Job Discussion Forums

[Dex]

I live and work in Bangkok, Thailand for a great school and a pretty decent salary. I can't save as much as I'd like to in western terms, but I do ok.

Here's the thing...

My girlfriend (from Osaka) has said that if I'd like to try teaching in Japan, and save some decent money, we could stay in her apartment in Osaka. There will be no rent, no key money, no deposits, and she has a car.
She is a fairly successful business woman who has good contacts in Osaka and can make the move fairly easily, so there are no worries for her, but do you think it would be a wise move for me?

I have good experience under my belt, and don't really relish the idea of returning back to square one in Japan (although the money is tempting...). In my current job, I will probably be promoted to a managerial position fairly soon, but still the money won't be great (converted).

What kind of opportunities are there for someone like me, with a couple years primary school experience, a year of adult training, and a plain old bachelor's degree?

Realistically speaking, is it a good move, or am I just selling my soul for a little extra cash?

[PAULH]

[Dex]

Thanks Paul. I took a look at that site, and it seems a lot of employers ask for work visa.

If I come over with say GEOS, or Berlitz etc. can I change jobs and keep my work visa?

Is 250k enough (considering I have an apartment and car taken car of already)?

Sorry if these questions are answered elsewhere on the forum, just don't have enough time to check right now.

Thanks.

[PAULH]

[markle]

I did six years in Thailand and in the end I had little to show for it so coming to Japan was the only way I could get the money I need to move on to bigger and better things. I know that managerial position sounds like it's worth something but in the cold hard real world it probably won't amount to much.
And after BKK, even a big city like Osaka will be a breeze. Basically in Bkk nothing works as it should contrasted with here were everything works as it should.

[PAULH]

[Dex]

Thanks.

Just what I wanted to hear. I'll probably come over January next year with a language school job in hand, and then see what else comes my way...

Markle, just out of interest, what were salaries like when you worked in BKK.
I'm earning about 160 000 yen in my current position, but that doesn't seem to go too far in terms of saving, even with the relatively low cost of living.

[earache]

[PAULH]

[markle]

[Dex]

Yeah, I've heard that...

What type of company do you work for? Language school / primary school / etc?
Was it fairly easy to gain decent employment? By easy, I don't mean walk-in jobs, but if you're willing to get out there, are there jobs to be had?

Is it still easy to save 100k when you're earning 250k, and would like to have at least one good night out a week?

[sidjameson]

Man, with a gf like that you got nothing to worry about. 250k will go a long way. IN fact I would say that you will be saving at least 100k a month. Its a great chance. Go for it. I wouldnt see it as a step down if I were you. It's what you save thats the name of the game for the career tefler and so therefore it would be a step in the right direction.

[earache]

[Dex]

Thanks Sid.

Do you think I could get more than 250k? I get the feeling that experience counts for very little, and in fact could make you less desirable to the big language schools, who are looking for fresh faced college graduates who will follow all the rules and do things by their book.

Thats not to say that I will be a trouble-maker, but rather that I may have different teaching ideas, which I've picked up from my experience.

Also, do you think my age make me less desirable? I'm 29 this year, but will be 30 when applying in Japan.

[PAULH]