Job Discussion Forums

[mattyko40]

I have been looking for work in Japan, but can't find a chance as almost all require you to already be there. I'm thinking of just going to Japan to find a job. So, what city should I go to?

I'm 44 yo wm from the USA. I have a business related BA and about 2years expierence teaching. Prior to teaching I worked in the auto manufacturing sector. I realize Tokyo won't happen to start, but where would be a good bet? I also prefer older students. The older the better.

A place and reason would be great.

Thank you.
P.s. I have no Japanese language ability

[danshengou]

[TokyoLiz]

We recently had conversations here about low wages for entry-level jobs and possibility of teaching to adult students - business English.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=114572

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=114275

Short version - entry-level pay is very low (also note start up costs $5000 +), and conditions often poor to illegal. Positions teaching English to adults are few and part time (and mostly available only to visa holders).

And ditto what Danshengou says. Why are you interested in working in Japan?

[taikibansei]

[Sudz]

I feel that you should base your decision on how much you really want to come to Japan, and your current financial situation. Unfortunately start up costs are high, and you likely won't get anything other than an entry level position.

If you really do have a strong interest in Japan, then go for it. Personally, my experiences in Japan have varied a lot depending on my job/location.

[currentaffairs]

I would not recommend just going over to Japan to work without a work visa. Hard to get work and not easy to get sponsored. Money will fly away quickly..

Best to just go over with a chain school like Nova, Geos, Aeon, or Berlitz. Westgate also a good option to get you in with a visa and accommodation.

Best of luck.

[mattyko40]

So, no actual advice on what I asked? As for weather, I'm open to any climate though warmer and beaches is probably best.

I really don't understand why people feel the need to respond with absolute jibberish. It's rather sad if the only way you can find to increase your value is scare others away.

I didn't ask about particular companies, but I tried Westgate and was rejected. They didn't give a reason, but they also didn't encourage me to apply in the future. In the USA that's a clear sign to never try again, but maybe that is how Japanese handle applications. I will try again and see what happens. Aeon I was told not to waste my time as they never hire anyone over 35. Geos is no more. Some of the others are in the consultant area. I'm not sure how legal or secure these jobs are.

Anyway, my question was about what cities or areas to find work. There are always places that would be better to start up. I already know about entry level wages and various other aspects of the market.

[Maitoshi]

Place: Tohoku and its environs.
Reason: I hear they are still struggling to attract people after 3/11.

[mitsui]

Try Berlitz.
There is ECC too.

[danshengou]

Once again, unless you have a trust fund or significant savings, with your qualifications, the living and work conditions are likely to be unpleasant.

[TokyoLiz]

Maitoshi, we were in Iwate-Ken and Fukushima-Ken a few weeks ago. In major towns, we saw closed store fronts. We talked to business owners who told of struggles to stay afloat. We stayed at a ryokan that had recently bankrupted. Recovery is slow, so there is little market for English teaching.

I've met some ALTs who worked up there. Recruiters have the region locked up, and the wages are very low.

What Danshengou says is true. Besides, you would be competing with job hunting visa holders who may have Japanese language, ELT or other teaching qualifications.

If you're dead set on Japan, and have savings, consider becoming a student. You can work part time on a student visa. Some students work remotely.

[timothypfox]

Let's not judge the poster too harshly here. We don't know what kind of experiences and income this poster faced in the automotive industry or in teaching. It might be a step up for him.

In order to better help you, consider these questions: What hobbies or interests do you have related to Japan? Do you have any volunteer or teaching experience with Japanese people? What particularly interests you about Japan? Did you have at least 8 years of schooling in English? That is ... do you consider yourself a native speaker of English? How long do you plan to stay here?

I'm going to jump in now about the age point. My answer to that age cut-offs (age discrimination) really depends on the school or organization. Some won't consider you because of your age, but some will see it as a positive and consider you more trustworthy around children.

Why do I mention children? Well, entry level jobs, such as a language school jobs, usually require you to teach mostly school kids and maybe a handful of adults.

Specialized business English classes do exist where you would teach at a company etc... From what I've seen, these are mostly part-time by the hour pay. They would not be enough to support yourself.

You might try to get a job through a dispatch company which do hire new teachers. In this job, you could be sent out to businesses to teach English (along with junior high schools, high schools and colleges). Note that the employment practices of many if not all dispatch companies nickel and dime the hell out of you. But, they are a way to get a visa. You can always be on the look out for other things since the visa is yours. Employers can't take it from you.

If your a fun in the sun kind of guy, that's great. But, summers are kind of awful here if you burn easily.

[mattyko40]

Let's not judge to harshly? Why and who asked for your judgement? This is supposed to be a forum for job related questions. It's not supposed to be your vent for personal frustrations in your life. I get it, no really I've run into lots of the same in Taiwan. The people who started out in ESL because they can't do anything else and after 10 years still can't do anything else or their degenerates, criminals, pedophiles... So, their answer to competition is to try and scare others from the market in a pathetic attempt to somehow control the market. What else can you do besides hop on computer and troll people asking simple questions about the market and where to go.


To anyone who sent msg about companies to apply to thanks and those who sent private messages thanks.


Feel free to judge on a computer and waste peoples time with idiocy because obviously there's nothing better you could do with your time.


Oh please ask me what my hobbies are again....

[mitsui]

The economy is not what it used to be.
Being over 40 doesn't make it easier.
This is not about scaring people away.
If money is not your motivation, then it can be OK.