Hi all, I’m sure a similar version of this question has been asked a million times but could really use some of your insight.
I (M, 29) currently live in the UK and have been wanting to move to Japan for a long time. I don’t see much of a future for myself here in the UK and I don’t have anything keeping me here in terms of family, relationships etc.
I finally got to visit Japan this year for 3 weeks and it confirmed that I want to at least spend a few years living here. I’ve tried to make myself as aware of all the cons of living there as best I can and I do have friends who currently live in Tokyo which I’m sure will help with settling in.
I currently work as a software developer and as part of my role I’m working towards getting a software developer qualification. I’m currently focusing on gaining as much experience as I can with the aim of becoming a senior developer before the end of this year. I also hold a BSc in Chemistry and a Masters degree in Translational Medicine.
As I am eager to move to Japan, I applied for English teaching job with AEON last year and was offered the position. Although it is an “easy” route into Japan, I’m thinking about the long term implications and I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t want to be an English teacher for more than a year or so given the nature of the job, pay etc. I’m also aware of the “start up” costs for being a teacher as you’re required to have multiple suits, formal attire, savings for the first few months etc.
My question is: should I just turn down the English teaching position and commit to moving to Japan as a developer rather than trying to enter as a teacher and move into a dev position? And if so, can you offer any advice on how best to prepare myself for interviews and how Japan approaches software development? I also completed a year long Japanese language course provided by my local university and I study in my own time.
Thanks in advance for your help, I appreciate this sub a lot!