Nah if you can speak English and come from a Native speaking country it's a plus. You have your TEFL certificate so that qualifies you for something. At least you're showing people you are trying. I've known people that didn't have any experience, no degree and no certificate and still get a job that offered them up to 12,000 rmb per month. Youngest guy I've seen here do that was a 19 year old kid from the states that couldn't stop going on about Old women checking for the dates on the milk carton. So there you go.

Well, it depends. I don't know your real purpose of coming China, just having a try or settling down. For the first option, it is possible for you to find a part-time teaching job even without a degree, say, in a language training center. You can come to China with a short-term visa (for tourist or business). For the second one, you can also find a job, but the problem is that you probably cannot apply for the work visa in an official way (having a degree is a must...if you are not a teacher but an employee hired by a company in China, it is even more difficult to get the work visa.)  Don't feel disappointed, because everything is possible in China so long as you can pay enough money. There are plenty of agencies in this country to help you to get the proper visa. You just need to pick one and pay. And also keep in mind, if any company in China says it can hire you without a degree, it might be a scam or expect more hassles would come.

This is at least what I experienced before, just for your reference. 

Officially you need the degree

In reality, you can find a job that has the contacts to give you a z-visa. No matter what anybody tells you, coming here without the z visa is a mistake.

Officially, you will need a degree and two years post degree working experience. You will also need a TESOL/TEFL qualification for teaching.

You can get jobs without, but you will be illegal, and you will be cheated relentlessly.

Always get your Z visa before coming to China. Never believe anyone that tells you it is OK to get it once you arrive. They are liars, and it is illegal to work without it.

Dave, not all places cheat illegal teachers. Some are so desperate for teachers (I know Changsha is) that they won't do anything to chase away a foreign teacher. If you have gripes, bring them up with your employer.

The last teacher at my school worked here illegally. They treated him very well, and there were no problems other than the fact that he couldn't renew his L visa due to his nationality. They couldn't get him a Z since he's from Africa, but they got one for me without any problems.

Bigger cities are huge targets for catching illegal teachers, but the smaller ones are too afraid to lose a teacher. If they lose a teacher, they lose students and money. Unless you're amazingly bad at your job, you should be fine.

However, I think you should be careful regardless. If you're caught working illegally, you could be expelled from China for 5 years. That's scary stuff if you plan on staying here. I wouldn't admit to anything on this forum, as there are certain mentally-unstable individuals who would be more than happy to make your life a living hell, and to report you to the authorities.

Guys and girls, I am here legally, please do not worry. I know there will always be haters that are going to do nothing other than hate. Its an age old question and no longer needs a response. Thanks.