For context, I have been working here in japan since 2018 after I graduated from univ back home. I have N1, and been using Japanese at work. I never felt I’m growing in this company. I got promoted only once (it’s basically tenure based). The pay is not so bad considering that I only do 15mins OT per day lol. Take home pay is at least 210k yen. Bonus is around 400k~450k (2x a yr). The apartment and utilities are free. It’s pretty low, but I would say enough with my current lifestyle. People at work are ok, but work-wise very inefficient and has this rejection towards non-jp people. Sat and Sun is day off. It’s not hard to take long paid leaves.
I am turning 29 next year. No kids or family. And I am burnout. Mainly I think because my tasks every day don’t challenge me at all.
I was working on getting my USCPA license not until yen became too weak and exam fee became so crazy expensive. So, I did put this on hold. Planning to get back as soon as I get to save more funds.
I am thinking about shifting to IT industry because I would like to be able to work remotely in the future. And I can possibly step into IT audit if I would pass my USCPA.
Is it worth it to give it a shot given the current market condition? Also, Japanese culture is all about age. Once you’re on your late 20’s, it’ll be difficult to change jobs. That’s what my Japanese friends had been saying to me.
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Don’t listen to your friends, they are spouting nonsense, more likely they are jealous that you actually have some ambition..
If I were you I’d look into getting a medical leave for a few months to sort out your mental health and then make plans to exit and move up
Why even bother thinking about if it is possible or not? It sounds like you have plenty of time to just look for new and better jobs. If you find something, apply. If you get an offer you like better than your current job, take it.
Edit: Some random passerby said I don’t seem to work in Big4 nor the IT audit industry and said whatever I said was bullshit and should not listen to, so I’m going to keep it that way. Funny how everyone can be professionals in the internet huh
> Is it worth it to give it a shot given the current market condition?
Is it worth sticking to your current job and never look back?
Probably not. Find a better one.
> Also, Japanese culture is all about age. Once you’re on your late 20’s, it’ll be difficult to change jobs.
It’s not if you can do something people need. But if you’ve got one of those do-nothing useless job that pays ok, you may want to keep that and have fun on the side. Maybe you can get to work less hours and get paid less?
>Once you’re on your late 20’s, it’ll be difficult to change jobs. That’s what my Japanese friends had been saying to me.
This is the excuse your friends keep telling themselves so that they don’t have to put in any effort looking for a new job (since they give up before they start). Don’t let this poisonous mentality infect you too.
If you want to make money, stay away from Japanese companies. Get into Gaishi
Would you rather “survive” and go through life looking back thinking what everything could have been like?
Or would you rather take a shot at doing something new, and then being able to tell that to yourself and others regardless of if it worked or not?
You do not have kids, you are not even in your 30s, you probably have savings judging from your salary and expenses…
Regardless of what people here make tell you about doing something or not, what does your heart tell you after you see your current position?
On a personal level, I was on a similar position 5 years ago, right when I was 29. I took the chance, thankfully it worked and I am happy I did. But what I remember best was me being excited about what the future may bring to me when I took a risk to change everything.
I think you would regret not trying and the longer you delay it, the harder it will be. You are still young, prime age to change jobs and challenge yourself.
Unsure which firm you are in but your friend could be right and could be wrong. Yes Japanese companies do care about age. But thats like late 30s or early 40s. Japanese also cares if you changed too much job.
You are considered young and if they can’t pay what you want, I would suggest to find a better job.
I used to think earning 400k as a high school teacher was a raw deal. You really want to tell me someone with N1 in the private sector can settle for 210??