Job Discussion Forums

Le Creature · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 40

Greetings, salutations, hello hello hello...(first post)

I currently have $2800 (Australian dollars) saved in my bank account which is going towards my new working life in Japan. I'm aware of how expensive it is to live there and was wondering how much more I would have to save to make it though the first month (my parents are helping with the airfare).

I have yet to send off my resume to any possible employers but I'm aiming to leave around April-May. Since I do not have a degree I will be applying for a Holiday Working Visa (you know the one) very soon and hope for the best.

It has been brought to my attention that working outside of the big cities would be more realistic since the demand for degrees is very high, as well as the cost of living.

I hope this post has given you a basic idea of my situation. I plan to teach children and give private lessons and so have many questions to post in the near future - however my main interest right now lies in the amount of money I should have for the big move (keeping in mind that you are paid after a month of working).

Thank you for reading Very Happy

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

My suggestion would be to apply for jobs now. You might be able to secure a position before you leave for Japan. Start searching the job boards. The fact you are willing to go to the small towns and are flexible could be an advantage. Good luck.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Assuming that "help with airfare" means your parents are going to pay for ALL of the airfare, you will still have to come up with the following:

70,000-80,000 yen/month for rent on a guest house / gaijin house
MAYBE an additional 25,000 refundable deposit.

10,000 yen setup fees for a cell phone, plus 5000-8000 yen for each month

20,000-25,000 yen/month for local transportation

30,000-40,000 yen/month for food.

That totals 130,000 to 180,000 for the first month. After that, it'll be roughly 125,000 yen/month. At 86 yen/AUS$, that works out to $1511 - 2093 for your first month, so your $2800 will probably cover you for less than 2 months.

If you are lucky enough to find an employer during the first month, you will still have to wait 4-6 weeks for the first paycheck to come. Coming in April is almost too late. Many (most?) of the hires peak out in March for early April start dates.

Finding those private lessons might be as easy as signing up with www.findateacher.com , but I wouldn't count on raking in lots of yen immediately, and private lessons are notorious for canceling at the last minute.

Le Creature · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 40

Wow...what an excellent response. I truly appreciate it Very Happy

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

You really can't come with too much money. Japan is really the last place I would want to live if i ran out of money. I think $4,000 AUS would be good to stay on the safe side. You don't want to sign a year long contract with someone you don't like just because you are desperate and it might take longer than you think to find a job.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Sody · Joined: 03 Oct 2003 Posts: 55

Le Creature,

I have a friend from OZ who did what you want to do and she had a few hundred dollars to spare as well. BUT - and this is a very big BUT - you should make sure you come over with a job lined up first. I say this because most working holiday visa jobs pay less than working visa jobs.

You can save a lot of money if you know how to cook for yourself. Oh and living in a rural area doesn't necessarily mean that prices for many items will be cheaper. In fact it could be the exact opposite so be careful.

One other thing I'd like to warn you about. Regardless of what you have heard or read on this forum (or on any other forum) most people who teach privates are degree holders. It will be very difficult for you to get privates. I could also mention the fact that most prefer a North American accent. I know it doesn't make sense but I am warning you about all this because it is better you know now.

If you can get a job that pays around 200,000 Yen a month and limit your total spending to around 100,000 - 120,000 you should be able to save the rest each month for however many months you are able to stay in Japan. BOL to you.

Sody