Job Discussion Forums

sonsang · Joined: 13 Apr 2003 Posts: 3

I know that some of the bigger companies in Japan state in their contracts that their teachers must work exclusively for them, so my question is, has anyone in GEOS, AEON, NOVA, ECC, etc. actually been fired for doing private work? Is it something foreign teachers really need to worry about? Do any companies allow their teachers to do private work?

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

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

If it's in the contract, abide by it. Complain all you want later, but if you sign on the dotted line, you commit yourself to whatever conditions are in the contract.

Some of those big 4 outfits have branches with managers that look the other way, and some have managers that use co-workers as spies to keep tabs on your social comings and goings (including private lessons, or even perceived ones). Rather than just jump into the fray of teaching privately when you first begin working, I'd say hold back, gain the confidence of students and staff, and discreetly find out what other teachers are doing (or allowed to do).

avahanian · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 123

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

[quote="avahanian"]

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

My wife and I make anywhere between 3-10,000 hour for a group or individual student. Always take into account the travel time and costs. Sometimes we have students come to our house, it makes it really convenient as we share a car. It does take awhile to get students as the Japanese don't exactly knock down your door asking you to teach them English.

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

2000-3000 yen per hour isn't clear enough, Arin. Sorry.

Per person, that's a fairly average figure, although as you can see from others here, you can make more. Depends on location, age of students, and the number you teach at once. I make 4000-5000 yen per individual student. I use a sliding scale as Paul referred to, so that my groups give me more money, but each student pays less as the group grows. (I also insist that the group chooses new entries, not me, although I hold veto power.) In some cases I have struck up a deal with people to make more than the above. And, as Paul mentioned, I add transportation costs to this, whenever possible. (Young students often can hardly afford the regular lessons!) There are other hidden benefits, as well, such as getting free coffee/tea in the cafes or students' homes, getting/giving omiyage when someone goes on a trip, getting New Year cards, being asked to go places where English learning is not a hidden motive, etc.