My boyfriend is working towards moving to Japan within the next 5-6 years to teach English. Though I don't know if I would be going with him at this time (a lot can happen in 6 years). But the thought has been floating around so I am wondering what my options for work could be!

Does anyone know of any ideal jobs for people moving to Japan? I don't want to do the teaching thing like him, and as of right now I have no idea what I'm looking for in a career.

So it's just a general question. What can a Canadian gal do in Japan to meet people, learn the culture and pay the bills?!

Thanks!

-Gabrielle

The only way to get a job so you can pay the bills in Japan legally is to get a College or University degree in any discipline. This is a requirement of the Japanese government.
Your only other alternative , if you are not on a Student Working Holiday Visa is to become a hostess at one of the many Hostess Bars. They are prevalent in the main cities, and many proprietors hire foreign girls illegally.
But this can be a dangerous proposition since these hostesses are expected to please their clients(any way they fancy).
If you do qualify for a Student Working Holiday Visa, then you are allowed to work up to around 20 hours per week, but NOT in bars, mahjong parlours or any other illegal endeavours.

5-6 years is enough lead time to get yourself 2-3 certificates or work experience in a field. A computer certificate could give you better opporutnities in the IT field, for example, or a kindergarten certificate could give you chances in that field. A chef generally needs 10 years of work experience to get a work visa, so you see that 5-6 years is a significant amount of time you can use to get marketable job skills.

if you're serious about a move to japan, first thing you have to do is learn the language.
even if you get educated and trained in something, the chances of getting a good paying job without japanese is very difficult.

like others have said, you're best bet is probably in IT. with 5-6 years, you can go back to school get certified. and have several years of experience. that'll make you well sought after.

teaching is a good option it pays adequately. the hours are good so you'll have lots of time to do other things. you'll probably only qualify as a teaching assisant in public/private schools unless you have an education degree.

(I hate it when the forum's software does not show the posting date!)
Today is 23 Nov 2008!

Some people suggested going into IT. I'll have to mention several factors: IT no longer has the jobs which it had before the year 2000; work experience is usually required; there are lots of IT workers in Japan already, and they already speak Japanese! Besides, not everyone is cut out for it!

It is a common refrain to recommend IT. Alas, this has long ceased to hold any value.