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Posts: 63

Governor

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Q: Any self-employed here?

Would you share how you made starting it then and how happy you are with it now..

9 years 26 weeks ago in  General  - Shenzhen

 
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Posts: 1838

Emperor

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Yes, I am self employed.

 

I spent a number of years teaching English whilst I studied the business culture, the do's and don'ts, the opportunities, the threats and learning the language to a standard that I do not have to rely on translators to get by. I took an unpaid internship at a similar type company to the one that I envisioned constantly picking the brains of various connections and the owner. I then took one last teaching contract on a low salary but with absolutely loads of free time. During my free periods, I set about writing a very comprehensive business plan.

 

When I was satisfied with the circumstances, I took the dive. I transferred sufficient money to pay the first 20% of the company registered capital. I agreed a time period with the government for putting up the other 80% of the capital.

 

The first year was harder than I expected but the second year brought the first major contract. I have been trading now for just shy of five years and the last couple of years have been tough. Never-the-less, I do get by and I turn a reasonable profit most of which exits the country at every available opportunity.

 

To be frank, self employment in China is very difficult and it is almost impossible to incorporate contingency in the business plan for every potential risk. The reason for that is the nature and type of risk changes frequently sometimes daily. Dealing with government bureaucracy and ever changing policies will be the eternal bugbear.

 

Yes, there are times when I dearly regret taking the plunge in China but It has made me a much stronger and more resourceful person. Recently I have considered whether now is the time to move on but my British stubbornness keeps me going.

October1st:

Thank you very much for sharing the experience. I felt the determination, steadiness and courage from you. And that are all what I needed to be prepared first...Anyway, hope you got support from all around and make you a more successful business man. Thanks again.

9 years 25 weeks ago
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9 years 25 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77