Job Discussion Forums

[tom.s]

Hi there,

I've just got an offer form nova and i'm wondering if anyone could advise on whether to go for the 34 lesson or the 37 lesson contract. What are/were most nova people on?

The difference in pay doesn't look particularly massive (i work it out to be about �80 a month (about 20,000 yen). But is that extra money important? Or is it better to have the extra free time to see japan, learn japanese, or do other things?

I guess you'd always have the option of overtime on the 34 lesson one to get some more money if needed? Or you could switch to the 37 lesson one, or could you?

Finally, what sort of hours do people ACTUALLY end up working?? Eg: how many hours a week would a 24 lesson schedule actually be, and how many hours would a 37 lesson schedule be?

Many thanks in advance,
Tom

[Hoser]

37 hours is 37 hours. Actually less I suppose because lessons are only 40 minutes long. Dont forget that when you choose the lower lesson contracts you are probably missing out on a couple of night shift bonuses (10,000 yen) so it's not simply a difference of fewer hours worked.

[Topo Gigo]

I've gone for the 34 hr option as financially I'm in a position where I just need to get by, and would rather spend my time enjoying Japan than trying to save up more money. I guess it just depends on what your priorities are. I'm not sure how the late night bonuses work, although I was under the impression that it only applied if you were in the multi-media centre, in which case I don't think you get the 34/37hr choice. I may be wrong about this - it should be covered in the booklet they send you, and in the interview. If not, send them an email.
I figured that if I do need more money, I can always try for overtime or try to get private students (anyone know how feasible that is?), but doing it the other way and cutting down hours may be a problem.

With the way the timing works, you work 40/45 min of each 37 hrs, and the 15-20 min inbetween is yours to do with what you will. You don't actually get paid for that time, but you need to use it to make notes on the previous lessons' students and sort out your lesson plans etc for the next lesson. So really you are doing the full 37 I reckon

Anyway, whatever you do, it's 3 hours a week. Probably not going to make a huge amount of difference!
Good luck!

[bornslippy1981]

- The late shift bonus applies to all people who start at 13:20. It's 5000 Yen extra per shift. I'm not really sure why they give you more money for working late, but they do. By 5000 Yen per shift, I mean if you work a late shift every Monday, you get the money only once. I think the MM Center gives more money for people who work really late, such as until 3 AM or starting at 5 AM. Not sure what that amount is though.

- Private lessons are feasible, but with the contract you'll likely work Saturday, Sunday, Monday for 8 lessons (could be early or late shifts), and 5 lessons on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 5 lesson days are usually late shifts - 17:00-21:00, which you get the 5000 Yen, but that's a peak time for private lessons. Unless you're willing to do them on your days off, it won't be easy, especially at first. Of course, anything is possible, and your schedule could be quite different that. It's just an example of course.

- Overtime is likely. It was always going around when I worked there.

- There's 15 minutes between lessons in the afternoon, and 10 minutes in the morning and evening. The "writing student comments" is largely a joke. Some people write nothing. Others write long novels. Other people write something funny. By Day 3 you should figure out how to write these comments during the lesson.

- If you're spending more than 2 minutes "planning" a lesson, you're doing too much. Use that time to chat with others, do a crossword, smoke, whatever.

- You can always change, you're right. 20,000 Yen can make a difference. Depends on the person.

Good luck.

[tom.s]

Ok, thanks guys.

I think i;m going to go for the 34 hour/lesson contract, as I'm not desperate for money or anything, and i'd probably rather have the option to see more of japan. I'm hoping that it won't be too hard to get overtime/extra lessons to work 37 hours if i decide i need more money.

I'm gonna send the form off tomorrow, so if anyone has any last minute comments or suggestions, now is the time!!

[Hoser]

I'd love to do the 34 hour work week. If you usually start at 13:20 then it means that you'll only be working till 9pm one day a week (as opposed to me who works 3 )

[Tue]

your best bet is 0 lessons with Nova.

[bornslippy1981]

[tom.s]

Thats not very helpful

Well, it doesn't matter now anyway, i've gone for the 34 lesson option. Assuming they don't close before I leave...