I see it a lot here as advice. Use “dispatch company” as a way into Japan, and then find a better job ASAP!!!
They make it sound so simple. Just walk into the nice company and give the big boss a firm handshake. Just go to the job factory.
I’ve been in Japan for 2 years, and have met many ALTs. At least 50. And thus far, I’ve only met two people who have gone on to find another job in a field not related to teaching English. One is an Asian woman, who speaks fluent Japanese. The other is a guy who married a Japanese woman and has been in the same town for 15 years.
I’ve got a buddy who speaks great Japanese and has been busting his ass off this entire year to find any entry level job in Tokyo while teaching. And he’s a young, handsome white guy, if that counts.
These are the two most common paths for an ALT if they wanna move on from their dispatch company that I’ve seen:
1. Get a direct hire position.
2. Leave Japan.
I’m not saying finding other types of employment is not doable, but it shouldn’t be touted as advice for someone coming into Japan to teach for the first time. It’s just unrealistic.
My friend, for example, will eventually get a better job, I’m sure. But it hasn’t been easy, thus far.
by mrdigdogdiggity
