"You got lucky." Opinion.

Fact: I know at least 6 families I can think of right now with more than 2 kids (including one with 5 and including at least 2 'top tier' schools). Yep, they might have had knock backs (though haven't we all), but it certainly didn't 'kill' their careers. It's probably also worth mentioning that not all these families are teaching couples.

Conclusion: Having 3 kids will close some doors, as will not being Caucasian or having a strong accent or not having the required experience or...

Make an informed decision based on your priorities but a 3rd child doesn't mean the end of the line.

I can only imagine you do not have children to be able to make a comment like that with any seriousness.

"Just because someone wins the lottery doesnt mean that person is going to be you, and just because there are ITs who break the trend does not in anyway mean youre going to be the next exception."

But then again, you might be.

Friends of my colleague worked for them and they ALL left at Christmas. I've not heard anything good about them at all. If management has changed (and I know even a few of them walked out) perhaps they are better, but personally I wouldn't consider them for a nanosecond. As I say, it's just from hearing about their experiences not my own first-hand experience, but it's enough to tell me they are not an outfit I'd work for.
As it's still open, there must be some teachers that think it's OK so perhaps they - or friends of theirs - can chip in with the positives.

What?

If it's any consolation, I've been talking to quite a number of people recently - from both recruiter and candidate sides - who say they found their ideal position / person late in the day. It's great when you get a position earlier, but I think the flipside is then seeing other jobs you are tempted by. If you are successful this year but later on, you'll truly know you explored all avenues and perhaps 'this was meant to be'.

In other words - chin up. Que sera, sera, but never let your job status lead you to believe you are not a great teacher. There are many other factors that play into the decisions too.

Depends where you're heading. He can probably pick up some tutoring work in most countries, depending on his education. Plenty of people have non-teaching spouses - it's not often a deal breaker.
You also don't say what his current job is. Again, depending on where you are, he might be able to continue...

Just got an invitation to interview with YCIS Qingdao. Any up-to-date info? The salary quoted is way higher than what has been mentioned on here. Max entry is US$82k rising to US$100k with paid accommodation and 20% tax. Is this misleading? Can someone comment on the pollution levels there (not in relation to China but in relation to healthy living)? Thanks.

Thanks.

I always visit schools where possible and it has never been viewed as anything but positive by the management. Usually it is by appointment beforehand, but I have found myself within the proximity of a school and just dropped by. They are sometimes a little taken aback but (perhaps as I tend to focus on schools I've done a bit of research on and I consider 'good'), they don't have a problem with it.

Not saying this would be the case everywhere but the worst reaction I've had is, 'You'll have to wait for a bit as there's nobody available to show you around at the moment." That time I had to wait 15 minutes...

Anyone got any advice or information on working here?

I wouldn't recommend posting your CV online for many reasons. If you'd like someone to critique it, I'd recommend you choose a number of posters on the forum (whose views you respect) and PM them to send it privately.

Which problems exactly?

What's location like given the pollution? Better or worse than other areas of the city or is it all the same?

Any updates?