Happy Sunday everyone! Hoping to get some advice.
I recently was forced to leave my job here in Japan. This was mainly due to an urgent family situation that came up in July, and it’s going to require my attention for a while (perhaps a year or so). I was also having a lot of trouble with my manager (a fellow expat), so I was already considering leaving. But that part simply made my choice easier and was coincidental.
Unfortunately, since I will be moving back home I’m going to lose my visa. I’m looking into whether or not I qualify for PR based off of points and I’m working with a larger company to handle my visa/immigration stuff on my behalf, but I expect to hear back that I do not qualify.
So I’ll be in the difficult postiion of applying for jobs in Japan requiring visa sponsorship, from abroad.
When I start applying for jobs again, I’ll have between 5-6 years of experience at a Fortune 100 company. I received my masters in my field from a top 25 university in the United States, and in terms of Japanese ability I’m not at a professional level. I’m going to *try* and aim for N2 over the next year to further improve my chances, but the reality is my family situation will be the priority. I may or may not be working over the next year.
I’m going to be leaving with excellent references from my former jobs (including my role in Japan), so I’m leaving on good terms. Coming back to my same company in Japan would be a possibility, but I’m leaning towards wanting to try something new.
Has anyone done something similar before? I spoke with some recruiters locally and did receive positive feedback about me as a candidate, but was told it will naturally be harder once I’m abroad.
I’m the type that likes to plan ahead, and I’d love to hear any advice/thoughts 🙏
Thank you!
4 comments
I work at an international company and work with a lot of people who were hired while they were still abroad. I don’t think it’ll be too hard honestly.
When does your current visa expire?
I think the job market is going to be a lot worse in the coming two years just fyi.
> Coming back to my same company in Japan would be a possibility
Do this. After another year with them, start looking for something else.
Don’t do life on hard mode when you already have a path laid out in front of you.