Job Discussion Forums

Shiggy · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

I never like what Razor says. Why is that?

So, I'm not doing JET. I applied once. That was enough.

Interac will be fine. Maybe I'll bring $5,000 or maybe I'll do what Stark did.

Who cares. The point is to enjoy yourself.

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

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

razorhideki · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 78

It never ceases to amaze that neophytes come to these forums(whether Japan, Korea or wherever)seeking advice from veterans(e.g. myself)-which in itself is a very good idea-and then disregard advice which paints a less than rosy picture. Certainly, it's not only the younger set that does that-many a middle-aged poster has been reluctant(to put it mildly) to accept advice from veterans that is less than positive. It reminds me of Uncle Joe who, in late 1940/early 1941, ignored tons of evidence that the USSR was facing an invasion from Nazi Germany.

So, to posters like Shiggy who want to keep those rose-coloured glasses on, all I can say is: come on over and then after a few months, come back to this thread & say how great the (non-JET) job is and how they're making a crapload of money. I can't think of ONE single example of that happening-ever-at the Japan forum.

Shiggy · Joined: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

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

mhard1 · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Japan

Razor...I suppose there is a fine line between being realistic, and being negative. Certainly as a veteran your advice is appreciated. More to the point, if anyone wants to work in Japan starting from the bottom you can be sure it will be nothing rosy.

That being said...you can still start from the bottom...non JET, and accomplish legitamite saving goals, have a good time, and be in Japan. I myself am Non Jet, bottom of the barrel as far as pay. However, I save money every month, and still go out and have a good time and meet friends.

Shiggy, it is definitely up hill, but you can do it. Good luck.

fluffyhamster · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 12:43 pm Post subject:

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

I was thinking something similar. Shiggy, you might be happy to be on 180,000 yen per month, which seems to be among the lowest ALT salaries going these days, but if you do want to enjoy your time in Japan, then money is actually important.

To make the most of your time here you need to be earning a decent amount. One of the fun things about being in Japan is travelling around it- you will soon get tired of your local area and want to explore, and in Japan domestic travel isn't super cheap. Being in Japan is also a great opportunity to travel in other Asian countries, again requiring some money.

Also, the "Wow, I'm in Japan!" feeling does wear off after a while (the stages an English teacher goes through after arriving in Japan are well documented, that's the first one), and once that happens, if your school/dispatcher is jerking you around and you are earning peanuts it really won't be as much fun any more.

I agree that some of the negative information you will find is just people whining, but some of it is well-founded and some employers have a deservedly bad reputation.

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan