Job Discussion Forums

[JL]

Hello all. First time posting. Years and years ago (mid to late 80's) I taught English in Japan. But I've been out of the game so long; surely some things have changed. Some questions:
A)Will it be hard for a 43 year-old male to find part-time work teaching? (In Tokyo; and I'll time my search to coincide with spring or fall hiring periods.)
B) I never finished college, which wasn't an issue back in the day. How much of an issue is it nowadays? (I don't expect university or public school work --just lessons at an ordinary English conversation school.)
C) Last question: It seems children's lessons have become a far larger part of the business than when I was teaching. Can I hope to also teach HS, college students and adults? (Variety of students is best antidote to repetitious lessons.)

Many more questions. But I won't be greedy. Incidentally, I have a permanent visa --so no issues there. Have been to Japan as recently as this past June. But am out of touch with the English teaching world. Thanks in advance!!

[JL]

I should add that I'm stateside right now. Please allow some lag time for my responses to any answers. But you guys already knew that!

[flyer]

What visa will you have?

if you don't have a degree it will be very difficult??

but you say you have experience, that may help?

but I doubt very much if you will be able to teach in HS etc (no degree)

[JL]

Wow. Didn't expect such a quick response. Thanks. I did mention above, but will gladly repeat that I have a permanent visa (永住権）, so I'm employable and do not require any sponsorship.

[flyer]

ok, sorry about that

but if you have no degree it will be tough, but certanly not impossible

your age is against you but (again) not a huge issue
with the Nova issue last year the industry is pretty flat

[JL]

Thanks. I appreciate it. So not too many teachers in their early 40's, huh? If I may ask, do you teach in a language school at this time?

[flyer]

I am older than you (LOL)

and still doing OK, but it gets harder

I teaching in public schools

[chinagirl]

Without a degree, it'll definitely be harder to find work. Public and private schools will generally not consider candidates without a bachelor's degree these days, as competition is stiff. You'll certainly have better luck looking in the language school sector.

Regarding part-time work, private lessons are probably your best bet, as well as community center group-type classes.

[Hoser]

Just out of curiosity, how is it that you have a permanent visa? And how do I go about getting one?

[Hoser]

Just out of curiosity, how is it that you have a permanent visa? And how do I go about getting one?

[Apsara]

It's usually called permanent residence (eijuuken in Japanese). If you are not married to a Japanese you need to be in Japan for 10 years before you can apply. If you have a Japanese spouse then it can be as short as 3 years but is usually more like 5.

[JL]

Thanks to everyone who has posted responses for me.
Yes, I understand that teaching in public schools, colleges, etc. wouldn't be realistic, since I haven't finished my degree. My intention is to look for work at English conversation schools in the central or western Tokyo area. So, how often do THESE kind of places hire without demanding a diploma?? I was hoping my prior experience and not needing sponsorship would be pluses. Since I'm stateside right now, any further info would be really appreciated.

Hoser: I have a permanent visa because my wife is Japanese, and I was living in Japan on a spouse visa for many years. It was the Immigration official who actually said to me, "You're ready for a permanent visa --go ahead and apply." But I started out like everybody else, came on a tourist visa, scrambled for work, finally got a sponsor, and worked my way up from there. Didn't marry my wife until five-plus years into Japan.
Flyer: You're older than me? Good to know!

[Glenski]

You may want to verify that your visa status or status of residence is still valid. There is no such thing as a "permanent visa".

Even with Permanent Resident status (not a visa, but a permanent status of residence), you have to return to Japan every 3 years and use the reentry permit, or PR expires. With a spouse visa, you have to keep renewing it and use the reentry permit to keep returning.

I came to Japan when I was just a wee bit younger than you. There are jobs here for the 40-ish set, but you are going to have to scramble, especially with no degree. Nobody can quote you percentages on "how often" places hire without degrees, so just live with the fact that you're going to start at nearly square one. You have experience here, but it will be up to the individual employer to judge whether that ancient work is still good enough for them.

I think you could get most work you desire, but it will require a lot of work. At least your sights are set on the biggest metropolitan area, where jobs are most plentiful, but that also means the most competition. Plan ahead. Search for jobs before you come, contact the employers, and let them know when you will be here and how to reach you.

[JL]

Thank you. My visa/residency status is fine.

"Nobody can quote you percentages on "how often" places hire without degrees."
I'm not really expecting percentages --just a rough idea of what different people think. By reading your comment and those of the others, I am beginning to get the impression that it will, indeed, be difficult.
I can never never receive too much input or info on this, though. Anyone else with any thoughts, info., or any anecdotes about teachers in their 40's finding work in the Tokyo area, by all means, please let me know.
Again, thanks in advance.

[flyer]

I can't recall seeing a job advert not req a visa

all the major schools will req it, you will just have to try your luck with the smaller ones, and being state side will not help at all