Job Discussion Forums

[Maaku]

I have lived in Tokyo, Japan about a year and a half now, and absolutely love it. Maybe I love it too much. I find it extremely difficult, almost next to impossible to save money. Everyone keeps telling me about how easy it is to save $1,000 US a month in South Korea. Obviously, the lifestyle in SK no way compares to Japan. However, Tokyo is saturated with foreigners looking for work as English Teachers. Salaries are dropping. Part time jobs and privates are harder to come by, because of the increase in competition. And I am sure, Nova teachers will be looking to bail soon as well. Which would saturate the market for non-eikaiwa jobs as well.

I was curious what others think he have been in the teaching and in Japan much longer than I. I have checked the Korea Forum, but a lot of the Japan vs. Korea posts are outdated and several years old. I have bills to pay and my time in Japan seems to go by so fast and is too much fun to save money. Is it plausible to go to SK for a couple of years and then return to Japan? I have been to Seoul for vacation and my friend lives there now, so I think it can be bearable upon finding somewhat safe employment. Also, I am 31 y/o, and really enjoy teaching and would like to make this a career.

I would appreciate any advice given.

[Glenski]

At 31, you are at a prime age to be in EFL, I think. What are your credentials? If you have something closely related to TEFL, you can probably go farther than someone without. And, yes, the market is saturated with teachers, but ambitious people (no offense to you) will hustle and snag those PT jobs to boost their income. Some people on these forums claim to be making upwards of 500,000-700,000 yen/month. Being frugal also helps, so if you aren't afraid to live in cheap housing, there's an enormous savings right there. You might want to look up the thread I started on "cheapskates" to see how some people save money here.

Living in Tokyo with only a 250,000 yen/month salary can pretty much be as entry level as it gets, but what are your expenses? On average, you will probably be spending about half that for basic necessities, so what are your "luxury" spendings? They amount to anything else, so perhaps you might want to look more closely at how you spend in order to determine how much you save.

[Gypsy Rose Kim]

[door3344]

To the OP, you make the prospect of living in Korea seem like a jail sentence or some form of torture. I have been an expat in both Japan and Korea and IMO the negatives of Korea have been exaggerated by some people on these forums (who've probably never even been to Korea). I lived there for 2 years and had an absolute blast; met a ton of great people (Korean and foreigner), found the culture to be interesting, the language (relatively) easy to pick up, tasty food, etc. Korea has it's problems (what country doesn't?) but don't expect an accurate or balanced assessment from a bunch of culture shocked 23 year olds venting on Dave's, whose only previous exposure to a foreign location was the family trip to Disneyland when they were 12.

In terms of finances, I was saving over USD2000 a month while still being able to go and do whatever I wanted, buy the things I wanted, and travel extensively (I taught at a public high school so we had 11 weeks paid vacation).

Just steer clear of the hogwons (unless your friend can vouch for the reliability of one) and you'll be fine. Hey, you never know, the unthinkable might happen: you might actually like it there.

[dove]

I think it is great that you like Tokyo and that you are enjoying your life here. I know how hard it is to save money especially if you eat out all the time (even if you just get bento boxes from the convenience store), go out drinking, throw 120 yen down a machine for a drink, pay for internet, your cell phone, train trips around Tokyo....money just disappears in this country.
I was spending like that until I realized that I needed to save money. I have a plan to leave Japan for a year (mabe longer) to live in Brazil with my Brazilian partner. I also wanted to save for retirement (I don't think I will be able to rely on American social secrurity seeing that I haven't been paying into the system) and my partner and I bought land in Brazil.... Major lifestyle changes had to be made. The way I saved the most money was to cook for myself. The hardest part was seeing all my co-workers go out for lunch. I don't join them anymore. I also NEVER buy drinks from machines. I got a Brita water fillter and I make lots of tea that I can bring in a thermos. I rarely go out drinking. That might be a hard one for most people, but for me it was easy to give up. It was kind of like "been there, done that." I do not miss those hung-over Sunday mornings and the entire wasted Sunday. Maybe it is still hard to turn down a lot of invitations--I know some people consider me a hermit--but I have never been one to care what one thinks about me. That's really the key about saving money--not letting other people get in the way of your goals. Also, I use the library a lot, I shop at Brazilian and Thai stores, I don't eat meat, I walk as much as possible, I appreciate what is right around me. I feel a lot healthier and "stable" living like this.

By the way, I am considering going to Korea after my year in Brazil. Not so much for the money, but just for the change. I mean, that's why I got into ESL in the first place.

[Nismo]

[Gordon]

Yes, the nutters do tend ot congregate in Korea. You only need a degree and a pulse to find work there, Japan wants slightly more.
I have taught in both countries and think either can be a good place to live and work. Have to agree with others, that teaching EFL is a good field to move around in, if you can. Try new places and teaching experiences.

[sallycat]

maaku -- it sounds like you really want to stay in japan. have you considered looking for a job out in the inaka where you might have the chance to save more money? it's just a suggestion - i have no idea what the job market in the inaka is like right now. i also have no idea whether you would like korea or not -- it's just that you don't sound wildly thrilled about the idea of going there.

[Maaku]

Thanks for the advice so far. To answer one posters question, my biggest expense would probably be going out with friends, or on dates 1-2 times per week. Dining in Omotesando, Shinjuku, etc. can add up. My credentials are only my 2 degrees. Until recently, I haven't thought of making teaching a career. But to do so, I know Tefl, etc would help alot.

Actually, I have been to Seoul, South Korea for 4 days about several months ago and had an amazing time. People were quite outgoing and very friendly. There seems to be much more of a party atmosphere there. The reason this post has come up is that I have been offered a teaching position in an affluent part of Seoul, with free apartment, etc. I have done extensive research on the school, via internet and my friends, and it is reliable and will always pay me on time. Coupled with my desire to pay off school loans rather quickly, this is an attractive offer. However, it seems many people go to Korea for a couple of years and eventually come or return to Japan. If I follow suit, I would have to start over again in Japan. Finding employment, apartments, etc.

For the people who have left Japan to South Korea. Was it difficult to come back and get set up again? Or is it not worth it?

From reading the Korea Forum, it seems people can either have the best or worst of experiences in Korea.

Sorry for the long post.

[Gypsy Rose Kim]

Yes, for me it was worth it. It was easy to keep in touch with what was going on in Tokyo. I could fly back frequently and people were always keen to visit me in Seoul.

I am returning to Tokyo with new skills and new perspective. I think my friends who've never left Tokyo in the seven and a half years I've known them are a little envious. I haven't fallen behind anyone. On the contrary, I have more money and more confidence and more options.

[jademonkey]

I was able to save 150,000 yen a month living with my partner in Tokyo and I used to work for Nova. It all depends on how you spend your money (duh). My favourite yatai was really cheap and honestly, one of the most fun yakitori shops i've ever been to. (it's the North exit of Ogikubo station, if you're in west Tokyo, and never ask for salt on your tebasaki, the surly cook just scoffs at you and puts sauce on it anyway)

[Apsara]

Is that the one right outside the station entrance, at the top of the escalator on the right? If so, it's always so full when I go past that I've never even tried to go in