Ask MetaFilter

I will be moving to Yokosuka, Japan soon. My husband is in the Navy and we have received orders to be there in about a month. I have a graduate degree, 15 years of experience with increasing responsibility, and a four month old. Can I expect to find a federal job or is this folly? [more inside]
posted by stormygrey on Jun 5, 2017 - 10 answers

In Japan, is teaching english compatible with family life? would I ever see my children if I did that for a living? [more inside]
posted by myriad gantry on Oct 17, 2016 - 6 answers

I just got news that I got an internship at an architectural office (altough I just graduated as a a graphic designer) in Tokyo, which is crazy exciting. However, they can't offer any compensation (small studio) so unless I find another job next to this, I need some really cheap solutions. I just sent an email to the studio, asking them for assistance, but figured meta could help. My plan is to stay for 2-3 months. I saved up some money from side jobs, and don't mind spending it on this experience, but the less it makes a dent the better. My only idea so far was to work as some kind of au pair (I speak English, German, Dutch and Croatian fluently, I'm good with kids, but I am a guy, which I guess is not too popular a gender for babysitting), in exchange for a room. Any ideas? Also, some place where I could look for a small job on the side (preferably something where I could use my design skills, but don't mind a day job)? Also, how much can I expect to spend monthly if I'm, technically, still on a student budget? Thank a lot!
posted by ahtlast93 on Jul 11, 2013 - 8 answers

I'm currently looking for work in Japan. I'm scouring the internet, Dave's ESL cafe, ALT (assistant language teacher) listings and am not really looking for help in that respect. If you have any suggestions however, I am happy to hear more. The only exception would be if anyone knows of any Eikaiwa (Private school) jobs or any forums that post job listings.. It is my question that since the work is not always steady and there is the possibility I would go there just to tutor, there is waaay too much flux in my ability to pay for rent. I need help figuring outside work. Outside of selling Japanese items around the world, I'm trying to figure out ways to make money with a general skill set. I'm vocal enough and confident in my speaking ability so I figure I can lead tour groups on my free time and post the listings on craigslist. I'm also looking into working as a waiter or dishwasher, but I was hoping for some help generating ideas. Thanks! PS - I alreadly have information on career cross and gaijin pot. If anyone knows any temp agencies are teacher employment agencies, that would be appreciated as well.
posted by Nighthawk3729 on Nov 25, 2012 - 14 answers

How can I find a teaching job in Japan, with a Masters degree in TESOL and 17 years of teaching experience? I guess this isn't your usual "I want to teach in Japan" question, since I'm qualified enough to compete in the tough market, but how do I go about it? [more inside]
posted by smilingtiger on Nov 13, 2012 - 11 answers

My search for an ideal job in Japan continues: To go back to America and attend the DISCO Boston Career Fair or to stay in Japan? [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 on Oct 4, 2012 - 11 answers

Japan Visa/Work Problems, Cont.: Living in Japan, scored a job as an ALT in Japan that starts in a little over a month; already signed the contract and got my work visa renewed. Just got an offer from a much better paying job that would employ me right away (and would sponsor me). What to do? [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 on Jul 23, 2012 - 3 answers

Searching for a job in Japan... Can speak Japanese, but have only gotten job offers from low-paying ALT dispatchers so far. Visa running out. Other venues to search? [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 on Jun 19, 2012 - 10 answers

I'm 26 year old guy recently returned from teaching in Japan, out of a job, and looking for a new adventure. [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 on May 18, 2012 - 10 answers

JET (teaching English in Japan) vs AmeriCorps (cool community stuff in my city). Or, how do you decide between two paths that seem comparably engaging/difficult/unknown? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish on Apr 21, 2011 - 17 answers

What are some weird ways to live? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish on Nov 4, 2010 - 39 answers

Yet another question about moving to Japan. [more inside]
posted by dubitable on Oct 11, 2009 - 18 answers

"Trailing spouse" experiences moving to Japan? [more inside]
posted by em on Jun 5, 2009 - 19 answers

Help a computer scientist find an interesting job abroad, preferably in Japan [more inside]
posted by Cogito on Sep 30, 2008 - 2 answers

Help my Japanese friend find a job in the US! [more inside]
posted by willmize on Dec 13, 2007 - 6 answers

How can I find a job at a ski resort in Japan? I have lots of customer service experience, but I don't speak Japanese. [more inside]
posted by goseethesphinx on Nov 11, 2006 - 6 answers

On June 26th I will be leaving the US for Japan and I hope to stay there for a long time. I am not worried about the language (I have been studying it at university for about 3 years and when I get to Japan I will be taking summer school courses for 6 weeks) or finding a place to live (I'm going to look into the "gaijin houses" or geshuku). My biggest concern is finding a job. I've already taught English at one of the big eikaiwas and I did not like it. Plus, teaching/speaking English for 8 hours a day does not help my Japanese. What I really want is a job where I can use my Japanese so that I can improve it. Does anyone have any general advice for finding a job like this in Japan (places to look, tests to take, etc)? Also, I've been reading up on the Japanese work visa and I've come to the conclusion that the whole thing is a big pain. As far as I can tell there are 2 ways to get a work visa: 1) get a job before you enter Japan and have the company do all the paperwork. Then, when you do enter Japan you will have your visa. 2) Find a job in Japan, return to the US for 1~2 months so that the paperwork can be processed, then return to Japan with the visa. It is a little late for #1, plus it's difficult for me to interview for jobs since I'm currently in the US. As for #2, what sort of company would hire someone who can't even start working for a month? I feel like the system is set up to deter people like me from coming and working in Japan. Anyway, if anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.
posted by yasny_jp on Jun 8, 2005 - 8 answers