- 未填公司未填職務26-30歲
在臺灣工作難道就是這樣的現實嗎？
Hello, I’m a foreigner from Europe currently working in Taiwan. While I truly enjoy living here and love many aspects of life in Taiwan; the convenient living, relliable public transport, friendly people and delicious food, I’ve found the work culture very difficult to adjust to.
I work in the field of science as a researcher, and while I am passionate about my field, the long working hours have really drained me. My current schedule is typically 9am–8pm (and sometimes later), five days a week, with only a one-hour lunch break. In my contract there is no mention of my expected work hours so I feel forced to work until my boss says I can go home. Back in my home country, I was used to working 40 hours a week with more breaks during the day, and I still had energy to pursue my hobbies and social life.
Here, I often feel exhausted every day, and even on my days off I struggle to find the energy to enjoy Taiwan, meet people, or do activities I love. It’s been discouraging, and it’s crushing the passion I have for my field. Every Sunday I dread going back to work and having to go through it again another week.
So I’d like to ask: is this the reality of most jobs in Taiwan, particularly in science/research? Are long hours expected every day? I am looking for other jobs that have work hours listed on the job posting, are they to be believed? Will I actually be working those hours or will I be forced to work longer? Are there any protections for foreigners regarding long hours? Or am I being unrealistic or entitled by expecting work-life balance to be similar to Western standards here?
I would really appreciate hearing about other people’s experiences and any advice.
Thank you for sharing! Taiwan's workplace culture indeed has its unique characteristics, such as an emphasis on teamwork, clear hierarchical structures, a culture of overtime, and a focus on details and efficiency. These traits are particularly prominent in local companies and may feel challenging for some to adapt to. If you find it hard to fit in, considering foreign companies is a good option, as they often bring a more international management style and flexible work environment. However, as you mentioned, even foreign companies can sometimes be influenced by local workplace culture, such as long working hours or certain traditional expectations.
hi~
Q: I’ve found the work culture very difficult to adjust to.
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First of all, yes. It is pretty common in Taiwan to have working hours.
We/Taiwanese hate that too. Things are changing in younger generations, but it takes time.
Personal point of view, it might come culture reasons.
Chinese has idiom called "三過家門而不入/Pass home 3 times didn't enter“.
Emperor Yu were dedicated to the hydraulic engineering work to save million's of people's life, he passed his home three times even when his wife gave birth to his sons. This is a 5,000 years old idiom to set the expectation of working ethic and dedication.
Not saying this is correct or the best thing to have.
Just trying to explain from a different angle of this phenomenon.
Q: The long working hours have really drained me. I feel forced to work until my boss says I can go home.
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I suggest you to have a good conversation to your boss. They might not even notice or aware your struggle, because they take this for grant.
(For example)
Hi boss, I would like to talk about my work load and working hours. My mental and physical health cannot stand for current long working hours. I would like to go home at 6pm everyday.
Q : Are there any protections for foreigners regarding long hours?
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Yes. There are laws about working hour and employers should pay extra for extended working time. Not the expert on this, but you can check online.
You can collect evidence for your current long working hours and try to file a case to Department of Labor.
(Countine in reply)
