Workplace reviews and discussion: 私立百博文理短期補習班

The pay is low and the hours are long. There is no overtime pay; the boss only tells you that the extra hours can be exchanged for leave. However, there is basically no time to take leave during normal periods, and people do not even dare to ask for time off. Also, August 1–7 every year is the mandatory holiday known as the Baibo Week. Those seven days are deducted from the extra hours accumulated during regular work. If you do not have enough extra hours, they may deduct perfect-attendance leave or annual leave instead—I am not entirely sure. Basically, everyone working there has accumulated overtime hours. Before midterms, there is a two-week “intensive training week” period. During those 14 days, plus the two or three days before the exams finish, you are required to work every day. Now, because of the one fixed day off per week policy, they apparently say that one day off must be given during that period.

Each branch has a director. I heard that at the branch near Ruifeng Night Market, tutors come and go in waves, and the employees cannot be retained. However, the boss has never tried to solve this problem. Everyone knows that the person in charge of that branch is a major factor, but it is somewhat like having unchecked power. The boss often hears only one-sided accounts of many matters through the branch manager, or perhaps the boss knows about the problems but has no choice but to tolerate the branch manager because no newcomers have been trained. More accurately, the person in charge of that branch does not want to train newcomers. New employees receive no instruction at all, and then get scolded if they do not perform well. Their attitude is extremely poor; the students do not particularly like them, but they are very good at winning over the parents!

Also, all the branches seem to be very gossipy. They like calling other branches to complain and talk about things. If work is not finished, you have to stay late and work overtime, so people who work quickly mysteriously end up being given many more tasks! Some people are insanely busy while others can call every day to gossip and complain—it is really strange. There are also many completely unfounded rumors going around for no apparent reason. Even the reasons why each person leaves have two or three different versions. It is so strange.

The boss also likes people who are obedient! Once he gives an instruction, regardless of whether it is right or feasible, even if you think it is useless or that the boss does not understand, you should not question it—just do it. Many people have survived there this way. Once, there was a certain set of statistical data that we all thought was pointless to compile, but another teacher said, “It’s fine, just do it—make a rough version. The boss just wants to see it.” We were all stunned, but that teacher was highly trusted by the boss.

The above is all based on my own experience working there. Some parts may be somewhat subjective, but my feelings were very strong, and many of these things really are the way they are. If you are looking for good待遇 or to be valued, you should absolutely think twice. Then again, perhaps this is simply how the cram-school industry works—it is up to each individual to decide~