Hi, I’ve been thinking about moving to Japan for a while, but I believe I’d need a good work-life balance to make the most out of it.
Besides the famous test run made by Microsoft a while ago, how common is it for a Software Engineer to have a 32-hours (or even just 36-hours) work week? Alternatively, is it the kind of request that makes recruiters disappear with a smile Cheshire cat style?
For context, I’m a backend engineer with 7 years of experience, aiming for either Tokyo or Osaka.
Thanks in advance!
6 comments
Depends on the company I guess. I’m in an entry level position and work approximately 40-45hrs per week. And a senior co-worker of mine typically leaves the office at around 10pm-12am. So he’s probably working like 55-60hrs a week.
From what I hear, Software engineers are really only super productive for like 3 hours a day. If you find a remote job, you can work like 32 hours (or less) and I’m sure no one will tell the difference. Work deeply for 6 hours a day and “clock out”.
Of course it depends on the company and the main factors are probablly how Japanese and how remote-focused the company is.
Your best chance of such a work-life balance would be remote work with an American company but being legally hired in Japan.
Your worst chance would be with a traditional Japanese company that requires you to come to the office. Very unlikely to happen that you work less than 40-50 hours in that case, probably more.
You can fill out the spectrum in the middle yourself.
Recruiters have no idea and just want to sell you on a company and fill their quote or get their bonus. Your best chance of finding out is to contact current or former employees of a company.
I don’t think that’s very common outside of the Netherlands to be honest, even less in Japan
When I was applying to developer jobs in Japan, I don’t remember ever seeing a job posting that advertised 32 hour work weeks. That doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t exist, but I doubt they’re super common.
You’d probably be limiting yourself by telling recruiters you’ll only work 32 hours a week, but you can always try.
Work-life balance is something difficult to find in Japan because the culture is “live to work”, it’s not impossible but they will probably make you a terrible offer. The salaries here also are very low. The gaming industry is having its moment but the more famous the company is terrible the working culture is. PS.: don’t believe in agents because they lie as hell and the job description are just formalities because after you join they will force you wear lots of hats and doing something is not in your role. search for “Japanese working culture” anywhere and you will find how horrible is it. I personally do not recommend