u/FirstThru

Been training as a boxer since June 2025. I became an amateur boxer in China and the US in November/December 2025. Stayed at a gym between June 2025 and March 2025. in that time i had five coaches who quit after their contract expired with gym. i asked each coach why they left andthey each said the same thing, the head coach/gym owner was too overbearing. I left that gym, hired a private coach (my first coach from the gym) andin two weeks, the training was exceptional. it fit my style. i am becoming exactly what i am training for. consistency is key. I will say, learning to fight different styles is better than learning different styles of fighting. to each their own, this is my two cents. anyone else got a similar experience?

I hope mods can make this an ongoing thread.

my fellow expats, a lot of yall keep asking or posting the same stuff "why cant i find a job in China?"

As of April 2026 the job market for foreigners has stabilized but the pay rate has also stabilized or decreased. Why? China has enough foreigners to fill in expat needed positions. this includes education, secretarial, and commerce. Because these industries are stable, schools and companies are not fighting tooth and nail for any expat. their focus now is quality and experience. The standard now is, you must have two years of relateable work experience, a bachelors degree, NO criminal record, and be from a country in which your skillset is dominant.

Example. English Teachers must come from a predominantly English speaking country.

Regarding current laws, China has criminalized for profit public educational institutions for 6-15 year olds. if you plan on working in a public school, do not expect more than 20k yuans per month. Training centers, private schools, and international schools are your best bet.

China's general worldview is passive and dominated by domestic social norms. These norms can be racially, age, and sex based. the lighter your skin tone the better, the younger the better, and if you are a man, better. it is of social preference. China needs strong, energetic, and visually appealing people to come here as it promotes consumer engagement. It is what it is.

If you are looking for a better chance to work here i recommend the following;

1. Learn Chinese HSK3 or higher

2. Earn a bachelors or higher

3. be muscular or thin

4. dress well in all your photos

5. update your resume today

6. do not expect high pay rates

Easier said than done, i know. this is reality. The plus side is, you can get in with the minimum requirements but you wont make high pay. If you do find high paying positions the benefits and schedules might not be great.

I welcome anyoned input. share your experiences. i know there is a lot more to this than what i typed.