View Full Version : English speaking jobs
Anonymous
2000-12-05, 08:10 AM
My husband and I were relocated to Japan about 2 months ago from the United States for a 2-3 year assignment. I had to quit my job that I absolutely loved to come to Japan with him. I've been trying to find a job in Tokyo so I would not have to sacrifice my career to be with my husband. I've been looking through the newspaper, internet and magazine classifieds but I've been turned down because I do not speak fluent Japanese. I used to work for a reputable company in Boston in the mutual fund industry. I've been searching and searching and becoming very frustrated. Could anyone suggest other avenues to take in finding a job that does not require the use of Japanese? I know that jobs like these exist but do not know how to look for them. Thank you in advance.
Anonymous
2000-12-05, 11:32 PM
Teaching English or host/hostess/bar work are really the only options out there-that I know of. Even if your Japanese were superb you might have difficulties finding anything else unless you are transfered here(like your husband).
Michelle
2000-12-11, 07:08 PM
Good luck honey....what I would suggest is trying to at least learn to speak the language. That would elevate your status from "baka gaijin." When I arrived in Fukuoka to study for a year I couldn't speak any Japanese either. The only way I could earn money was through teaching English and working in a bar. However, both of those jobs helped me learn more language and culture than if I had sat at home with my head in the books. And once you show an interest and effort in learning the language and customs, many more doors will be opened to you.
Granted, none of this may interest you, but the experience and knowledge you gain from these two-three years in Japan will be invaluable when you get back to the States. That is, if you allow yourself to learn it. Don't just sit at home. Interact with the community. You'll be glad you did. So don't think of it as giving up your career for your husband. Think of it as a career helper--even if you do nothing in the field in which you worked in the States.
Anonymous
2001-01-09, 08:02 PM
Yes I agree , you have to at least learn to speak Japanese otherwise it would be difficult for you to live and move around in Japan. Been to Tokyo once and really hate myself for not working hard on my Japanese language. There's one incident when I took a taxi and I couldnt direct the cabby where to go in Japanese and was being called a 'baka', it made me real mad and at the same time I told myself that I have to work harder on nihongo
Like what michelle said, interact with the community, make more japanese friends and you will really learn a lot and u know that there's always someone to turn to for help
The finance industry has plent of non-Japanese speaking roles
in Japan. With your experience in the mutual fund industry,
you should be able to get something. Use agencies - and
try to learn the basic greetings etc in Japanese - it will help to
relax prospective employers.
Anonymous
2001-01-25, 08:34 PM
I would agree with "a". There are lots of international firms in Tokyo that could use your experience and your English. You can find the occassional job on Monster and Hotjobs as well. Check their international job boards.
Good Luck
panda
2001-03-27, 11:06 PM
Join international associations and clubs to meet people and make contacts in your industry. A very good organization for you to try would be FEW (Foreign Executive Women).
In the mean time enroll in Japanese language classes.
By the way, you don't say where you live? If you are outside of Tokyo you will have a much harder time making contacts and finding professional work unfortunately.
Anonymous
2001-06-22, 10:32 AM
Don't just sit at home. Interact with the
community. You'll be glad you did. So don't think of it as giving up your career for your husband. Think
of it as a career helper--even if you do nothing in the field in which you worked in the States.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Can you help one up in Japan till I get a teaching Job? I will do the lundry at home for the first two weeks?
Or any suggestions?
Keep sweet.
SIGMUND
Anonymous
2001-06-22, 10:32 AM
Don't just sit at home. Interact with the
community. You'll be glad you did. So don't think of it as giving up your career for your husband. Think
of it as a career helper--even if you do nothing in the field in which you worked in the States.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Can you help one up in Japan till I get a teaching Job? I will do the lundry at home for the first two weeks?
Or any suggestions?
Keep sweet.
SIGMUND