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Q: I'm on the horns of a dilemma. What would you do?
I teach at a middle school and included in my contract is a clause that reads 'Party B (me) can stay home on the birthday and the school will give the Salute.'
This is my 4th year at this school and previously I have ignored this clause and attended classes as per my schedule.
But this year I'm thinking differently. I think I might advise the school I'm staying at home for my birthday but they can forego the salute.
Problem is my feeling of guilt. I have 5 classes on this day and wonder if I'll be letting any students down.
On the other hand, I've had a gutfull and would like to have the day off.
So, what do you think you would do?
*I have the same clause for Christmas but, like on my birthday, I always go to school.
8 years 13 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
Generally, I respect all demands on the Contract, and in return I demand all my rights from the agreement are respected, too!
If that right is important to you, go and talk with rep. about it. Add some excuse, why you should be free of work for birthday this year, since you never asked for day off before.
I don't celebrate my birthday, 'cause sometimes I have feeling I'm celebrating am closer to the grave every year
. I like to live.
Sorry for the last sentence. It wasn't my intention to spoil anything 
.
royceH:
I couldn't care less about it being my birthday. Every year it is just another day. Didn't even have a party for 40th, 50th. The only party I can ever remember having was for my 21st, and even then it was just a family bbq.
I didn't seek the clause in the contract, it's just there. Previously to be ignored but this year might be different.
Generally, I respect all demands on the Contract, and in return I demand all my rights from the agreement are respected, too!
If that right is important to you, go and talk with rep. about it. Add some excuse, why you should be free of work for birthday this year, since you never asked for day off before.
I don't celebrate my birthday, 'cause sometimes I have feeling I'm celebrating am closer to the grave every year. I like to live.
Sorry for the last sentence. It wasn't my intention to spoil anything .
royceH:
I couldn't care less about it being my birthday. Every year it is just another day. Didn't even have a party for 40th, 50th. The only party I can ever remember having was for my 21st, and even then it was just a family bbq.
I didn't seek the clause in the contract, it's just there. Previously to be ignored but this year might be different.
ahh the great Australian Sickie .
mate it is up to you. i doubt if there is a word for conchance in mandarin however you spell it.
if you really think thier world will stop if you aren't there to spin it then you really need to take a step back .
good luck
royceH:
Not a sickie Phil. The contract says to stay home on my birthday. Why? Buggered if I know.
And as for feeling irreplacable...yeah right. I could read the paper in every class and no one would even notice.
In fact, that's not a bad idea...
So I guess I've just answered my question. Thanks for letting me see it more clearly.
Well, this is highly personal but from my own perspective I would continue to disregard the clause in the contract ...
For myself I long time ago decided that business and private affairs are to be divided ...
But as mentioned earlier - it's very personal, private decision ...
Lord_hanson:
Not sure why you got downvoted I completely agree. Have an upvote from me.
Janosik:
Thanks 
But honestly I do not care much about up and down votes ...
Sometimes enjoy the discussion - that's my purpose of staying on this forum
I would tell them that all subjects of Queen Liz are allowed 2 birthdays a year, same as her. I get too few holidays as it is to pass on freebies 
royceH:
Yep. I'm gunna stay home. Which means that I'll bung on a biggy on Monday night.
Might make a solo crack at the world beer drinking record.
Shining_brow:
Why not 4 days? 2 for the real one, 2 for the holiday one.
Lord_hanson:
Don't forget that we need a day off for her birthdays too and jubulees. If w don't report in on those days we get beheaded on our return to the kingdom.
By all means take the day off. Its your 4th year there..the way I see it, you have built some "tenure" of sorts. Do you get 401k, stock options, other bebefits, etc. that many in the developed world get?! I doubt it. At the end of the day it is them who should be honored to have such a dedicated professional as yourself. If they take any offense, or are "put off" by such a action, well...its China...all underlings should work without much (including forigners).
Sorry to be late to the (birthday) party..
I'm like you, I've worked Christmas day before just because I was the only one who celebrated it and if I took the day off all the Chinese staff would have had to make up the time on their days off. I never had the option of taking my birthday off though.
For me, if I was in your position and I was on the fence the deciding factor would be if I felt the school owed me for something. Extra stuff I'd done, wasted time due to no communication on their part.. that sort of thing.
Since you're feeling 'guilt' at the thought itself, then dont take it.. if that gives peace!
my birthday is next Monday 25 April (ANZAC DAY) and i will be at work on that day
RobRocks:
my wife will be working and my boy has kindy so not much point in staying home alone.
royceH hope you have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY man
royceH:
It's 11 months away but thanks anyway, Rob.
Same to you too.
ANZAC Day is the best. Used to take the kids to the march every year and now they're grown up they continue this tradition. We even used to go to dawn services and gunfire breakfasts. I was a soldier.
