Job Discussion Forums

[shrewdster]

Hi all,

Company X has offered me an ALT position in Japan, the exact location is still unknown. My situation is that my partner currently resides in Osaka, and the company has noted my preference but can not make any guarantees. Obviously, it would be ideal if I was based in Osaka with my partner.

I need some advice on my situation. Should I accept the job and take the gamble on where I would located? Or should I apply for a 6 month working holiday visa, move to Osaka and hope to find a job there that will sponsor me? I'm looking at moving there after the New Year. Since school starts in April, I'll assume there will be a lot of ALT jobs on offer then. If I'm unsuccessful in finding a job in the first 6 months I can always apply for a further 6 month extension on my working holiday visa.

Company X is one of the bigger companies in Japan so I'm assuming if I decline the offer I will not be considered for any of their future roles.

Thanks!

[fluffyhamster]

I'd be more inclined to accept a definite offer of work wherever than be having to hunt for part-time income right off the bat (albeit where you want to be located). If the position with company X turns out to be awful or too far you can always save up, work your notice and relocate easily enough.

I'm assuming by the way that the X position will also be starting next spring. If however it starts this autumn and is a year's contract, working that won't exactly be doing you favours the following year (autumn is slower for hiring than spring), but it would obviously get you to Japan and again be money in the bank sooner rather than later.

One last thing: no ALT dispatcher is that "well-regarded" LOL, though some may it is true have a larger market share than others, and thus be able to offer more work and renew contracts etc.

By the way, Kansai seems to have a bit of a reputation for jobs being thinner on the ground than elsewhere (Kanto, "for example"), have you found this to be the case when looking at ads for there?

[Big_H]

You aren't painting the full picture here, how qualified are you? or how desperate would you be for a job offer? Answering those questions -possibly to yourself- would help you better decide whether you can easily find a position on a working holiday visa at the peak of the hiring season or risk your placement with your current company.

[Rooster.]

You could always move to Osaka and work with one of the less desirable schools and switch to a better one once there. Also, why not have your partner move with you?

[shrewdster]

Thanks for the replies!

[rtm]

[shrewdster]

Not sure, I'll have to speak to my partner. She has already been searching for a new place to rent.

I've been applying for work overseas ranging from Singapore to HK to China. Having been to Japan has really changed my mind. My partner has been there for 2 years and being apart hasn't been an issue but I'd prefer to be together now.

Company X said they'll be able to tell me as soon as I send them my hard copy documents, which I'll be sending off next week, given my references check out.

I asked about transfers and they said it will be highly unlikely. I can PM you the company name if you like?

[rtm]

[RM1983]

I suppose it depends how much you wanna be with your partner.

I came here specifically looking to live together and was firm about it, especially since we decided to rent a place together.

I then had to firmly turn down offers that moved me away from Tokyo and missed a few positions because of it. I came on a workin holiday visa. And yes it did eat my savings but I recovered fairly quickly.

Id do the same now to be honest. I had no intention of living in a company flat because I wanted to be independent. Now Im not tied into anything with my company and they cant penalise me if I leave, which is good. I live right where I want and the commute is 40 mins each way which isnt too bad.

Having said that, living alone would have had advantages such as making it more easy to form a social circle and learn Japanese.

If I were you, Id be firm about living in osaka but say I am willing to commute like an hour or so.

Also, remember that most flats here are under a 2 year contract, so once your partner finds somewhere if you change your job or area she might struggle to move out.
If you go and live in the company flat then it's easier (I think) to leave than with a regular contract but still it is pressure to stay with the company if it oes sour. You wont be able to transfer until new school year and even then the ALT company in your area might not let you.

[shrewdster]

Thanks heaps RM1983. You've just given me some confidence!

Was your working visa a 6 month or a year one? Being Australian, I can only apply for 6 months then request a further 6 month extension. Do you know if these extensions usually get approved?

[RM1983]

[shrewdster]

I found another Australian's blog who said he had his WHV extended twice, total of 18 months! Sounds promising.

I've got all my paper work ready but can't apply yet cause I'm going over to Japan in October.

Oh, does anyone know if I need to purchase my ticket prior to applying? Last time I called I only asked if I could purchase a single and they said that was fine as long as I can show that I can finance a return ticket. I thought I would ask before I call the embassy again since I was on hold for 20 minutes last time!

[RM1983]

[shrewdster]

I'll keep that in mind. I hopefully we get sponsored!