Job Discussion Forums

[query29]

I am sure this question has been asked over and over, but I need fast answers. I am 29 with a BA is psych. I am bright, charismatic, and energetic. I hate my retail job here in the states and want to teach EFL. If I work my butt off, I can have airfare and ~$4000usd by late march. Can I make it in japan? I have minimal student loan payments, but I do want to travel and have fun (modestly). The worst case scenario would be going there for three months as a "tourist", not finding work and having to beg for airfare home.

Sorry for long post, but any thoughts/advice? Thanks!

p.s. I just posted the exact question in the newb forum.

[callmesim]

airfare plus US$4000 is enough. If you don't have a job before you arrive then it is a risk. Not to mention immigration might be suspicious of the one-way ticket.

I recommend searching for more indepth answers via the search button. You might need answers "fast" but it sounds to me like you've got about 3 months.

[query29]

I planned on buying a 3 week ticket and not using the return since I will probably need great effort and patience.

Do I have a greater chance of finding a better than average entry-level job here or there. I have very little teaching experience.

[callmesim]

Personally, I would apply for an eikawa. Even if you don't want to work for one for a long time. That way you get a visa, a guranteed job for when you first arrive and if after a few months, you'd had enough you can run away (this is if you're okay morally with breaking contracts).

It's easy to get a job with an eikawa. And even on an eikawa wage, you'll earn enough money to do some modest travelling both within Japan and abroad.

For me, since arriving in March, from July onwards I've had enough money to go on 2 to 5-day jaunts around Japan every month. Have also been to Hong Kong and am off to China for winter. If travelling is your goal, then it's possible. If drinking and partying are also your loves then you might have to budget.

[query29]

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you bring with you? Also, when did you apply and are you in an expensive part of Japan?

[callmesim]

When I came, in addition to the flight, I brought �290 000 and had to borrow a further �100 000 from my employer to cover rent and additional expenses though I had �50 000 left over when my first paycheck kicked in.

I live in downtown Osaka and pay �70 000 a month in rent for a 1 room furnished apartment. I'm being screwed but seeing as I'm leaving in April there's little reason to move now.

[query29]

So to anyone,

Given a BA and no teaching credentials what are my chances of finding work once I hit Japan? I would probably want to live in Tokyo, but if the right offer comes, I would take it.

[cornishmuppet]

Easy. Go round the English schools, look on websites for part/full time work, go to international centres where you'll probably find notices posted wanting teachers. Its been said many times before, if you can breathe and speak English someone will hire you.

More difficult is housing if you're not coming to a job. If you have to set up on your own it can be expensive. Do a seach under 'key money'.

[query29]

I know key money. I had planned on staying in a gaijin house for a while, but will that drain me of money as well? Also, is there a way to find roomates, foreign or native?

[cornishmuppet]

Sorry, I don't know anything about Gaijin houses other than what it says in the Lonely Planet, which isn't much.

The only way I know of to get a room mate is to work for Nova. I have a friend who lives in a massive, four bed house which he rented privately, but his landlady won't let him have any room mates because the neighbours might wonder what's going on. Sucks for him, and for me, who lives in a box and who would happily move in. His kitchen is bigger than my whole 'appartment'. And he pays 60k, which is just over double what I pay, 28k. Seriously worth it, though it looks a little spooky.

[query29]

Do you live in an urban area or outside the city? I could easily afford the key at 28k.

[Sweetsee]

Could probably stay in a guesthouse sharing a room for 30K in Tokyo.

[cornishmuppet]

I live in the centre of Nagano city, about 100m from Zenkoji temple, which is pretty famous in Japan, and about 1km from the train station.

Saying that, Nagano is considered a 'rural' area compared to places like Tokyo/Osaka. At 380k population its big to me, but small to most Japanese. And my rent is exceptionally low. Its a serious box and I don't recommend it unless you want to save money over comfort (I took it because I was introduced to the landlady by a friend, and only had to pay 50k key money as opposed to 180k for a similar sized place at the estate agent). My previous appartment was the same size and I payed 33k, but most people I know pay 40 - 50. I don't know anyone paying over 60k (and that's my mate in his mansion) but remember Nagano is pretty small in the great scheme of things and you'd probably pay at least 45k in a big city for the same thing. Or more. Saying that, even paying 50 - 60 isn't bad if you can get around key money. My advice is to talk to the staff in the international centres or even befriend someone at the youth hostel/gaijin house (that's what my friend did, and ultimately how I got my house), and see if any one's got anything empty kicking about.

[Glenski]

[japan_01]

I can't understand why teachers have to find (beg) money for a ticket back home. Why not just purchase a 1 year fully flexible RETURN ticket PRIOR to leaving your home country? Most airlines offer this ticket for only a small amount extra ($190 more in my case) than the CHEAPEST ONE WAY economy airfare. If you don't use the return portion (within 1 year) for whatever reason... you have only wasted a comparable small amount. I even managed to throw in a 2 night stop in Singapore on my way home.