Job Discussion Forums

bosintang · Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 23

I've been at it for ten days now, from inside Japan, and I'm extremely dissapointed with my results so far. It seems like most jobs that look decent want people who already have working visas, or they pay shamefully low salaries.

I'm not willing to just take anything (I couldn't bring myself to do the NOVA routine), but I don't think I'm the fussiest person in the world either.

So far from my impression of ten days of jobhunting is that coming to Japan first has been a mistake. My best leads are coming from organisations that would've hired me outside of the country.

einsenundnullen · Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 76

As far as the low salaries are concerned... seems like they're dropping for everyone. I guess eikaiwas are still at 250k, but my dispatched ALT income seems low. The dispatches have really grown over the last few years, and now with so many people employed by them, you're really not alone in your comments about pay.

The thing is this: although the Japanese are fairly serious people and have fairly high standards, teaching here is well on its way to becoming a thing for backpackers as opposed to a career or something in between those two. It's too bad for folks who are established here, and it's too bad for mid-termers like myself who've been sticking it out in some so-so situations thinking things will get better. It's unlikely they will.

My suggestion to people these days is to take a job that seems half decent, but more importantly enjoy yourself and your time here. It's an experience, not, unfortunately, a career.

shikushiku-boy · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 49 Location: Melbourne

My situation is different from the OP (I'm looking from outside
Japan). But, I agree with his/her assessment...there doesn't
seem to be much on offer.

I'm even in the process of getting a driving licence hoping that
will improve my chances. The idea of driving in Japan doesn't
fill me with joy: all those traffic lights!

With luck, all the bad news (re: EFL teaching in Japan) is
putting a lot of people off. Which, of course, could be
good news for those of us willing to take the risk.

Is this a temporary slump, or permanent trend?
That's the $64,000 question.

May fate smile upon us.

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

Giving up after only 10 days? Seems like you're willing to throw in the towel far too early. Would you do that in your own country?

A bit of clarification is in order.

Where are you hoping to work?
What are your credentials?
What sort of work will you not accept?

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

Paul H - teaching EFL in Japan is nothing like teaching EFL in Italy, Spain or Czechoslovakia. I worked in Italy for a year before coming here and my salary worked out at 100,000yen a month, opposed to 250,000 in Japan, and I've heard from British friends that teaching in Czech is even less finacially rewarding. I was unable to save anything in Italy, whereas saving 60-100,000 yen a month here is perfectly realistic. Quite a difference. While I agree that its great for a cultural experience, I've hardly found myself living in poverty out here. I'm living much better than I ever did in England, and saving a little as well.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Willy_In_Japan · Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 329

It seems that the ALT world is going to the dogs.

Tokyo contracts paying 230,000 yen a month with deductions in certain months!

I heard of a recent job that paid 230,000 a month and required that you do 'summer camp'......all the work of conversation schools without the pay!

I personally see a bleak future for ALT work. It is going to be left to the people who want a 'Japan experience' for a year........it certainly isn't going to be for the people who want to earn a living.

bosintang · Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 23

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

I assume you have a cell phone. That is a major key to getting a job. Without one, good luck. Also, there are lots of jobs available that ask you to fax a resume. These are the jobs that many people skip over, because it's a little bit of an extra hassle. I had a friend come to Japan in the same situation as yours, and he had the most luck getting interviews where he faxed his resume. Hope that helps. If you are in Osaka, make sure you check out the Kansai Flea Market on Fridays (some places it has it on Thursdays) start calling, faxing and emailing.

shikushiku-boy · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 49 Location: Melbourne

Personally, I'd prefer never to have to drive in Japan.
Waaaaay too much hassle!
But, more than a few employers state that they require
the teacher to drive to teaching locations (especially,
in places like Nagano). If the employment market is
getting tight, then any advantage helps.

Money is not that important (obviously, I want enough
that I don't have to live in a cardboard box and dine
exclusively on cup noodles).

I've lived my whole live being two paychecks away
from insolvency, so that's no worry.

The debate on how much is enough is a little pointless.
There are so many factors to be taken into consideration.
It's almost impossible to come up with a one-size-fits-all
answer.

Frankly, I'll work anywhere I can. Big city, small city,
or rural area. They all have their advantages and
disadvantages.

Ye Gods! I sound as easy as Paris Hilton!

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

At least part of the problem is that you've sort of missed the boat. The new year begins very soon, but a lot of companies (private high schools and recruiters for them) interview for the April positions in January and thereabouts.

Currawong · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 16

Worst comes to worst, I'd get at least a part-time job. I did this on my WHV, and switched to a morning shift so that I could take on a couple more jobs, both of which only required 2 days a week work. The other gaps i filled with private students (and the odd attractive girl). That variety kept me sane, and would allow me to resign from one job to get a better one if i wanted.

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

The way I see it, being able to save 60-100k yen a month doing a job that essentially 99% of 'teachers' are not actually qualified to do is pretty good. I have a TEFL certificate and am under no illusions that its a 'mickey mouse' qualification, and I've not been particularly convinced by the people I've observed who have DELTAs and MAs in TEFL. To be able to earn as much as we do without any real qualifications and earn more than teachers in our home countries (I do) is something people should stop complaining about.

Go on then, burn me. But you know its true.