Job Discussion Forums

SteveStevenson · Joined: 29 Jan 2009 Posts: 14

I am considering signing up for one of those 3 to 6 month contracts with one of the major companies in order to get over there and look for a more permanent job.

This seems like it must have intrinsic drawbacks or more people would be doing it. Can anybody tell me if this would work, and if it would what would the drawbacks be?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

There's only one company that offers such short contracts that I know of. As long as you get full visa sponsorship, your foot is in the door.

Drawbacks?

1. Will they renew for consecutive contracts without a break period in between, or are you on the street after 3 or 6 months?

2. Copayment into shakai hoken (corporate health insurance/pension) plan?

3. Housing guarantor, especially after your contract is up?

4. Depending on the time of year, how good are one's chances of finding replacement work after the contract is up?

5. Will your work schedule allow enough time to job hunt? You'll essentially have to start looking the day you begin that job, and you may be learning the job simultaneously, which could take a lot of effort/time.