Job Discussion Forums

[Florizalll]

As a follow up to the "Education/ Work Experience of Japan Forum Members" poll, I think it'd be helpful to know how much of one's educational/work background aids in the success of a foreign worker in Japan. How much of one's success depends on the right attitude? How much because of the right match between employee/ employer?

I'm interested to know what foreign workers in Japan found to be crucial in order to set a firm foundation for their careers/ experiences abroad.

[PAULH]

[Florizalll]

Point taken. Of course, the goal isn't to be "scientific" about polling members- to factor in such thing as values and intrinsic motivation is quite idealistic- I think it'd be useful to hear proactive perspectives and narratives from people who are "succeeding" in Japan (however one defines it). I've learned a lot from the message board on what to avoid doing, but not about things that people have done and felt good about.

(Just a thought from one not currently employed in Japan but who hopes to be soon. . . And I suppose there is value in a statement someone recently made- those who are enjoying Japan are out enjoying it and not necesarily typing about it [my paraphrase].)

Much appreciation to those who could contribute!

[PAULH]

[luckyloser700]

[Glenski]

I find it hard to respond to the poll. Many of those factors are equally important to me, and a few have been left out. Also, as Paul wrote, a lot depends on what sort of "work" you are in. Perhaps, Florizall may have assumed a conversation school teacher, but that doesn't necessarily mean people remain in that kind of slot. I certainly didn't.

It all boils down to attitude, though. That encompasses a huge pool of things, from knowledge of the culture to length of stay to how much time you may have spent here before becoming a teacher to whether you are married (to a Japanese or not), etc.

[Keith_Alan_W]

My vote would be for attitude, if I were successful, that is.

I came from a country where experience was valued above all else. A country where language teaching standards are strictly enforced. Arriving in a country where standards DO NOT exists and experience is worth nil.... I was in for a shock.

The key factors I would associate with success in Japan are:

The ability to kiss your employer's ass "Oh wow, your teaching method is really wonderful!".

The ability to suck up to students."Hello, Hello, Hello, I'm so happy you're here. Your head looks really small and you're so smart".

The ability to 'harmonize': "I want to be just like everybody else. I'm not special. I can't do anything better than anyone else".

The ability to waste your time talking nonsense to colleagues: "Yeah, I saw that (stupid) movie..... Did you see the new stockings the school girls are wearing. I love it here because...What about you....Oh really.....Wow....Me too.....Did you see Britney Spears picture in the.... What's Tom Cruise doing......."

Admittedly, this last 'ability' is shared by airheads all over the world. But they really like it in Japan. Here's a challenge, go to your office mates and talk about History, Physics, Economics, and see how far you get.

[PAULH]

Welcome back Keith. We didnt scare you off after all. Nice to see you havent lost your sense of cynicsm about it all. Welcome to Japan, old buddy. You are one of us, now.

[gaijinalways]

I think attitude is important, as you need to adjust and look for opportunties to move ahead. Of course, what you decide to do will affect your success too, teaching is not for everyone. Some will supplement their income doing all manner of things.

Recently I am focusing on studying Japanese and making more contacts.

Let's just say you have to 'move' with the times !