Job Discussion Forums

Gstyles · Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 15

I'm currently teaching in Taiwan and here there are alot of start up costs, but whats Japan like?Is it possible to make money in Japan only teaching for 4 months or so?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

No. Start-up costs are really high here. You should be here a year minimum.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Four months? Yep. You'd make, oooohhhh, about four months' salary I'd warrant. And, in the same length of time, you'd spend a good six months' worth.

I think I speak for us all when I ask "Why on earth do you want to consider Japan for only four months?" I mean, it's hardly time enough for the ink to dry on your ID card.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

I'll echo Gordon and schmooj, but add a little more, starting with a question.

Just exactly what do you mean by "what is Japan like"? That's a terribly broad question.

If you are merely referring to costs, read the FAQ section for a start. Also, look at www.pricechecktokyo.com for other expenses. They don't rate Japan as the most expensive country in the world for nothing.

If you want exact figures beyond the FAQ, send me an email for a breakdown of living expenses, or a breakdown of expenses you will likely face if you come here without a job and plan to hunt for one.

[email protected]

Gstyles · Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 15

The only reason I'm asking is b/c I'm leaving Taiwan in January and I have school starting in August, so I though about filling in the time with another esl job only this time in Japan.

As for my question " whats Japan like?" I realize that its a broad question, but I wanted to see what others thought about the country, working and living.

Glenski: thanks for the website info.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Well in that case, and presuming that school is not in Japan itself, I wouldn't bother but either stay in Taiwan or head to wherever school is going to be. 120 days is not a very long time. It will cost you a great deal to stay here if you have no work. Have a look through the international jobs on this board and see if there are any temporary jobs in Japan for the timeframe you are after.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

What about Westgate? They have short-term contracts, and, if I remember correctly, they pay airfare and provide (but do not pay for) housing, so the start-up costs would be lower.

d

tjpnz2000 · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 118 Location: Japan

You could probably, maybe, cover cost for 4 months if you got a job with one of the big 4. Remember you will be signing a 1 year contract and breaking it, you won't be the first but it is worth consideration.

You will no way, no how save money so forget it.

My suggestion do a five day intensive stop over here on you way back home. Japan is great for speed travel as the train network is excellent. But expect to spend HUGE amounts of money on everything.

T

kiracle · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 65 Location: Gifu, Japan

I'd check out Westgate. If I remember correctly they do have a three or four month contract from March or April to July and the salary is pretty decent. You do have to pay for rent but, I think, no start up costs. Also, they pay airfare which is a great bonus for such a short time.

Good luck!

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

they might pay your airfare. you get 275k a month before tax and 81k of rent is deducted.

Also they only offer this twice a year, once in around May, the other time starting in late September.