Job Discussion Forums

[AdamtheJohnson]

Been reading the forums for a few days now. Seen a lot of "doom and gloom" posts, some more realistic ones, and optimistic ones. I just want to ask a question and get an answer suitable to what I want out of Japan though.

So, say I dont care about having a tiny apartment with no cable TV. Say, I dont care at all about SAVING much money, if any. Say, I dont go out to bars, like, ever - but still want to experience Japan (specifically, RURAL Japan), meet interesting people and take in a few leisure activities once in a while (hiking trips, hot springs/bath houses, social events)......

How will my experience be, given the poor nature of the current market?

I have a Bachelor's but no experience or Celta/TEFL of any kind. I'll arrive with $3-4K and not afraid to spend it on start up.

I want to experience a new culture for a year or more, and simply not starve along the way.

What do you think?

[Mr_Monkey]

I think you answered your own question.

[AdamtheJohnson]

[ghostrider]

Under the conditions you listed, you'll likely be fine. The problem is taking 210,000 yen/month jobs in the middle of Tokyo and not realizing you won't be able to fully enjoy the city or travel much, or at all, around the region while here. In the country, with no social life, you'll probably be paying lower rents and maybe lower taxes, so 210,000 may be like earning 260,000+ in Tokyo. I think earning 235,000 the first year in Tokyo is passable, 250,000 the 2nd year, but to really make the most out of your time in the region and have a normal social life, you're going to need to earn 300,000 or more. If you're aiming for the countryside, you have the advantage of the JET Program which still pays higher than dispatch ALT and eikaiwa.

[AdamtheJohnson]

I'd certainly like to visit the cities, eat and enjoy my time there, but I'm more drawn to the romanticism of the old world Japan.

I need to investigate this JET programme.

[Glenski]

What is your time frame for coming?

If you come without a job, you may have to wait and support yourself for 2-4 months. If you come in November to January, that is a terrible time and you may not even find a job.

BA degree with no experience and no cert means bottom of the barrel bottom run entry level jobs:
JET ALT
dispatch ALT
eikaiwa instructor

Salaries have been falling; you may find something in the 250,000-270,000 yen/month range, but you may also be offered a crappy 180,000-220,000 yen/month jobs with no health insurance. You can live on all of the above (altho the 180K would be tight).

You can do what you propose, and many people will not accept rural jobs, so that may be in your favor, but be careful about contract conditions. Ask questions here when you get the details from potential employers.

[AdamtheJohnson]

[PO1]

There are lots of doom and gloom posts around here because that's the nature of the beast. People are typically trying to be helpful because they've been there, done that, know the market, and know Japan well enough. Some people are just cynical for no reason. It's hard to tell who is just being "doom and gloom" and who is being realistic.

Based on my experience, I made 250,000 yen a month in my first job in Japan. I lived in Tohoku. I didn't really save much until the last 3 or 4 months. I saved about 600,000 yen in that amount of time before I left.

This go around, I'm making 275,000 yen a month, in a more urban area. I think I'll be able to save pretty well if I choose. I also will have about $8,000 when I come to Japan this time, when last time I had about $2,000.

All that being said, if you only plan on coming over for about a year, are interested in doing more nature/cultural/free type things, and don't mind living like a college student, then you'll do fine.

You sound mentally prepared for the lower end of the spectrum and don't have an idealistic vision of Japan, so I think you'll be perfectly alright.

[AdamtheJohnson]

[AdamtheJohnson]

[tokyo10]

Well, i can give you a clue because Im currently in the thick of it. Its really as hard as everyone has said here. I have been in Tokyo now for 2 weeks and although I have about 10 offers for part time work, no one will touch me on a tourist visa. This is with my TESOL MA and I'm talking about Eikawas and ALT dispatch. The market is flooded, jobs are very scarce and the yen is doing a serious number on my bank account. I came with 3k and im down more than 1/3 of it after finding an apartment for the month (66k, fairly affordable here but about 800$US) and minor living expenses.

Im not sitting here twiddling my thumbs either, I've averaged about 15 resumes sent per day to any and all available positions for the last month(including back in the states). I'm getting worried and contemplating Korea before I run out of money. I'm very happy to be here, don't get me wrong...but I will breathe a huge sigh of relief when I finally do get a job.

[genesis315]

Some commentary from the front lines! good stuff.

Best of luck to you.

Ever try living in an internet cafe? While I was in Fukuoka I learned that you can actually spend the night at the internet cafes. For the cost of the internet you could actually use a mat to sleep on, showers, and also get all the drinks and small snacks you can eat.

My rough plan of action consisted of following up on leads all the day long, then returning to the internet cafe to rest and clean up for the nights. I think the internet cafe costs would of came to around $500.00 per month.

[tokyo10]

actually yes, I did try sleeping in an internet cafe for a few hours when i first got here. Didnt spend the whole night, just kicked off my shoes and relaxed for a bit. Roughly right now they were about 500 yen for the first 1.5 hours 300 yen each additional hour. Full nights sleep 7-8 hours would cost 2,500 yen approx which is about the same price for a love hotel. Too expensive for monthly stay when you can find a guesthouse for cheaper.

It is all you can drink coffee/calpico/soda though! I drank 5 so my stay was free

[seklarwia]

[tokyo10]