Get a job on a tourist Visa

I currently live in China on a residence visa (Z), but my contract will end soon. I want to go back to the US (home). I want to reapply again. I am thinking of coming back to CHina on a tourist L type and then having them change it to a working Z type. Is that possible? I am doing that because I am currently locked to a company now who will not give me a release letter, thus I cannot move to another job. If I leave the company I have to go back home. Furthermore, most schools require you to interview in person. I figure if I come back on a tourist visa and apply to schools, they can help me change my tourist L type to a working Z type.