Change my job in Japan?

Question

Im currently living in Saitama, Japan, but Im not satisfied with my job. Im asked to work from 7am to 10pm, and though the pay is good, Im not into working that amout of hours six days a week.
My question is: can I get a better job? I dont speak japanese, though I can read and write hiragana, katakana and basic kanji. I speak English, Spanish and some Portuguese.
Should I start looking for something better or just settle with what Ive got right now?

Im a child of a Japanese national, will changing my job screw up my visa anyway?

Answer 1

You shouldn't have a problem at all. If you are a university grad, then you can teach English.

Check out this site and good luck!

http://www.gaijinpot.com/

Answer 2

I assume that you are not performing manual labor from 7am to 10pm. I suspect you start teaching classes at 7 and then sit around the office twiddling your thumbs for a few hours a day bc it's too inconvenient to actually go home. . .and then you have some evening classes that last until 10pm. Having to actually stay in the office for so many hours is ridiculous. Raise a stink with your manager about it. Obviously they have stuck you with this schedule from hell bc no one else would do it. Say something like, how can you expect me to enjoy my job and perform well when you are obviously taking advantage of me?? I have a life too!
If you have a work visa then you do NOT need to worry about changing jobs. Visas are issued by immigration, not your employer. Once you have a work visa it cannot be revoked (unless you're deported or something). You are free to work ANYWHERE until it expires. (When it comes time to renew, however, you'll need an employer to fill out your paperwork again. But I think the renewal process is much simpler than applying for the initial work visa).
If you are able to find a new job while you are still employed (i.e., new boss sympathizes with your crappy situation) then go ahead and quit. But don't quit unless you have a new job. I am not sure what repercussions you'd face by breaking your contract. If you are willing to forfeit your fare home for example, then do it.

Answer 3

Hi Lancelot,

What brought you to Japan? Is your job more isolated than social? Maybe you could use it as an opportunity to speak more of the language. Are there any labor laws in Japan? That is an awful long time for someone to work without option. You more than likely have a Visa so, check into your rights and options in regard to it.

You should be able to get a less time demanding job, but you must be prepared for a possible wage decrease. If you can handle that, then I don't see why you can't take some time to search for another position. Seeing that you work most of the time, I am not sure how you would go about handling the search and interview process. I wouldn't recommend leaving you job while in search of another.

If you have given your first job a chance, then don't opt to get stuck in a cycle that does not foster hope, happiness, or a future for you.

If you are a single person, maybe you could take on a teaching job or possibly share living quarters with native speakers or a host family for a while so that you can learn to speak the language better while cutting your living expenses.

Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy your stay in Japan. It is a place I have always wanted to visit. Immersion is the best way to learn any language and that in itself is priceless. Take advantage of it.

Answer 4

Como vai?

Yes, you can change your job but you should know that now a days getting job is not easier since the introduction of new immigration law and labor law is going to be revised soon.

The best way is do not leave your job while working find apply for new job when you get then leave.

If you are a child of a Japanese national then why don't you have a Japanese nationality? you are Nikkei jin? may be you are teijusha? but in any case visa is no problem.

I am also in Saitama.

Answer 5

working hours like that is stupid it may be good pay but in the really world no one works those hours . you say you can speak all those languages use them you can get a better job with all that behind you seem smart to go for it dont settle for what you got i no you can do better good luck

Answer 6

Specifically to your additional visa question, according the web-site, a 'child of Japanese' visa is category 2. "Statuses of residence without restrictions on activities in Japan". So changing your job won't make one iota of difference!

And frankly, I'm disgusted that you're being so overworked! I hope you find a better job, and you can stick two fingers up on your way out ... your boss won't realise the significance perhaps, but YOU will!
; )

Answer 7

If you can speak Spanish, English, Portuguese & read/write Japanese, I would consider going to the States where you can make some real money! Don't waste too much time in japan - the J-girls are fun to chase around for awhile, but it gets old!

Answer 8

dear Lancelot, no dout you are a very hard worker.
You can do job in travel company where very less japanese language is require. You can read and write hiragana ,katakan and some basic kanji . so it is helpfull to read the brochure of company and work as outbound tour executive where you can speak english with foreign associates of company.

Answer 9

7am to 10pm? You can't make a contract with such long time in Japan.
If you would like work long, find another (additional) job.
Japan doesn't pick your visa up and ask you get out of country even if you changed your job. (I am hearing, in some Asian nations, if you quit job, you need to get out of the country immediately. Maybe Thailand?)
And learn Japanese. It will help you.

Answer 10

You can look for another job, the only deal is your current visa is sposnored by your current employer. If you resign from your current company, you will have to re do the whole visa process all over again. You may have to leave and re-enter Japan again.