Job Discussion Forums

[furiousmilksheikali]

[SuperJo]

Ok, so I've only been at the MM Center for about a month now. It's not such a bad deal. It gets pretty monotonous, but the everchanging students really help the job go by nicely.
I would definately have to agree with many of you as well, that a lot of the instructors here are just here to party and get loaded. Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting to attain some great teaching knowledge through this job. I just thought it would be fun to try something different.

As far as all the NOVA bashing is concerned...
Yeah I hate the big corporations as well, but sometimes it's the easiest way to get what you want. I mean I worked for Clear Channel for three years, probably the most hated corporate conglomerate next to Wal-Mart in the U.S. Haha, and look where it got me.

Anyways, I have found that the majority of people I have met who despise NOVA hate it because they actually found out it's a real job. Yes, you actually have to work. The recruiting staff makes it sound like a one-year vacation, covering very little on the actual position, and instead discussing the cost of a pizza in Japan or the super cool places you can visit. They try to appeal to the fresh-out-of-college group. And when these cats make the trek over they find that they can't afford to go out every night, and that it's not just a long vacation. Treat it like any job. Do your job and then go home.

Just thought I'd add my two cents...

[prlester]

I did JET so I know Nova's not the cat's meow, but at this point in my life, it was the easiest way to come over. I'm looking forward to the experience, and yes have a little night life. any advice for orientation or how to pass the time at work without problems? People to meet?

[Neongene]

[ladyramses]

I have been with Nova MMC for about a month now and I love it. Seriously, all you did is entertain people for 40 minutes. Some of who are quite lovely to talk with....there are some who are as boring as well but just make sure you bring a book or your cell phone for games or texting and you are set. Honestly, it is a great and easy job. You get a consistent schedule and 2 days off consecutively. I have already been to Nara, Kyoto and Kobe, not to mention the great places in Osaka itself. So keep your head down, do your work and have a blast!

[marinboy]

Agree with everything that ladyramses said, it's easy and sometimes entertaining. The downside is that there some really big w**krs work there who walk around as though they own the place. ignore them and it can be a nice place to work.

[Inflames]

As this is a bit out of date, I figure I should update it a bit.

For the basics, there are two contracts for new full-time instructors, 34 and 37. 34 has 3 days with 8 lessons and 2 with 5. 37 has 4 days with 8 lessons and 1 day with 5. There is a third contract, 32, but that is only available for your second (or greater) contract.

There are a few more shifts now, although the basic 3 (EE, LL, and the night shift) are still there. The shifts now are:
07:30 - 14:55 (EE/E1)
10:00 - 17:40 (E2)
11:30 - 19:20 (M)
13:20 - 21:00 (L1)
15:10 - 22:40 (LL/L2)
22:50 - 07:20 (night)
10:50 - 14:55 (short shift)
17:00 - 19:00 (short shift)
18:40 - 22:40 (short shift)
Splits S1 and S2 are still there, but they're different now. For new instructors, E1, L2, and the night shift are usually assigned. The only exception is E2 on weekends (and possibly splits). You're likely to be assigned a variety of shifts, most likely E1 on weekends and L2 on weekdays (as those are the in-demand shifts). Some people get lucky and get assigned similar shifts every day. If you're on night shift and you request a shift change, you have to be taken off it within 30 days essentially. Shifts M, E2, and L1 are hard to get. They used to be Toppatsu shifts but now they aren't.

Because of the reduced contracts, most people make less now. People on 34 generally make 235,000 - 245,000. People on 37 usually make 250,000 - 260,000.

For MM, everyone gets trained in Diplomat lessons, Kids, and Weakpoints (short courses). Kids and weakpoint training happens after probation. This is in contrast to branch, where kids training is day 4 of OJT and there are no weakpoints. I believe everyone is getting trained for Toppatsu now too. Toppatsu is teaching branch students, which means you can have 4 students instead of 3. There are other branch/MM differences but a lot of people like Toppatsu (more no-shows//cancellations). MM only has Man-to-Man kids. Weakpoints are now like regular lessons, either Man-to-Man or Group. Weakpoints got changed a bit, but are essentially still the same as when they were made. Essentially after your first contract, you can get Demos, CATs, TOEIC, Business, and Travel.

Most of the green tags now are pretty good. Most of the uptight ones are long gone, and the ones that are left are decent people. Some take it seriously (and go all out for an observation) but others don't care much. I'd recommend being on good terms with one's TI. They can help you get trained for other courses.

All in all, I don't think MM is bad. The best advice I was offered is that, at MM, you're a number, so don't do anything so people know your name (I'd also say develop a life outside of NOVA and don't say no to things when people ask). If you need to, you can put pictures up and mute the mike in lessons. You're likely to never see a student again. LS has tagged some students as persistent complainers and they have memos giving it away ("Please ensure this student receives correction in lessons.") The worst ones have been tagged as special needs and are only taught by TIs. The whole system about complaints is still as ridiculous as ever. Some students don't care about corrections (or learning in general), but others will ask you to explain grammar points and like a ton of new vocab. Others say "This lesson was very difficult" when you give them 5 new words. The worst ones that sit there in lessons and just don't want to talk (because they'll call in and complain that they weren't given the opportunity to talk). It's not a bad job. Just don't make it so your floor supervisor or LS know your name.

[solarmist]

What are rents and commutes like working for MM? I'll be moving there next month on the 25th.

[GIR]

Wow, great thread. Thanks to the OP and all those who chimed in with additional info. I will be starting in the MM center this September, and this thread is easily the greatest source of information I have come across in this forum so far.

Thanks for sharing!