schools, at local pick-up ball games, etc. You don’t meet these people at home in the US.
Plus, if you’re here you can start building your own network of factories and friends and resources for your own future business success. I know more than one guy that had one small project from a neighbour or friend back home and work that first and then another little project and another and pretty soon was doing multiple jobs a month—“pretty soon” is certainly relative; I think it means “a year or so.”
Second, Do you want to be in Asia or be in “x” profession?
This is the question that I faced personally about 20 years ago. I wanted to be in Asia more than I wanted to do any specific job. I did grad work in Thailand and started working there in ‘97. I lost my job in ’98 when the economy crashed and had to rethink what I wanted to do. I still wanted to be in Asia, so I left translating/consulting for oil and telecom companies in BKK to teaching 4th graders English in Taiwan. Why? Because I wanted to learn more Chinese and stay in Asia. I spent two years doing that. Then I moved back to Thailand and eventually China with SRI. It was certainly a different career path than some, but in difficult economic times, it was what I could do to achieve my long-term goals of working in Asia. I don’t regret it for a moment.
Third, what’s the goal of work? Make money or be happy?
In my book, work is for money and the rest of my life is to be spent pursuing happiness. This doesn’t mean that I want a bad job that physically hurts me or doesn’t give me any time off. But it does mean that I’ll do jobs (like teaching kids English) that in the short term really kind of suck but pay the bills and, most importantly, teach me skills and give me opportunities. More than half the battle of success, I think, if being in the right place with the right skills AND being willing to jump into the opportunities when they arise.
Take a less than ideal job, learn, network, and pay the bills while you actively search for something else. Then leave for something better when you get the chance.
Fourth, network, network, network.
No secret here. Talk with everyone. I’m amazed at how many people I meet at the airport or on a vacation home or playing ball that need something from China or know someone working in China. And if you’re here, and going to the right spots, you’re going to meet even more. Don’t be afraid to ask for business cards, interviews (for advice, not jobs) or introductions. The worst that can happen is they can say no.
Fifth, Jump, but have a parachute.
When I left a good paying job for the chance to start up my own company I jumped in with both feet. From the perspective of the first couple of years, the landing was rough. But from a much longer perspective, it’s getting better all the time. So keep your end goal in mind, even when the chips are down.
My parachute was a partner that reigned in my enthusiasm. We worked great together because I wanted to jump after every opportunity and he couldn’t seem to quite get over the edge on anything that had much risk. The balance, the give and take, made it both safer and more profitable for both of us.
Maybe your parachute is your parents’ basement apartment if it all goes south in 6-8 months. Maybe you’ve got a client already that you can subsist with while you get other things going—I know that I lived on a credit card an $150 a month for more than a year when we started up. Maybe it’s going back to school if you’re attempt doesn’t work out. Just make sure you have that option to either stick it through on a shoestring or get out without hurting yourself or you family.
Remember any landing you can walk away from is a good one. In this case, that means that if you learn something, don’t die or get divorced it was probably a good decision.
Sixth, pieces are as good as a whole.
Maybe you still think that you’ll get a single job and it will be the career your father had—same industry, maybe only one company change in 30 years. Don’t count on it. When I graduated from college in ’95 I was told to expect to change INDUSTRIES 5 or more times before I retired. I’m sure that recent grads are told to expect even more than that today.
So take small jobs on the side, if it’s OK with your employer, and do things that you like or that you think will improve your stock for the future. Maybe you’ll be translating for one company, teaching for another and managing projects for folks you know back home all at the same time. Eventually one of these part-time gigs will turn into the real deal or will give you the contacts you need for a better job.
Next week we will publish “Finding Work in China – Part Two – What I’m telling people about setting up a business in China”.
David Dayton, Silk Road International
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February 19th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
A very useful and timely post; I’ve also been receiving many emails lately from Westerners who have recently lost their jobs and are considering moving to China…I’m still not quite sure why they think it would be easier to do this, since many of them don’t speak the language. That said, many of my expat friends on the mainland have become very successful in business there BUT they all began as English teachers. Every single one of them… They leveraged that experience to become fluent in Mandarin and make all the necessary connections. Regarding your second point, isn’t it about wanting to be in Asia AND be in “X” profession? In my opinion, I think both factors would need to be fulfilled in order to find true success.
Enjoyed reading this…
Aimee Barnes
http://www.aimeebarnes.com/blog
February 20th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Networking with others has been very helpful for me.
I also made use of online sites, such as the Dragon Exchange (www.LongDaGe.com) to meet other people, and network with employers looking for qualified candidates.
I’ll be looking forward to reading part 2.
Thanks
Larry D. Grant
February 20th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Very down to the earth candid talk here and it shall help people to think twice before an exotic trip to Asia. Seeking a viable job in China is difficult even for a Chinese regardless of qualification.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:20 am
I found your approach very reasonable and guiding. As a member of the new business generation, I observe that most of the young job seekers or entrepreneurs as me share 2 common weakness points; deficient strength of patience and lack of endurance.
Since everything around us like technology, business trends, most wanted skills…etc are changing rapidly and continuously, an unexpected fear of future surrounds us and we suddenly feel as if we are behind those fast developments. Yes we are and we will always be…Sooner or later most of us will somehow admit this fact. And the next step should be to consider what-to-do as a whole step by step.
I’m a non-chinese speaker working in Beijing. I don’t know chinese and it is really though to learn it while working. If there was a chance to get back to 1 year before, I would take chinese classes beforehand and come to china afterwards. That’s a result of not considering what-to-do as whole step by step”
Evantually, the future will be on the palms of those who can see the big picture quickly and taking slow and small steps with patince.
Saltuk Toksoz
Regional Sales Manager
Beijing Rongrui-Century Scie.&Tech. Ltd.
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:32 am
Excellent article and piece of advice. My goal out of college in the 70’s with a degree in Chinese studies was to find a way back to Asia and I have traveled a long road of different jobs in that regard and have lived in Asia for 27 years!! The job x factor is a hard one, but part of the fun is the process of discovery. Am looking forward to part II.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 am
I am wondering how does the pay compare with that in the USA today? I have a feeling it is a bit lower.
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:51 am
It is useful.
Thanks!
February 24th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I, too, enjoyed the article. I have worked in China as an engineer while employed with U.S. based companies performing Manufacturing and Product Development there. I have had a great time working in China, I love the industrious nature of the people, the culture, and the general friendliness of the citizens. My desired profile is to continue to work with U.S. companies, and travel extensively to China. I have thought about moving to China, but would like help understanding expat arrangements, etc. Also, in my case, not speaking Mandarin is a negative…any ideas?
February 26th, 2009 at 7:40 am
We are in the other seat. We need mature excellent trainers/coaches, who speak excellent business mandarin, to join our firm in Hong Kong and work in Beijing and Shanghai. I have found it very hard to find the right calibre. We work with senior chinese executives in speaking and media skills. Any advice on the best places to look?
John Miers
February 26th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I enjoyed reading your article.
I am currently looking for a job in Beijing and after reading your article and talking to people, I am going to follow your first point -> going to Beijing.
Also your ideas about networking are totally true. Talking to people, even if they are not in your business, is the most important thing to do.
Looking forward to your second article.
Toby
February 27th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Native English teachers are always in demand in China.
If you are good at English, become a teacher there first.
Who can afford to schools with native English teacher? kids with wealthy parents. So you are very likely to make a few connections there.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Great article and great comments. It is tougher than one realizes to be able to find highly profitable jobs in China compared to three or four years ago. If you want to make big money you have to be willing to go on your own as a consultant or open your own company. This is true with being in China or if you were in your home country. The only thing that comes close to this is a solid education but even that will get you only so far.
The sixth point “pieces are as good as a whole” is very relevant to work in China. It also makes you a stronger candidate for the next job since you are better rounded. You will need to feel your way through how to explain to the next employer that you were moonlighting but many potential employers like that sort of ambition as long as you stay just dedicated to them. Others will not mind if you have another job on the side.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I am considering moving back to China… it’s a bit overwhelming after living in the US for over a decade. I’ve been in the investment and financial services industry since graduating from graudate school. Would the future in terms of career be any better in China?