Some years ago, I worked already as a part timer when I was studying japanese in Japan… and it sucked… also because the school was quite shit and full of shady and wrong things.
However, I'm from Brazil and I always think of trying to go somewhere else that doesn't have some of Brazil's problems (or at least have them in a lesser degree). Due to my current level of japanese (N2 studying for the N1) and my job history (computer Engineering bachelor, MBA, 8 years of experience and preparing to do a master) it started to look like getting a japanese job offer was possible.
However, the working culture in Japan scares me. I have more bad examples than good about it. Either from friends that I met in Japan, or mine, or stories on the internet. In Brazil, I have a mandatory 30 days yearly paid vacation, strict laws on overtime and many other laws that protects the employee. And as far as I noticed, vacations and overtime are both problems in Japan.
Also, I plan on being a mother, which would mean a maternity leave and coming back to work as a mother. Both things that are totally possible to do in Brazil due to many reasons even if some help is needed. And that motherhood part also scares me if I'm in Japan as I have no plans on being a stay at home mom.
Considering only the working culture, I'd prefer Europe, but the doors are pretty closed.
So, what is your experience about working culture in Japan specially considering vacations, overtime and maternity?
by hatshepsut_iy