Job Discussion Forums

Knaved · Joined: 27 Jan 2010 Posts: 34 Location: Earthquake zone

I am currently on a 12 month contract in Libya and when it ends I am contemplating working for a couple of years in Japan.

The money here in Libya is good. Enough to save about $2300 each month. However the social life rivals that of the KSA so I'd prefer to teach in a country where people actually have somewhere worth going to at nights/weekends!

I realise that I won't be able to save that much in Japan but leading a normal life, i.e not being a hermit', how much can I realistically hope to save each year?

I have 12 years experience, TESOL, DELTA and all my own teeth!

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

Depending on where you live (city/countryside) and what sort of housing you can get, I'd say US$500 per month ought to be easy. Some do twice that, but they are careful spenders.

That's with one employer. You can add to that with PT work on the side.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

yes, the keyword is "careful spenders"

yes, if you intend to go out and spend your money (it seems to be your main reason to come here?) then your money will go quickly

It all depends on what kind of job you get, as there are all sorts, a huge range of wages and with budgets being cut the prospects don't seem to be getting any better
If its money you want, stay in Libya.
I am no spring chicken (don't go out as much as I used to) but I can save
15man no problem = 1500$us per month

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

There are so many factors that influence saving in Japan. Of course, how much you make and how much you pay for rent are key points. But more important than that is how much you like to go out and how much you want to travel in Japan and perhaps in Asia. My first year I saved almost nothing because I was always traveling, going out on the weekends, buying cool things, studying Japanese, etc. I don't regret it, but now I can save anywhere from 200,000 yen to 400,000yen per month. (I free-lance and my salary seems to change each month). I don't go out drinking that much (been there, done that) and I've already been around Japan and SE Asia. I also don't drive, have all my transportation covered by my employers, cook my own meals, use a pre-paid phone, know where to shop for discounts, teach a lot of private lessons....see, it's really relative and (the favorite phrase in Japan) case by case.

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

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

This my month my salary is 600,000 yen. I worked REALLY hard and I found one of those rare 12,000yen per hour jobs. Next month it won't be as much, probably 400,000yen. I've got a feeling it 'll go down to 350,00yen the following month as some of my contracts come to an end. Working a bunch of part-time jobs can be lucrative. It's not for everyone--most wouldn't want my commute all over Tokyo. Most wouldn't want to teach morning classes at companies. It's also a bit of a gamble and a bit of a hustle, always lining up new contracts. But so far it's been good to me.

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

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ssjup81 · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject:

I would hope to save a decent amount. I've always done it with any job I've had. I would split my paycheck three-ways.

Part goes towards the monthly expenses (utilities, rent, groceries, car/transportation, phone or internet, etc.)
Part would be play money (like if I want to buy something extra or go out)
Part would go into savings (meaning I don't touch it unless I have no choice)

If disciplined enough, I'm sure I could save something, but of course my first month there, I'd try not to spend on anything "extra" so to speak until I get an idea as to how much stuff costs for the area and bargain hunt and all that (as far as things like transportation and stores go).

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

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

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

I agree that it's important to say how long one has been here to put things in perspective when it comes to discussions about income and saving money. I have been here for about 10 years (but not consecutively). I want to emphasize that I am a free-lancer who works only a string of part-time jobs, plus private lessons. New arrivals couldn't work this way because of visa sponsorship. (I am self-sponsoring my visa now). I also wouldn't recommend that new arrivals fret over saving every yen and miss out on all the wonderful things in Japan (travel, nightlife, shopping). Live within your means and make contacts and network and see what is out there in terms of jobs (if you intend on staying on in Japan). It's been easy for me to save because I don't pay for transportation, I cook almost all my own meals, I don't care about gadgets, I don't take many trips (but I love exploring Tokyo), I don't drink....I don't feel deprived and miserable because I've already been there and done that. Also--I have already paid off my student loans and all my credit card debt. That is the biggest factor that allows me to save.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

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

Yes, I know, but for people to get any benefit from you posting your savings you need to give an idea of what percentage of your income that is. I think it's obvious that potential savings levels will depend a lot on income, that's a pretty universal constant!

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

yes, well we totally agree then

LITTLE PEACHES · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:20 am Post subject:

I walk home after rent and utilities paid with about 198,000 a month. I am able to save about 70,000 a month if i am careful. But I also cook at home, and don't go out tooo much. I go out probably 5 or 6 times, a month, which to me is not to much. I also try to do something that is memorable everymonth. I also have visitors from America here, that cause me to go into my savings. I have been here for 6 months, and just hitting $3500 in savings. So, it depends on you. If I stayed in more and was more frugal I could save more, but enjoying the country is nice also!

It has gone down a little now though because I am booking my tickets and buying things at home for people also.