Job Discussion Forums

[nihontone]

I have read with interest the posts about Nova on this forum. I worked for Nova for 4 and half years in two stints. I have to say that I agree with everybody. On boths sides of the argument.

As far as jobs go Nova isn't so bad. Especially compared to some other jobs that I've had (e.g. digging irrigation trenches, working in a slaughterhouse, packing boxes in breakfast cereal factory, working in bank). Quite frankly, I don't think you'll find an easier job. Anywhere. If you want to, you can do this job hungover, sick or drunk.

They pay on time, all the time. And compared to what you'd get in Australia or New Zealand for the same work, you get paid well. You can save and have a good time if you're sensible.

Everything I read about being fined for being late and similar is true. But the thing to remember is that IT IS IN YOUR CONTRACT. It is explained to you and ultimately YOU are the one that signs the contract. If you don't know what's expected of you once you've signed the contract you're either ignorant or stupid. Or both.

The other thing to remember is that you're working for a Japanese company. You ain't at home no more. The rules are different here. And at Nova they don't really care about you as person. You are expendable. Nova is the biggest English Conversation company in the country (approximately 550 branches, 5500 foreign employees). The bottom line is money.

The company is not above deceiving it's employees or the students. It would be naive to believe a big company (anywhere in the world, not just Japan) is above that. They will possibly ask you to be deceptive as well. Point in case - if you come to Japan on a working holiday visa (from Australia, New Zealand or Canada) they will tell you to lie on your visa application. It makes life easier.

I met some really cool people at Nova. Most notably my partner of 4 years. I also met some really not so cool people. Generally the people you work with are ok. They are university educated, well travelled and can be very interesting.

As some of the posts said, the management is not perfect. The ATs, Trainers, AAMs etc are not perfect. I work with some good and some bad. As I no longer work for the company, I will name some names. In the bad column;
Edo Fackler, Regional Assistant Area Manager, Area 9A. This guy is the worst. He is arrogant, pedantic, hypocritical and unprofessional. In case you're wondering, yes this part is personal. In July 2002 I was recommended for a promotion. I had an interview and was knocked back on the grounds that my body language was too relaxed in the interview and in class. This came from a guy who was 5 minutes late to the interview session. I know for a fact he was also late for another promotion interview less than 3 months ago. I also saw this guy inform a teacher that was being transferred in front of the whole teaching staff at our branch.
David Tibbles, Assistant Area Manager, Area 9C. This guy is basically lazy. In the 7 months I worked in the same branch, he basically floated in and out of the teacher's room making snide remarks to the teachers and Japanese staff. He was lax in replying to teacher requests and made life difficult for teachers because of inept communication between himself and other AAMs despite working in the same office. For example approving shift swaps between teachers while approving schedule changes which made the shift swaps redundant.

In the good column;
Jenny Lyn Fahey, Assistant Area Manger, Area 9B. Jenny was the best AAM I worked for. She was fair, open and honest. She listened to teachers and was prepared to help them if they helped her. When ever I spoke to her I always felt she was genuine and could be trusted.
Mark Bennett, Head Teacher, Sannomiya Honko. Mark was a great guy to work for. He was genuinely into his job and very good at it. He always did his best to look out for his teaching staff and was always prepared to give advice, constructive criticisms and help to teachers whenever asked.
David Jauncey, my first AT and now in Head Office. Also a great guy to work for. Fair minded and did his job within the scope allowed by Nova in a relaxed and friendly way. He was always ready with advice and help for teachers.

I know I've crapped on a lot, but after four years I had a lot say. I really did enjoy my job at Nova. Most people were really good to work with and the students do try hard to learn. At the same time, not getting promoted pissed me off a lot. Especially considering some of the people that promoted in front of me. Sour grapes? You bet! Anyhoo, that's life and know I have a new job in Japan. Same gig, but less hours, more money per lesson and loads more holidays. Yay!

My advice is take a job with Nova and use them to get the 3 year visa if that's what you're after. There are plenty of jobs in Japan.

NIHONTONE

[Glenski]

[april]

[nihontone]

A (much shorter!) follow up to my rant yesterday.

No of course I don't condone turning up to work drunk or hungover. I must say I've never seen anyone turn up drunk. Hungover quite a bit. I have done it myself. And on a Saturday morning more than one of my salaryman students has been in the same condition (Good warm up topic - where did you go last night?). For the most part students won't mind and will probably have sympathy for you. But of course we all know it isn't professional.

My point was that it's possible to do the job in that state. In quite a lot of the posts I've read people seem to be taking the job (not to mention themselves) a bit too seriously. Nova isn't perfect and is an ok place to work once you accept Nova for what it is (and we all know what that is). If you have a problem with that then leave. There are lots of other jobs around.

One other point I wanted to make is that I have written a letter to Nova Foreign Personnel which includes what I wrote yesterday. I know it won't make much difference, but you've got to have a go.

CHEERS

[Wolf]