Work Contract Length - Is 1 Year Normal?

[BawaBoy]

Hello again,

 

I'm just negotiating a contract with a company in Beijing.  I'm outside of China at the moment, and the company will pay for my airfare and health insurance, plus a monthly allowance with my salary.  The pay and conditions seem quite good.

 

The only thing is that the contract they sent me is only for a year.  Is that normal?  I'm assuming it would be easy to renew before the end of the first year, but I don't want to be in limbo after that.  Should I ask them to extend the contract to two or even three years before I sign my life away?  What are the downsides to accepting a one year contract?

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated, as always!

BB

[abcdefg]

Don't forget that a one-year contract will also allow you to see how you like the job and your living conditions. Personally, I would be reluctant to promise to live anywhere or do anything for three years sight unseen. That would take a huge amount of faith.

[Shelley]

I agree with abcdefg, one year could seem like an eternity if you end up not liking the job. Accommodation, workmates, weather or a multitude of other things could make it a struggle to carry on with the job.

After a year and you have no problems then sign up for longer.

[eion_padraig]

Although multiple year visas are now available, they don't seem to be that frequent in my field of work even when the standard is a two year contract. I could see a company limiting an initial contract to a year because they can only get you a one year visa to start. 

 

What field do you work in?

[BawaBoy]

Alrighty, thanks for the feedback.

 

The job is a project consultant for an education company.