Is 14K RMB for 10 Days Work a Good Deal? What You Need to Know

When you’re scanning the job boards for your first TEFL position in China, certain offers can catch your eye—and sometimes raise your eyebrows. One recent post described a job offering 14,000 RMB after tax, with a unique schedule of working 10 days followed by 4 days off.

It sounds intriguing, right? But before you pack your bags, let’s break down what this kind of offer really means for your life in China as an English teacher.

The Numbers: What 14K RMB Actually Means

First, 14,000 RMB after tax is a solid starting salary for a first-year teacher in many Chinese cities. To put it in perspective, that’s around $1,950 USD per month. However, if you’re considering Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, this amount might feel tighter due to higher living costs.

In smaller cities or provincial capitals, 14K RMB can go much further—allowing you to save, travel, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without stretching every yuan.

The Schedule: 10 Days On, 4 Days Off

This is where the offer really stands out. Most TEFL jobs follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule with weekends free. The 10-days-on, 4-days-off rotation is less common and deserves careful thought.

The upside? Those four consecutive days off can be fantastic for weekend getaways or exploring nearby cities. You could even plan short trips to places like Xi’an, Chengdu, or Guilin without using annual leave.

The downside? Ten straight days of teaching can be exhausting, especially if your daily workload is heavy. By day eight or nine, you may feel burned out. It’s wise to ask about daily hours, class sizes, and planning responsibilities before signing anything.

What’s Not Included: Questions to Ask

A good salary and unique schedule are attractive, but they’re not the whole picture. Before accepting an offer, get clear on:

• Housing: Is accommodation provided or does it come as a housing allowance? Rent can eat up a large chunk of your salary.
• Flights: Are round-trip airfare or reimbursement offered? Many schools provide this for one-year contracts.
• Health Insurance: Does the school provide basic health coverage? This is crucial for peace of mind.
• Visa Support: Will they sponsor a Z-visa and help with the work permit process? Legitimate schools always do.
• Holidays: Do you get Chinese public holidays off? What about annual leave?

Is This School Legitimate?

If you’re considering a specific school that you can’t find much information about online, take extra precautions. Here’s what you can do:

• Ask for current foreign teachers’ contact details to get firsthand feedback
• Check if the school is registered with your country’s embassy
• Look for reviews on independent TEFL forums (not just social media)
• Request a copy of the contract before you commit

The Bottom Line

A job offering 14K RMB after tax with a 10-4 schedule could be a great opportunity, especially in a lower-cost city. Just make sure you understand the full package—including benefits, living costs, and daily workload.

If it feels right and you’ve done your research, this kind of schedule might even give you more freedom to explore China than a traditional five-day work week. But if something feels off, trust your gut. There are plenty of other TEFL positions waiting for the right candidate.