Job expectations for our loved ones

[warpedbored]

It seems I touched a nerve in one of my earlier posts when I menitoned a concern of mine about what kind of work Bing can expect to get once she gets here. while wages in China are pitiful compared to ours, our fiance's social status could be much higher there. I used the example of working at McDonalds being beneath them. Often their english skills prevent them from finding a job worthy of their talents. I would appreciate feedback from some of our Chinese members on this topic

[Dave G.]

It seems I touched a nerve in one of my earlier posts when I menitoned a concern of mine about what kind of work Bing can expect to get once she gets here.  while wages in China are pitiful compared to ours, our fiance's social status could be much higher there.  I used the example of working at  McDonalds  being beneath them.  Often their english skills prevent them from finding a job worthy of their talents.  I would appreciate feedback from some of our Chinese members on this topic

First....to my friends on the Left....let's not use this thread to do any Bush bashing. Fair?

 

Carl, have you forgotten? This is the US of A. She can do anything she wants to...within reason. If she want to be a neurosurgeon, so be it. But, she can't if she doesn't go to school and earn the right to play in other people's brains. I tell my fiancee she can do anything she wants to....school, work, homemaker...she has the freedom of choice. She still can't fully grasp that concept.

 

Let Bing decide when she gets here. If she dreams of a certain job but needs training/education, then guide her through the right process of obtaining it. If she has a particular skill already, nothing to prevent her from becoming an entrepreneur and starting her own business. Remember...this is America. Whatever she wants provided she's willing to work hard for it. Based on what you know of our system and based on what her desires are, you can help her get there. The sky is the limit.

 

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[warpedbored]

I would be content for her to be a simple house wife but I think she wuold like more. Yes I know this is america and we can be anything we want to. but realistically speaking without a large sum of money to invest in your own business and a language barrier she is not likely to land a six figure a year job.

[Dave G.]

.....she is not likely to land a six figure a year job.

Maybe not. But, if it's important to her, why isn't it possible? With hard work, faith, and a little luck, I hope all your dreams come true.

 

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[Robert S.]

Working at McDonald's is not beneath any American. McDonald's IS America. All Americans should be required to serve a stint in the military. Any kind of equalizing experience is good for a person.

[frank1538]

Any kind of equalizing experience is good for a person.

Reminds me of a true story. When I first started working (Sears), I was required to spend a week in customer service as part of the training. So, a co-worker and I have been handling customer complaints all day, and this lady comes up and starts yelling and screaming about her lawnmower. My buddy tried very hard not to lose his cool, but finally she told him what he could do with the lawnmover.

 

His response: "Sorry madam, I've already got one up there from earlier today."

 

Actually, I am convinced that the US economy is carried on the backs of the of the lower level employees. This is where the real work gets done, but the worth to the employer is seldom recognized in the form of pay.

[frank1538]

In my view, the language barrier is the biggest hurdle for mainstream professional employment. If your spouse is not fluent in English, the opportunities will be limited. But, as Dave indicated, even this can be overcome.

 

I work for a large multinational firm and a number of the employees here in Atlanta are foreign - some from China. There is no question about the individuals' qualifications do to the work, but if there is an inability to communicate in English, this will always be an impediment to significant advancement here in the states.

 

However, we have a fairly large Asian community in Atlanta, and it seems that those whose language skills are not the best, tend to do business within the community. And, many do very very well. One of my friend's dads is from Korea, speaks limited English, but is a successful real estate devolper serving the Asian community.

 

I agree with Dave. There are boundless opportunities out there, but it may take patience, and it may mean aiming high, but starting low.

[tonado]

My wife wants to be a dental assistant. They make pretty good money here.

[Bobby]

However, we have a fairly large Asian community in Atlanta, and it seems that those whose language skills are not the best, tend to do business within the community.  And, many do very very well.  One of my friend's dads is from Korea, speaks limited English, but is a successful real estate devolper serving the Asian community.

Exactly the point I was going to make.. if you live in a large (or even medium-sized) urban area, I don't see why she cannot work in an Asian company..

 

The communication barrier is certainly an obstruction to a good career, but I went to college with many foreigners who's english was worse than my fiancee's. I am sure an education, or at the very least, training is not out of the question.

 

At one point, I asked my fiancee what kind of job would she like, if she got a job. Initially, she did not understand what I was asking. I explained to her that, here, you can have any job you want as long as you are willing to work for it (here I would refer to the earlier example of becoming a neurosurgeon). This confused her. I don't think she really realizes what kind of freedoms are available here.

 

My plan? Play it by ear. She's a hard worker and has a lot of common sense. I think she'll do well at anything she wants to do. I am going to sit back with constant encouragement and occasional help.

[tonyontherock]

Laguage ability is really a myth. It takes only a year or two for her to catch up. It is the intellectual capacity. I am fully confident that most of the women coming over will be over come the language barrier, if she is not stuck in the Asian community and is presented with an opportunity to use the language.

Give you an example. Despite the fact that I learned English in college and spent a year in Canada, when I first came over to the States for school, I had to use a dictionary to read those cases.

One of the most annoying questions during interview was" wow, your English is so good where did you learn it?" Believe me, if an employer would compliment you on the English skills, that means he is not calling you back!

When I was offered a job by New York city, they asked me what I wanted to do. I said "trials". Did 8 years of that, Every Day.

That is the only way to learn. I got laughed at, yelled at by judges, etc.

If you let her first get a job dealing with people which require a lot of communication, that would really get her up to speed on the language. Females are much better at language than males.

[Mick]

Having been back from China for six months now, I would like to say a whole lot on this subject, but most of it would be Bush-bashing and I respect Dave's request to refrain. And I am not even on the Left... ...well, ....kinda

[Guest Se_Lang]

I would say 70% of our temp workers at my job don't speak English at all, But what do you want for $6 an hour, Now the ones that can speak some English seem to get promoted faster to leadership positions, and last but not least we have some Chinese also, but to their credit they are all in the higher paying jobs some have good English, some so so, and some not at all.

[konajim]

Very good subject My Finacee is A medical Doctor and a very good and Highly qualified one Specialist Internal medicine. 17 Years of school. I thought that would be the only thing that she would want to do and I support her totally in this I would keep working and she could go to school as long as it takes. All I want is for Her to be Happy. Talking with her she is not sure what she wants to do. They have worked her to the bone in China They do not have enough qualified people so when one comes along they get all the responsibility. Our thoughts now is to wait and when she gets here we will take our time. Her English is not outstanding but it is good. She does not think so. I know she is very intelligent and can do anything she wants to. She also had business classes in school and we are leaning towards something where we can work together. All we know is That time will tell and we Have faith in the God that brought us together. Will guide us in our future as long as we slow down enough to listen and learn when he talks to us through other people and the Quite place in Our minds. Love Conquers All.

 

JIM & MEI