Job Discussion Forums

Rezz · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 95

Hi,

I interviewed for AEON in London back in June this year and was lucky enough to be successful. They have offered me a placement starting early next year and I accepted, sent along my degree certificate, signed contracts, enclosed the �150 cheque etc for the VISA application process to begin.

I also interviewed for another job with the local government around the same time, hoping to work there until departure. Unfortunately they have only recently got back to me and want me to start around December time doing a fixed term job for 40 weeks on good money, giving me a much needed bump in my experience/employment history on my C.V/resume. I know teaching in Japan is something I will be unlikely to be doing long term so this would help me when I eventually return and look into settling down into a career.

I really want to teach in Japan, even if its just for a year or two. I am considering explaining the situation to AEON and asking if I could delay my departure for 10-12 months. My question is, should I tell them the truth and explain why I am asking for a later start, or should I just say its for personal reasons? Are they likely to even let me do this? I know the ultimate decision is one I need to make on my own but I could really do with any input at the moment!

gonzarelli · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject:

Take the job with the local government and see how it goes. Japan isn't going anywhere and it will be there if you're still interested in teaching. It's always good to get some quality working experience in the homeland. That will help you immensely whether you go to Japan or not. I spent a few years in Japan and it felt like I was spinning my wheels after a while. It's easy to get stuck there. Hope this helps. BTW, I see that you would be placed near Nagoya. I was in Nagoya too.

SoulCal · Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 28

I agree with gonzarelli. Getting experience in England is immensely more valuable than the teaching experience in Japan you would acquire. Youll be able to easily apply that experience to any country that you may choose to go to in the future (not often the case for exclusive teaching experience in Japan). Plus, the benefits of a local govt. job have got to be better than what youll receive from a Japanese company.

I taught in Japan for several years, and like gonzarelli said, it's easy for people to get too comfortable and jaded in Japan. As a result, many veterans stop developing themselves, and they get stuck in a rut.

If you have a degree and teaching experience in England, it should be relatively easy for you to get a job in Japan a year from now. Since you mentioned you interviewed and were offered a job with Aeon, make sure to really read up on the info. on this forum about what to expect from a big Eikaiwa. Theyre (dirty) businesses more than educational institutions, so you will have to change gears and really get accustomed to their gimmicks and tactics, if you decide to go for this local govt. job first.

Im sure youll enjoy the experience in Japan, but dont pass up a golden opportunity back home to do it. It'll pay off tremendously more on your resume than any Eikaiwa experience ever will.

ShioriEigoKyoushi · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 364 Location: Japan

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Rezz · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 95

Thanks a lot for the replies. After having a sleep on it, I have a pretty strong feeling that if I turn down the AEON position I may live to regret it, moreso than turning down the government one. I don't have any teaching experience but I do have a bachelors degree, plus AEON seem to be the only big Eikaiwa that even bother doing any real recruiting in the UK these days. I'm not sure how easy it would be for me to get another shot at this if I do turn it down.

The government opportunity isn't teaching, it's an admin job dealing with legal case files etc. I think at the moment I am more inclined to go with your suggestion Shiori, I may ask the government if I could try again in a year or so. Although my mind changes on a daily basis almost Confused

Much love! Thanks.

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

Rezz · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 95

I don't even remember typing it in caps, must be built into my subconcious Razz

Yeah, it's some sort of bond you pay them which they say is for processing before departure, but they do then give you a 1 off "stipend" payment when you get to Japan for around equal value in Yen.

Amarok

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

Fair enough I suppose if they give it back. Even Nova didn't do things like that though, or they didn't many years ago when I worked there.

desu · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 38

Sounds like a way of preventing prospective employees from changing their mind at the last minute... I'm not surprised.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

One has to pay money to the employer TO WORK?!? One has to pay a DEPOSIT to keep a job?!? Whaaaaaat?!?

Hmm...

Regards,
fat_chris

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

mrbbkk · Joined: 02 Jun 2007 Posts: 70 Location: Tokyo

Tell them your father or mother is sick and you can't go for a year

The Japanese tell little white lies all the time

They can't handle the truth Tell them an acceptable excuse
Another job in japan is not an acceptable excuse

Don't burn your bridges