Job Discussion Forums

tahoemud · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

I'm also supposed to leave for Japan soon (October 16th).

The Nova group in Boston admitted that they are very much in the dark about when (or how) things will turn around -- and they too suggested I could cancel, or postpone my trip.

Quite a few uncertainties here, you know? Will Nova be able to pay me for my first few months? Will Nova downsize -- or go under? Will it become diffifcult to find work (as an inexperienced teacher) when so many ex-Nova folks are also looking for new jobs.

A friend in Tokyo says I'm worrying too much. He says, "As long as you have your work visa, you're going to be OK." He imagines one could find work within 4-6 weeks.

I have no idea.

chollimaspeed · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 120

southofreality · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 579 Location: Tokyo

If you're going to come over with NOVA, treat the situation the same as if you weren't coming with a job in hand. Bring somewhere around ￥500,000 and plan to live frugally until you can get your 1st paycheck from whatever company you end up working for. That may be a long time if you stick with NOVA. At least you'll have a working visa (?).

Actually, since there's a lot of competition for jobs (not everybody's waiting for NOVA to actually close its doors before searching for a new gig) I'd suggest a figure closer to ￥750,000. Of course, if you've got bills to pay back home, you should probably wait until this blows over and the job market settles. Could take 6 months or more if NOVA does completely tank.

chollimaspeed · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 120

The way I look at it is that you could end up working for up to six weeks waiting for that first paycheck only to find out it isn't coming. In the meantime you may end up with no place to live, no contacts and a suddenly crowded job market.

NOVA are telling you to reconsider your plans and that should be a big enough red flag in itself. It is a face-saving measure because they are trying to scare away enough people as they can without admitting how deep in the shit they are.

If you take the job then NOVA are going to say, in their defence, that the sitauation was made perfectly clear to you before you even came. I think it is too big a risk to make. Sorry.

tahoemud · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

I really appreciate the suggestions! Thanks. I do have around ?750,000,and I have no debt whatsoever here in the States.
I have until next week to make up my mind (commit to the airline reservation, etc). Like everyone, I wish I knew more about their plans to address the cash crises.

tahoemud · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

chollimaspeed · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 120

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

Consider it a blessing that you aren't here already. If it had been a month earlier, you'd have working for what it seems to be free.

Don't come, look elsewhere.

Temujin · Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 90 Location: Osaka

Fortunately for you, you're not going to be able to come over with Nova. Things are too far gone for that. I'm pretty sure that they aren't taking new recruits anymore. Call and check. Either way, do not come over with Nova.

mels&johnny · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:03 pm Post subject:

We have been searching desperately for a job in Japan, and finally confirmed an interview with NOVA yesterday. I was so excited and spend pretty much every last dollar I had on airline tickets to get to the interview in San Fran, and guess what? Today I got an email simply stating that "We have been informed by our staff in Japan, that for a variety of reasons, we are to suspend all recruiting for the foreseeable future. If and when we start up recruiting again for teaching contracts, we will send you another email to see if you are interested in rescheduling." Yeah right, NOVA; thanks but no thanks.

tahoemud · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

Wow. Thanks for sharing that. I hope you find something.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Ditto what Southofreality said.

I would also caution you that starting things - work sponsorship, apartment rental, administrative stuff takes a long time.

I would add to South's cautions and say that, if you have been in Japan before and are somewhat familiar with the way things work here, you'll be better off and less stressed out.

Moving country is one thing, but moving to a place you don't have a handle on culturally and linguistically, and on top of that, without a job in a market where you're facing competition from other entry-level eikaiwa teachers in country, is a whole other deal.

If I made it sound dire...Well, maybe it is.

drifter13 · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Fujisawa

As someone who only just arrived a week ago, I'll say things are very grim here. I started looking for another job before I even left. I highly reccomend you begin the search for another job at home. In fact I'd probably reccomend looking at another country at this point, I'm personally looking at other East Asian countries. Unless you have a serious edge, like lots of certification, experience, Japanese language ability, etc, do not get on that plane.

Japan is your goal, then keep trying, but do it from home where you're probably more secure and have resources.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

So you made it here, drifter13- how's the job search going? I've heard that available jobs are being inundated with applications at the moment, so it won't be easy. Really unfortunate timing huh. Sorry your Japan experience hasn't got off to such a good start. Best of luck with the job search and let us know how you go.

tahoemud · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

Unless some Nova financial miracle occurs by next week, I'm cancelling. Thanks again for the suggestions -- and my sincere best wishes for everyone affected by this.