Job Discussion Forums

[24601]

Hi all!

I'm a 31 year old mother of two who happens to be in applications process with Nova and ECC now, probably others later.

I have no intention of taking my kids or husband with me. Note, kids are with my exH, with whom I get on famously, and my current husband will be quite busy doing extensive globetrotting for his own career the next couple years. So I thought why not go to Japan? I'd been mulling it for years and it was just never the right time... but now it is!

I chose the corporate route because I am teaching ESL in the public school system now and I absolutely hate it. Passionately. The reason? The kids don't give a monkey's hind end. They aren't interested in English, they do not wish to learn English, they see no reason to learn English, and are forced to be there. They are rude nasty little beasts. Especially 5th graders. 6th are fine, 3rd are dreamy, 4th are getting a bit cheeky, and 5th graders are all possessed beasts in my experience thus far. I want to be with people who at least are paying for the privelege, and might be more interested.

I have a bachelor's in a stupid major I will never allow my children to study on my dime, and experience is all.

When I was with exH, he travelled quite heavily and extensively as well. I often had the kids alone for 6 months at a time or more. He returned the favour a few times. We also met up with one another for holidays every few months. In other words, my kids are used to going without mummy or daddy for extended amounts of time, and we parents are used to it as well. exH being a complete tech wizard has enabled us to never go more than 2-3 days without speaking to one another. My current husband and I have spent quite a good deal of time apart, with him spending the better part of a year in China and Thailand (where I eventually joined him for a few months). We're not new to this travel thing.

My problem is I wonder how far I go to hide this from interviewers. I see no place to answer this question on the Nova app, and I certainly don't intend to bring it up as I imagine the typical response would be to blacklist me. Or are there other people who do this? What do you think? Also I've seen some forms where they ask if you are married. I feel like saying no! It's none of their bloody business! I have accepted the picture on the resume bit, but asking for my marital status just annoys me for some reason.

I'm also really looking forward to this because I am a top rate cook from scratch of Japanese foods. I just want to eat and sit at home with a bit of sake or go for walks in the neighbourhood when not at work. I am completely and utterly disinterested in paying for a nightclub (I can never enjoy it-- I keep sitting there thinking how much cheaper it would be to get far more drunk in the privacy of my own home!). I think I'd be an ideal employee for an English factory like one of the big four, but I am paranoid that "married with children" thing will make them run.

[PAULH]

[24601]

[PAULH]

[24601]

You know, I'm looking about and I don't see where the gaijin houses are much different than company sponsored housing. That seems like a sensible enough option. Now that I know there are some, I can relax a bit and find out where I'll be going before making plans.

Thanks Paulh

[Glenski]

You don't HAVE TO say that you are married, but expect someone to ask. You don't HAVE to say you have children, either, but expect that question, too.

Come to an interview with an attitude like "It's none of your damn business", and you won't get the job. Trust me. Come and be pleasant and honest enough to say that you won't be traveling with your family, and that this has never been a problem before (although it sounds like a bit of a white lie because I don't think you've been apart from them for a whole year, have you?), and you'll probably do fine.

Gaijin houses are like boarding houses. You share some facilities, so it's not like renting an apartment.

When Paul wrote that you will have to furnish your own apartment (in most cases), he means with EVERYTHING. Washing machine, fridge, stove (just a countertop burner, essentially, is all that people use here), curtains, light fixtures (YES!!), etc. Many items can be purchased at 100-yen shops, but not these.

Oh, and as far as having customers / students (the young'uns anyway) that pay for the privilege of learning English, you might be surprised. Not all kids enjoy it that much here, either.

[Apsara]

As someone who has lived in both gaijin houses and company sponsored housing, I have to tell you there is an enormous difference- the first being numbers. If you are sharing in company sponsored housing, you are sharing the kitchen/ bathroom/ mess with 2 other people at the most.

In a gaijin house it's up to 20 people- possibly more. You have your own bedroom, but it's a real university dorm situation. Both gaijin houses (misnomer as half the residents were Japanese) I lived in the kitchens were filthy- there are always some people who will not clean up after themselves no matter what- and there was a lot of noise. Weirdos abound as well.

I wouldn't recommend anyone the gaijin house route- either take the company accommodation, especially if you are only looking at coming for a year or so, or go with Leo Palace or Sakura House or similar.

[king kakipi]

When I read the title of this subject, I thought you were going to eat your kids 'cos they kept losing their hats........

Not true however.....

Anshinshimashi-ta !

[24601]

[24601]

[24601]

[JimDunlop2]

I'll be much more impressed if you leave your hat and eat your kids!

[kdynamic]

Be prepared for Japanese people to not understand your reasoning AT ALL for what you will be doing. It's normal for the father to live apart form the family for work, but UNHEARD OF for the mother to do so. You're in for some interesting conversations about societal norms!

Anyway, good luck. If it's what you want to do, I don't think you'll have a problem getting a job. If I were you, I wouldn't freely offer any information about your personal situation, but I also wouldn't lie. And yes, you will be asked.

[Glenski]

[kanjizai]

Do it!
You don`t have to explain or apologize.

Good Luck!