I want to share about my job search journey in Osaka. Of course, everyone has different circumstances and reasons. I’ve been working in Osaka for two years, mainly in human resource management. Essentially, it involves managing foreign workers, interpreting, and leading them to the workshop; usually, these are people from Nepal, Bangladesh, etc. You know, they are international students or dependents of spouses working in factories to make a living.
The job-hopping is enough, due to the nature of the work and the companies (the term “black companies” refers to those with poor working conditions and wages), on average, I change jobs once a year. I find this quite normal compared to Western countries or my home country. But it seems this is a serious matter in Japan. I’ve interviewed with some companies, and it seems they emphasize the fact that I only stay at a company for an average of one year and reject me.
I wonder if this is a bad thing and mainly my fault, or is it a reflection of Japan’s work culture truly regressing? Furthermore, if you or your company are currently hiring in Osaka, please let me know. Thank you!
by Naive-Durian-6562
5 comments
I’m a job hopper, but I think the companies that hold that against you aren’t worth working for.
I changed jobs 3 times in 2023, but my industry (hospitality) is so starved for workers, I had no problem getting offers each time. That being said, I did get asked to explain the reason I left each company in interviews, and I’m hoping to stay at my current job for 2 years minimum, if only to try to improve my resume.
Depending on the role, job hopping can definitely be a red flag.
Companies can spend a lot of time/effort/money training someone and if they leave within a year that’s a lot of lost effort.
Of course there are situations or careers where every 2-3 years is normal. But I think 1x per year is pretty excessive, and most companies and even recruiters would overlook your resume if you don’t have a clear reason for all the changes.
I wouldn’t hire you.
Climbing corporate ladder is a matter of integrity, on both sides.
Your previous experience shows that within a year, you are ready to jump ship, and take all knowledge and experience you gained in the company, somewhere else.
The only long-term success you can gain with that attitude, is entrepreneurial.
And Japan is the wrong place for both.
Interesting – how did you get in HR? Are you Nepali background or something?
I was looking for HR but only could get classic sales recruiting roles in Japan. Unfortunately the HR wages are so low in Japan too