a couple of questions from a potential FG

[Lurker Matt]

Thanks

[kamome]

I don't want to make a huge mistake.

If you are thinking of coming here on a whim, you will be making a huge mistake. Of course there are other jobs besides teaching and modeling. What jobs can you do? And does it make sense for your career to come here? Those are the fundamental questions you should be asking first.

[Lurker Matt]

Well I wouldn't exactly call it a whim well maybe not . I have been thinking it over for awhile. and done a little research on living expenses and housing and such.

Anyway my skills are mechanics and computer hardware. I haven't noticed any opening for those kind of jobs on the internet. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place. I can't exactly pick up a Japanese newspaper or anything.

What do you think?
Is there any need for someone with those skills?

[Caustic Saint]

What do you think?
Is there any need for someone with those skills?

Yes, there is.

Here's the thing (and this point has to be brought up anytime somebody poses a question like yours, so I'm not bagging on you) - what can you offer that a Japanese person with the same skills cannot?

English ability isn't enough to cut it, especially if you don't speak Japanese.

[Lurker Matt]

good point.
Why didn't that come to mind. Thats why I had to ask I guess. .

What is it that brings most people there then? Is it just the two jobs I mentioned earlier? Just curious.

[Taro Toporific]

Anyway my skills are mechanics and computer hardware. I haven't noticed any opening for those kind of jobs on the internet. Maybe I'm not looking in the right place.

There's plenty of work in mechanics and computer hardware, BUT---and this is a big butt, you need a work visa. That means you need a BA or 8-years experience and some kind of Mr. Goodwrench licence. Also there's the 'little' issue of speaking Japanese to be a mechanic and computer hardware tech.

I can't exactly pick up a Japanese newspaper or anything.

Try http://www.daijob.com/ or ANY university library carries the Monday jobs issue of the Japan Times.

What do you think?
Is there any need for someone with those skills?

Everytime I negotiate my work contract (software/interface/documentation/engineering/marketing), always threaten to leave because any Benz shop in my neighborhood would pay me more. Maybe-the-Largest Inc knows I ain't kidding 'cause it's true. The fact is mechanics jobs are too tough since they don't heat most workshops in Japan in the winter.

[Lurker Matt]

That means you need a BA or 8-years experience and some kind of Mr. Goodwrench licence. Also there's the 'little' issue of speaking Japanese to be a mechanic and computer hardware tech.

Wow tougher than I thought.

[Taro Toporific]

That means you need a BA or 8-years experience and some kind of Mr. Goodwrench licence. Also there's the 'little' issue of speaking Japanese to be a mechanic and computer hardware tech.

Wow tougher than I thought.

The way most 3rd-Worlders get jobs here is to be:

--illlegal
or
--married
or
--very special skill (e.g., Benz mechanic)
or
--street vender, misu shobai, own boss, etc.

Or, all of the above.

I know Africans who have come here with $50 and a smile, no highschool... and made it big.
I've known plenty of Westerners come here, blow $5,000 "looking" for a real job and leave in less than 3 months.
It just depends on how willing, hungry and lucky you are (most hungry).

[Lurker Matt]

thats cool.
I think I'll definitely visit first then give it some serious though before I make any dumb decisions.
Thanks for the info though.

[Taro Toporific]

... give it some serious thought ...

Gee, just read one of the books:
Amazon.com: Jobs in Japan
LIST OF BOOKS dealing with Jobs in Japan
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/listmania/list-browse/-/2O1E5SIDTU4BJ/ref=cm_lm_dp_l_1/002-9018173-6060037
'The Job Hunter's Guide to Japan', by Terra Brockman supposedly covers finding employment in other fields but I can't personally vouch for its usefulness. (2) As of the time of this writing 'Jobs in Japan' has been out of print for a while so some of the info may be out of date. I still think it would be useful read - even for someone contemplating work outside of English teaching.