Job Discussion Forums

[Haruka]

Okay, I tried searching to see if anyone had posted this kind of question already, but didn't find anything. I am in process of trying to get a teaching job in Japan (of course) and have had a nagging question pinging around in my brain for a while. Does being fat hinder your chances of being hired?

As you have probably guessed, I'm fat. According to my August physical, I am healthy, though, and I have prior teaching experience and a Preliminary Teaching Credential. So, as a fat job-seeker, am I wasting my time?

[ZennoSaji]

I'm plus size, too, and I've gotten to the seminar stage of Interac. What's more, the guy doing the demo lessons in Interac's videos is on the hefty side, as well. :3 I think we're ok, but this is my first try.

[funkyging]

I'm classed as overweight and im working in a JHS. on problems during interview, same as the guy before me, my boss is on the hefty side aswell

[Glenski]

Face it. Compared to most Japanese, many/most of us foreigners are huge. It's all relative.

Without knowing your true size (and no, I'm NOT asking you to divulge), it's a little hard to make judgments here. I'd say many/most employers judge us on the basis of credentials and chemistry/personality. I know quite a few large women who have been here a while and were not small when they arrived. Key words are "a while", as in 10-20 years.

Put on a smile and charm them.

[Haruka]

Sounds good. Thanks, everybody! I was just curious. I hadn't seen anything online that said fat people would have a hard time getting hired and figured if it were a problem, someone would have complained about it.

[kathrynoh]

I guess it's something they aren't going to tell you if you don't get the job.

The only thing I'd suggest is that if you want to work with kids, especially young kids, you give the impression that you have loads of energy and you are flexible enough (physically) get down on the floor and play games with them.

[southofreality]

Have seen plenty of big boys and girls teaching as ALTs and in eikaiwas... Energy and a positive attitude are two most important factors.

[rxk22]

[Pitarou]

I've met a few big women working in the eikaiwa / ALT industry, including some in senior positions. I've never been close to any of them but, FWIW, I've never heard them complain about their size affecting their career.

[HLJHLJ]

I haven't noticed gender being a factor. I haven't seen any obvious size discrimination of either men or women, and have seen numerous larger teachers of both sexes. No doubt it happens on occasion, but as far as I can see it's mostly a non issue. As was said previously, energy and enthusiasm appear to be more important.

[Glenski]

[rxk22]

[jmatt]

I think it's fine---as long as you're OK with the occasional student or co-worker saying something along the lines of "my, you are very fat!" Not in a mean way, but more as a statement of fact.

Now, I'm no beanpole, and in the US I wouldn't be described as fat, but this was said to me a number of times in Japan. At one point, I was running 6 miles every day before work and in pretty decent shape, and when I was discussing it with a student he said, "oh, but you still are very fat." Just said "well, that's because I eat and drink so much.'

So, just roll with it!

[Haruka]

I'm used to people commenting on my weight. ^,^ It doesn't bother me anymore. I got used to being stared at as an oddity during my last trip to Japan a few years ago. It's good advice, though!

[ZennoSaji]