Job Discussion Forums

[MattElz]

Which is more important as a first time English teacher in Japan - going w/the company that can place you where you want to work? Or - the company that offers better working conditions - even if that means living somewhere else?

[fat_chris]

I think that's something for one to decide for oneself.

Even though I have never been to Japan, I would go with the company that could offer me working conditions more to my liking wherever that may be. I have lived in a rural Austrian village in the mountains, a huge Chinese provincial capital and a few mid-sized Midwestern US cities and have found that I am content anywhere. It's all interesting to me.

[Glenski]

You have to decide. Can you feel comfortable/safe in a rural environment (which is where they need teachers the most)? How is your Japanese ability, let alone your willingness to learn it there? Are you a small town person who would freak out in the megalopolis of Tokyo?

[denise]

Although this is a personal decision that only you can make, my vote would be for the working conditions. If your company treats you poorly, overworks you, etc., you may be in too sour a mood to enjoy your surroundings.

d

[Laura C]

In a similar vein...

Would you prefer less pay for more time off?

I know this is a personal thing too, but I'm interested in what people would prefer to do. My friends and I were asked this question about a year ago, and we all said more time, less money. But everyone else I have asked says t'other.

L

[Gordon]

I think a balance of time and money. I'm in an eviable position where I have so much time on my hands and holidays. The pay isn't great when you look at it yearly and I'd prefer to work more if I could earn more. When you have a lot of time off, you spend more too. Generally if you have enough to live comfortably, than we should be content. Don't get too hung up on the money in Japan because you always hear about how someone is really raking it in here.
Sorry this was off-topic.

Matt, go with the good school and a place you feel comfortable with. Every location has its a good and bad points.

[markle]

You might also want to consider your priorities.

If you are concerned about your salary, career advancement, further opportunities then which company you work for can make the difference. On the other hand if you came to Japan with a particular outcome in mind (to become an origami master for example) then you may need to choose to get a job in a place reknown for that.

I think the same applies to the free time/money consideration. Although I don't think that there is a concrete economic law that shows the harder you work (less free time), the more money you have.

[april]

Don't know your reasons Matt, but in my particular circumstance I would go for the one in the location that you want. It's easier to find another job than to move to a different area. I am very particular about where I want to live in Japan, but lucky for me I scored a job with a company with a good reputation and in the area that I want.

[shmooj]

I don't know if it's "easier" April, but it is definitely cheaper to stay in one place in Japan and look for work. So, Matt, if this is the way you want to go, make sure you are in a place that is big enough to provide alternative work for you if the original job is not what you want. You really don't want to be shifting around different apartments in Japan or you'll go through money faster than a bullet through butter.

[sutekigaijin]

Quote:

You have to decide. Can you feel comfortable/safe in a rural environment (which is where they need teachers the most)? How is your Japanese ability, let alone your willingness to learn it there? Are you a small town person who would freak out in the megalopolis of Tokyo? Please listen to Glenski. He loves the cold climate and all the snow up in Hokkaido. He says it is refreshing, gives him lots of energy, and he loves to ride his bicycle (with training wheels) on the icy/snowy streets of Sapporo. He is the gaijin posterboy for Hokkaido.