Job Discussion Forums

[mia_1]

Hi guys, I'm a bit of a newbie at this, so my apologies for anything that sounds somewhat stupid. I'm Australian, have done 3 years of a 4-year university degree so have not graduated yet. I am taking 2007 out from studying.

I have been offered a position teaching in Japan with Nova (flexi position), and I must make a decision as to whether I will accept this or not. My main concern is that, because I am going to be part-time, I will not have much money to enjoy a social life and be able to go out for meals etc etc. I understand I can sign up for overtime but don't want to rely on this.

The other option I am tossing up is teaching in Vietnam by starting out doing a TEFL course on arrival. However I am uncertain of my chances of being employed in Vietnam without a degree. Does having 3 years of uni under your belt count for anything? Anyway sorry this has turned out to be a bit of an essay, was just interested in thoughts from people who may have experienced either option
thanks : )
Mia

[Apsara]

Whether you can have a decent lifestyle on Nova's flexi-schedule depends on what you are used to.

I came to Japan on a WHV straight our of university 10 years ago and worked for Nova on the old version of the current flexi-time contract. Part way through the year I also picked up a couple of hours a week teaching at a kindergarten and 2 private students. Because I was fresh out of university and used to surviving on very little I had no trouble saving money on that amount and also having a decent social life, although I tended to go out closer to where I lived as going out in central Tokyo puts a huge drain on your finances. My rent was fairly cheap.

Now I have been in the workforce for a long time however I would hate to live off that amount as I've got used to being able to buy the things I want, and my rent is a lot more now.

If you have been living on a typical student budget for the last 3 years you will probably be fine with the flexi-schedule and some overtime. When I was working for Nova there was never any shortage of overtime, we were getting begged to do it.

[Glenski]

Can't say anything about Vietnam except find out if they accept people without degrees.

As for Japan, what do you get paid for a flexi schedule with NOVA? Will you have to take their 70,000 yen/month apartments, too? Where you will be posted might make a difference, too, in how much you have to pay each month.

If NOVA pays anything like 200,000 yen/month, you'll be ok as long as you don't go wild on expenditures. With a working holiday visa, you can take any sort of job, not just teaching, to supplement that income, too. It just all depends on what you want to get out of a gap year.

[BedTiger]

Hey,

Working in Vietnam without a degree is not a big deal. Getting a work permit is. You can get a work permit without a degree but it is a long and difficult process. Without the WP you will be stuck working at NOVA like places and not really enjoying your time here.

As for the whole Vietnam vs. Japan...thats comparing apples and bowling balls, so if you have any specific questions ask away, I was in Japan before coming to Vietnam. I do think you have to be a bit slow to work in Japan for 40 hours a week and make 200000 Y, when I make the same amount here working less than 20 a week. Granted Japan has some amazing places to visit and see, I just couldn't afford to do it on my salary (250000) when I was there.

[mia_1]

wow thanks so much for all your replies, they have been very helpful.
So BedTiger you were in Japan before coming to Vietnam? How do you find the two places? I know they are both incredibly different and can't really be compared. I think I would maybe prefer to go to VN as a place, but then I have a guaranteed job in Japan, which I'm sure will also be an amazing place. If I had that lined up in VN or at least a degree to help me I'd probably go there but I can just see myself pottering around for a few months never being able to find a job! but then I suppose you wouldnt really be spending that much while job hunting... hmmm decisions decisions.
Would you go back to Japan knowing the difference in lifestyle you could have? I take it you have a degree plus qualifications etc?

Yeah I'm going to take the NOVA appartment for at least the first month then find somewhere else. I know its a bit of a rip off but I mean they set it all up for you and I've heard theyre pretty good, I'm just a bit daunted by the task of house hunting in Japan until I'm actually there and get a feel for the place.

What you say Apsara is very true, and I am used to being very thrifty with my finances as a student - refusing to buy lunch at work in favour bringing my own to save on cash etc! so maybe I will be ok. I have never had the experience of earning a full time wage so I've never been used to having a lot of money to spend so maybe I will be fine...

[BedTiger]

[Alberta605]

Jealousy isn't usually a curse I endure, but I am jealous of those that love working in Vietnam. A beautiful country with remarkable people and if you get that 'good job' then its gotta be fantastic.
It's the place I'd really like to experience next.

[sallycat]

to be honest, mia, unless you are going to live in a gaijin house, the nova apt might be the best deal you can get for a while. you know about key money, right?

[mia_1]

Hmm yes I had a feeling that might be the case, I have read about key money and thats not really an option for me as I dont have a whole lot of cash. I guess I thought maybe once I'm there something might come up where theres a spare room that people need someone to move into... probably just wishful thinking! do/did you work for NOVA SC? With their appartments, I suppose as they say, it's the cost of convenience.

[supervisor133]

I began at NOVA as a part-timer. Earnt roughly Y 180,000/month if I remember correctly. I was lucky to supplement this with some overtime. I went out a lot and did some travelling and was still able to take a trip back to Australia for 10 days while I was P/T. There will definitely be months where it is tight, but I'm sure you'll still enjoy yourself.

Apartment? If you're going to be there for a year or less then I'd probably just stay in the NOVA apartment. Setup costs for an apartment (key etc) can be a burden esp. if you're on a P/T wage.

Vietnam? Haven't worked there yet but some of my colleagues have and it sounds like you should be able to get at least something without a degree, though how satisfying it is is another thing altogether.

[sallycat]

yeah, i did work for nova.

with the house stuff -- it's quite rare for anyone to have a spare room going, though you might be lucky.

[bornslippy1981]