I am living in Tokyo and recently applied with NOVA. I passed their initial screening and selected the Employment Contract (based on recommendations from various Reddit users to avoid the Independent Contract Agreement). During my interview, the recruiter explained that with the Employment Contract, I would be placed where the company needs me to go. With the Independent Contractor Agreement, I can choose to work in locations in Tokyo. They told me they would get back to me and to let them know if I changed my mind regarding my selection.
Since then, I received another email basically stating that on the employment contract in Tokyo I would not qualify for their regional allowance and my monthly remuneration would be lower compared to the Independent Contract (not an issue for me) and it is highly likely I would need to transfer elsewhere in Japan as operating needs dictate, yet they’re not telling me where exactly. This is a major issue for me as I’m already living in Tokyo and moving is not an option.
I’m wondering if this is just their way of trying to push the Independent Contract on me or do I have the option to work in Tokyo under the Employment Contract and they’re just not telling me. I would like to hear from those who are working as independent contractors with NOVA.
As an independent contractor, is it cutthroat competing with other contractors for clients? Or is it relatively easy to build your customer base? I chose the Employment Contract mainly because of the automatic assignment of clients.
How long is your IC contract and how do customer ratings impact your employment with NOVA?
Where do you teach your lessons? I know that contractors can use NOVA’s facilities, but I heard that you can also teach at cafes?
What is the customer rating process like? From what I hear, apparently you only have 10 minutes to rate students, which doesn’t seem like a lot of time.
Any insights or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
by Academic-Ocelot3314