Working in China vs The UK - The Honest Differences
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- čas přidán 7. 03. 2021
- Moving to any new country can be daunting, especially one such as China which is very different to the UK.
I have been living - and working - here for 4 years, so I wanted to share the key differences that I have observed so that you can know what to expect and avoid any potential faux pas.
Overall, my experiences have been super positive and I would encourage anybody to consider spending part of their working life in China.
If you are thinking about making the move then check out this helpful guide I made: • Moving to China: A For...
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Thank you for your support!
This is the real modern day China
In reality , the people who China are happy with their lives and that's truly AWESOME
However , unfortunately , here in North America , I'm still struck in the lethal lockdown everyday which is just awful
Can't wait to visit China again
Sincerely from Team AWESOME
I'm so sorry to hear that, I hope it gets better soon!
IDK honestly, why does people in NYC can't wear a fucking mask. I'm locked in college dorm.
It get worse here in Brazil... hope for changes
I’m
From USA and it is my second year working in China. Life here is more convenient and there are so many opportunities. About salaries can’t complain since mine is really good...I really want to stay here as long as possible.
What do you do ? Just curious 😝
@Happy Oldman We are not perfect. We find problems and try our best to solve them instead of fighting all the time like the West. Welcome all friends who can treat China fairly. If you come to Beijing, contact me and I'll treat you.
According to statistics, Americans form the second largest community in China.
@@david98765432123456 woah!!!!
@@ahbochan7346 he sells Snake Oil.
Take a nap at noon is a MUST. 😴😄👏
Sure is!
Cultural shock when I first started working in the states, my boss couldn’t believe I was resting at my desk at lunch break with my eyes closed. Nearly fired me.
YES!!!
napping , sleeping and eating well , do exercises all amount to improved productivity and quality thinking
@@kickyadick haha 😂😂😂
Truly an extraordinary nation full of great people , mutual help and so much amazing food
So much to do in China especially at night
In reality , I have been to China ten times in the last ten years to witness this phenomenon
I'm an new subscriber to your channel
Love to watch your videos
Stay well and stay safe
With AWESOME love from North America
That is awesome thanks for sharing! Welcome to my channel I hope you stick around to enjoy my content!
The 'mutual help' part is a bit of an exaggeration but the rest of the things are spot on!
I used to work in East Asia and I love the Ah Yee(s) who work in our office. Every mid-morning and and mid-afternoon we will have tea, coffee and cookies bring to our our desk. Sometime if you are nice to Ah Yee she will bring some extra goodies to you or if you request additional coffee in between those time she will gladly bring to you. Of course you must treat her well like occasionally buy her a gift or during Chinese New Year give her a nice red package.
auntie haha
Great video! I’ve worked in China for a year and now back working in the UK. I have to say even though I’m paid more here, my time in China was far happier and I loved it. I had so many friends in China people were so much friendlier imo
Programs like these might help educate the western culture, especially when things are heated up between China-US or Asian v the rest
The afternoon nap is part of chinese school's teachings, to catch a nap after lunch so that one can be fresher and more energetic towards the evening.
traditional
Check Greece and Spain, many others countries do that as well
You don’t represent ‘west’, neither UK
Science had proven that human becomes more productive after short nap in the afternoon.
Ah Bobby...after pandemic you should try review NIO or BYD EV car in china.
Thank you very much Nico！ Another wonderfull video。
Absolutely love that power nap idea ❤️
nap after lunch, i think this is something that should be adapted worldwide !!!! it is really good for the body and mind. where I used to work, I always took a nap after lunch. i simply closed my office door, covered the window and happily napped !!! love from canada.
It's more common than you think. The Spaniards have their siestas, many parts of europe and Mediterranean practice this as well as some south east Asian countries.
Thanks, Nico, your awesome!
YESSS!!!! Another great video, as usual! 🤩
Thanks a lot!!
Love it! Thank you!
Glad you like it!
I love the way you present your video stories!
Thank you so much!
Great vid really enjoyed it thank you 😎
Glad you enjoyed it
Well made video :) i am living in the uk and grew up here - cool to see this! thanks nico ! x
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it!
very interesting observation. thank you.
Great video as always !
Glad you enjoyed!
Based on Chinese culture, people will find a good time to talk with their supervisor about their opinions. If they have questions, they prefer to discuss this issue with boss before or after meeting. They are not used to challenge their boss in front of all collages to prove themselves. Just like Chinese people won’t point others mistakes directly. That they show their respect for each other.
Love this! Yes, they love the desk naps.
Thanks a lot!...haha me too! 😉
Dang quality is so clean. Interesting topic
Thanks for watching I'm pleased you liked it!
Oh super cool thanks for sharing! I can relate :D
Thanks for watching!
Nico, another great video. Ja Yo. 👍👍
Thanks a lot!
Excellent summary of working life in China.
A very interesting video. Love it👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌹🌹
Thank you very much
The dreaded “working day” after the holiday. Such a huge change for me as well. I especially love the shared meals. It’s something I never really had in the US and love it here. I think one of the biggest changes for me was getting paid once a month (in the US it’s every two weeks) and the way taxes work here. It’s quite different.
No IRS asking you to "DIY" your tax feels weird huh?😂
Talk about that in your video, John
And that's why there's a term called 月光族 and not biweekly 族，哈哈
What's the tax rate there?
@@GlitchyBastard 😆 It’s much easier to just sign a form at the end of the year.
@@AmelieZh 哈哈
Just came to your channel.
It is very informative.
Best wishes,
Thanks and welcome!
I like your videos. Please keep it up. Cheers!
Thank you very much!
Excellent video
An open mind permits you to appreciate your new experiences.
Very informative... Great
Glad you think so!
Looks like you have a great job!!
I particularly love the long lunch breaks and initially found it strange that nobody brought food from home. I did try the nap during lunch but woke up more dazed 🥴
Absolutely loved the celebration of birthdays and the spoils for all the festivals.
Struggled to understand how public holidays were not known up front but you get use to it.
Was also surprised how topics like salary and body weight was discussed openly.
Yes, yes and yes to all of this!! haha some things take a bit of getting used to but the longer you are here the more normal they get. I can barely get through a Monday without a nap but the rest of the week I am usually to busy haha. Thank you, yes I love my job it is so much fun!
is it unacceptable to talk about salary and weight ,even with best friends?
Chatting to best friends about weight or salary is ok if you are comfortable with it. I was referring to chats about salary being spoken about in an open plan office. Comments about your weight being discussed in a restaurant or public space.
@@lalannieknoll4456 get it! thx xp
Woh wat a great info i learned so.much frm.yr comnent .Tq
Thanks a lot!
I think for the most of the case it is alright to ask questions and/or make suggestions in a professional way to the boss, but Chinese people probably would avoid to tell their boss that they are wrong directly in front of the other teammates. However, it might be various for the boss’s personality and company culture.
Thank you so much for this amazing video.
Here in Britain, communities from Cornwall to Yorkshire, from Cardiff to Glasgow, and from Dover to Belfast, all celebrate your great success with every heartbeat, built on hard work and talents.
The word on the street is that you are a super beacon of hope for millions of Brits. We are all so very proud of you, you are the Pride of Britain and deserve to be the new British Ambassador to China.
Oh thank you that is very kind of you!
hahah,if i havn't saw the same comment b4...arn't u stu's mother?^^
Interesting
I like the idea of an extended lunch with a break for healthy meal and a nap.
Many work 7:30am to 3:30pm here with little time for lunch and get home exhausted.
Yes that seems very early but then I guess you have most of the afternoon instead?
Hi Nico great content from a fellow Brit, I have been here for 18 years and live in Shanghai its different here than the UK and I never want to go back....
Wow 18 years! I imagine a lot has changed here since you moved!
Yeah I moved back to the UK and kind of regret it. I think I’ll try to move back to China when I have enough savings
Hello from Toronto !
it is not easy to get use to different lifestyle place, keep going.
No it's not but it always an adventure!
Love your accent. Typical Brit but great. Here’s hoping u continue enjoying your life and work in China.
I know that here in the US. You can't argue with the boss. You can comment but really can't impact changes. Not if it impacts the boss in a negative light. So is there much difference? And keeping informed of UK politics and business. I don't really see a difference. But then that is my opinion.
You looked like a superhero with a cape setting off on your bike to do good deeds. :D
Hi Confucius. I am Dr. Aaron.
Haha just call me super Nico here to save the day!
@@Nicofilms Here comes Nico With a NIU
Thanks for keeping up your vlogs!!!
Thanks for watching!
@@Nicofilms I can't wait to return to China!!!
In Singapore...we also have short nap during lunch in our cubicle to recharge for the 2nd half of the day...😁😅
Well put
Thanks a lot Yilly! What other differences did you think there were when you worked here?
Very honest video, we do have a culture to absolutely obey your boss, many people complain about it..
This is great timing, as I’m considering moving back to China at the moment. Having been schooled and currently working in the UK, I’m a little worried that I wouldn’t be used to doing overtime, less annual leave etc. But part of me is excited about spending more time with my family and the food/entertainments/after-work life in China. 🤔
I went there is questioned many people about the work times. The times are getting very close to western, 9 to 5, weekends off and holiday pay. So its not much different. The only different you will feel is convenience. Everything is delivered to you pretty quick, affordable and cheap
@@gulitzt5865 thanks for the insights. For sure, no doubt about convenience in daily life, cities in China are so young and vibrant. In terms of overtime, perhaps it varies across different companies and professions? I’m an Architect, so I’m not too optimistic about overtime haha 😅
I think it really depends on the company. I don't often do overtime it just depends if there is a deadline that needs to be met. We both get public holidays and I get 10 days holiday plus a 'contract break' and Jack used to get 20 days. If you are a teacher you usually get a lot more but it isn't flexible. We certainly have a lot more disposable income here so we can do more which is a great experience.
Moving back to China as young as possible to fit in. It’s too late for me now 😓😓😓
@@Nicofilms Thanks for your response Nico! Assuming ‘Contract break’ is something you agreed with your employer when signing the contract? That’s interesting. And 20-day holiday entitlement is not bad at all! Love your channel btw 🥰
Thanks a lot.
a nap after lunch is my cure for the afternoon.
I can barely get through a Monday without one!
@@Nicofilms 😂 Oh No~ Nico...!
Good videos ......👍
Taking nap is a regional thing, some places don't have the habit of taking a nap at all.
Cool I am from Nottingham as well, I use to work for a security company and they use to clock in with a app as well.
I really want to move out of UK but I am stuck here for a while lol.
Nottingham forest
Love her videos
Thanks! Love you watching!
good job！
haha I like the actors u chose for the clip, especially the boss.
Haha he was joke, Jack said they are really popular on storyblocks and you will find them in lots of videos. The same guy also played the businessman talking to the older women.
@@Nicofilms haha
Wonderful
You too❤️
Thanks a lot for your constant support Alex!
Wow...you had a great life...enjoy...!
Thank you!
I remember I hated the make-up day (before or after holiday) when I was a student....Ahhh...
After-lunch nap makes sense, since it is difficult to concentrate on work with your stomach concentrated on digesting...But I think it also depends on the lunch. In China most people choose to eat a proper lunch, while in many western countries people are more inclined to have a light lunch, such as a sandwich or a salad, which is surely more light-weighed with the stomach.
Another contributing factor to the nap is the weather, especially in summer --- It can get so hot such that one cannot really do more of proper work or thinking, especially on those old days without AC. I do remember many mediterranean countries have a long lunch break for the same reason.
Ahh yeah this makes total sense! Ughhh I know I really hate the make-up days!
午休时间很重要！ my friends in China usually chat with me during that time, lol
Hello sis. How are you?🙂
@@nileshbhattacharya2526 I'm stressed with my essay, lol
They must be very good friends giving up their nap time! haha
Cool video. I sort of fell in love with China and have been thinking of working there do this have sone insights
I’m pleased it has offered you some help!
Hi Nico,
A few years ago, I did teaching at a private school in China.
Now we (my Chinese wife) thinking to return to China.
I would do more teaching, but aiming for university.
Is TEFL still the course to go for?
Is a 120 hour course sufficient?
Graham
Yes I think 120 is the minimum. I heard that Universities don't pay as well but I'm not too sure. If you have experience and have been here before I'm sure you will have no problem in finding a new job, fingers crossed.
yes,l must sleep after lunch.....30min ...afternoon had full power
thanks
醒太早刷视频，居然看到吃凉皮。。。立马饿了。。。
Haha sorry! It's one of my favourites!
Good!
Oh my gosh such an amazing video. Nico sis. Hats off. Really appreciate your hardwork.
China improves in every field day by day.
Good to see foreign living in China is happy and safe also.
....
China such an amazing and peaceful country in the world.❤️❤️❤️......
Thanks a lot I'm pleased you enjoyed it!
After watching a few videos, it finally popped into my mind why you look kinda familiar....you look so much like Michelle Williams, even your facial expressions looks similar! 😄
I'm not sure I see it but that is certainly a complement, thank you!
No she doesnt look like michelle williams. Maybe the only similarity is the short bop hair style...
Have you heard much about the Chinese vaccine passport and how it might impact expats in China?
I need to buy that Neon..
It's so nice! It has transformed our home... do it!
Not sure about the rainbow colors hair, but the black hair looks good on you.
Haha the rainbow one was horrible. I just wish I had long hair haha
Interesting
It took me a couple of years to get used to short lunch breaks (45 mins) and jump back in work with a coffee
Are you by any chance a Chinese who works in the States?
@@kickyadick I am in Australia
hahah ayi and yeye so cute when you pronounced
I try my best 😋
How do you find work-life balance in China? I worked in a training school in Shanghai. I worked long hours and barely got a day off during school holidays. I suppose it depends on the industry and what job you do.
I didn't mind training centre hours but I definitely prefer it now I work Mon-Fri. Having the weekend on the weekend definitely helps and I can take time off whenever. I don't get as many holidays as a school does though so I am jealous in the summer when my friends which work for kindergartens are all off.
Zixia said: If a person treats worthy people as worthy and so alters his expression, exerts all his effort when serving his parents, exhausts himself when serving his lord, and is trustworthy in keeping his word when in the company of friends, though others may say he is not yet learned, I would call him learned.
The Master said: If a junzi is not serious he will not be held in awe.
If you study you will not be crude.
Take loyalty and trustworthiness as the pivot and have no friends who are not like yourself in this.
If you err, do not be afraid to correct yourself.
Junzi 君子 - often used to denote an ideally ethical and capable person; some- times simply meaning a power holder, which is its original sense.
The Chinese title, Lunyu 論語, means “collated conversations.” aka: The analects of Confucius
Great video! Is that possible to do a video about Chinese visa? How do you get a visa to go to China?
If you get offered a job in China your company will help you with the visa process so that it's not too stressful.
Really interesting. Though what are the opportunities you have in China that you don't have in the UK. Apart from being in China... or any other country. Also how much holiday do you get in China as standard?
Nico, you answer below. 10 days holiday plus what I guess what we in the UK call statutory.
Now I understand why people say LaGuardia looks like a tiolet cubicle in comparison.
Chinese education will eventually be more encouraging toward independent thinking but currently it is only at the top level of a organizations.
Do you pay into the social security system of China, so you won't be left high and dry in your retirement years?
I found it funny first when I saw workers have a nap after lunch, ha !
Yeah I thought it was strange but now I join in! haha
Not questioning the boss and publicly disagreeing with him/her is common across east asian culture. Nap time sounds awesome.
Note without ad visiter advertiser only recommended thanks
Listening to this just gave me a rash
I like you e-bike 😁
Thanks a lot!
It's real story
China glad to have you 加油
Thanks Nico, for your frank discussion of your working life in China. I am a Malaysian Chinese in his sixties now. Yeah, working life for us in Malaysia is not as colourful as in UK or China. I have been to UK during the early seventies. I stayed there for about 5 years. I love the British people, especially the working people. Now it is like a dream which I have woken up and have to face the harsh reality of life as an old man back in Malaysia. Keep up your spirit wherever you are and I pray that you will be joyful and peaceful in your heart all the time.
Thank you for your kind message and sharing your story, I appreciate it!
What about taxes?
UK has so much tax everywhere.
Humanity is universal but unfortunately not everybody accept this concept.
OMG, packaging, packaging, packaging. BTW, where's the VW bus?
Hey Nico, I saw there's an account on Bilibili called "Nico爱中国", is that your account?
It sure is! We are planning on posting there more regularly again!
@@Nicofilms That's awesome!! Just keep pace posting videos on Bilibili with CZcams.
One more thing to be suggested, on Bilibili you can post one special video about greetings and introductions on yourself because many Bilibili subscribers don't know much about you, and you can declare your CZcams channel name on Bilibili as well.
@@user-ml8dl4rh1e Thanks! That is a great idea I will have a look at making an intro video soon! At the moment we are trying to get some past videos translated each week that we think people will like but maybe I should make some more personal ones also!
@@Nicofilms By the way, you can sign up for an account on the App “今日头条” where you can upload videos as well
@@user-ml8dl4rh1e Yes I have as well thanks! Just waiting to get approved so I can post on it :)
I'm interested to work in China how did you apply for a teaching job in China I would love to go work in China
We did some research about what we needed to qualify for a working visa and then applied for some jobs online. We found a great recruiter at www.eslsuite.com that helped us find our teaching job. Hope that helps!
Whats the point of Holiday then lol!
Question: are you still using Senegal VPN server?
I use Express VPN and Astrill they are the most common here in China
@@Nicofilms No worries, I am just kidding as sometimes there is a scene showed in your vid intro, where you are using CZcams(SN), meaning you are in Senegal, it's hilarious. I myself can use a bare Starbucks wifi to get through the GFW from zero, every time I go back China. Actually, the GFW is not as daunting a problem as many expats think.
@@chunkytoad2361 That's really odd we usually use the UK server so I have no idea why it shows up like that. haha
👍
What's minimum wage there because I definitely don't make enough to get myself a gift every tuesday, let alone multiple people. I live in the US.
Ya, listening to / respecting seniors and Authotity is a bit too much in China.
Check Korean and Japanese. They are even more. Sometimes they even look down women. 15 years ago, I worked as a assistant manager in the purchasing department in a Singapore company in Southern China. One of business partners was a Japanese middle age man. During my first meeting, whehever I started to talk, he always looked away with a look of ... slightly"contempt". I thought I was wrong. Later on my Singapore manager appoligized me for putting me in that situation. He said that Japanese guy always did not like women, in work place. Obviously he wants women go home.
You should come to the south
Hopefully soon!