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Working at Gaba - Flexibility vs. leverage

 
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engalba



Joined: 19 Mar 2018
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 1:50 pm    Post subject: Working at Gaba - Flexibility vs. leverage Reply with quote

I am looking for a teaching job in Japan. I am interviewing with Gaba soon. I am aware that the pay and benefits are very poor, however, I like the flexibility and the fact that their students are adults.
It seems a win-win situation for someone who is willing to trade-off steady income with freedom to work when she wants.
Ultimately, this is the gig economy. I drive my car for Uber. The pay is very low, but I decide when to switch the app on.

There is a lot of negativity in the forums about Gaba. However, I wonder what their leverage is, beside eventually making it difficult for a teacher to book hours.

Can I really work as much or as little as I want, if I choose to do so or there are legal provisions in the contract that obligate me to work a minimum number of hours for Gaba? What happens in practice if there is no match? Is the working VISA tighten to the contract with Gaba or the holder can look for alternatives and stay legally in Japan?

Thanks for sharing your experience, particularly if it is factual. Smile


Last edited by engalba on Sat Mar 31, 2018 9:22 am; edited 1 time in total
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currentaffairs



Joined: 22 Aug 2012
Posts: 828

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2018 4:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Deposits and added costs mean that it is usually very expensive to find a place to rent. Even though my actual rent was fairly low at 48,000 yen, I had to pay 250,000 yen to move in. I was one hour from the centre of Tokyo.

Most people stay in gaijin houses and then save up for a flat or share a house.

I think the situation is better in Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo or somewhere like Fukuoka. I would advise people to try out these cities before Tokyo. Accommodation is cheaper, and the lifestyle is generally better.
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mitsui



Joined: 10 Jun 2007
Posts: 1562
Location: Kawasaki

PostPosted: Fri Mar 23, 2018 12:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, but good luck starting out in Sapporo. That is a popular city. Tokyo is too expensive. Other cities would be better in order to worry less about money.

Gaba has a bad reputation. You want a fixed income so you don't have money stress.
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