Job Discussion Forums

[kanjizai]

I wonder if there are any people in tokyo, without ALT/Language school jobs, that are making a decent living. I mean people piecing together small jobs and privates here and there. Id like to hear your stories

[Glenski]

Why do you ask?

Aside from being homeless (and surviving that way, if you can call it survival), I'm sure a few people manage to "get by" without being a full-time EFL teacher. Geez, teaching isn't the only job out there.

But, in order to stay in Japan, you have to have a proper visa. What are you planning on in that regard? Visa first, then job.

[alexcase]

Glenski has a good point (if rather sarcastically stated). The reason why many people coming to Japan for the first time or coming back after a long break take a full time job rather than just doing privates is that you need a sponsor for your visa. If you get a three year visa and only have a one year contract, work the last two years with hourly work etc. and then I think it is possible to sponsor yourself if you have enough income. Some people find it is just easier to sign another one year contract anyway though

[Vince]

I spent my last two years putting together part-time jobs and made good money. I had a spousal visa, so that wasn't a concern.

[alexcase]

I agree with Vince, people seem to make more working several part time jobs and/ or privates than having 1 full time job. You also have the added bonus of theoretically being able to refuse each class, and I imagine it has more variety. Just seems to take a bit more juggling of schedules- more people to inform when you want to take holiday etc. I'm considering it too.

[Vince]

Keep in mind that part-time jobs typically aren't as secure as full-time jobs. Lose one of them, and your income could be cut in half.

[Kilgore Trout]

[TokyoLiz]

Kilgore Trout, go easy on the old folk teaching them English and romancing them! It's one way to get repeat clients - they'll likely come back to you as genki five year olds at eikwaiwa in the next life.

The beauty of teaching private students is that you can be selective about who you'll teach. I've met maybe a dozen students in the last three years, and really clicked with three who have become long term students. Personalities, teaching styles and knowledge areas, and scheduling need to come together.

I teach privates on the side and have decided from the experience that if I could manage it, I would work part time for a company and one day a week teaching private students. It would reduce my commute one day (likely teach close to home and meet local folks) and give me more job satisfaction teaching people whose needs match my teaching style.

But do it full time? I think you'd be eating cup noodle a lot.

[Kilgore Trout]