Before I start I want to preface this is more of a looking for advice/different perspectives question rather than an objective yes/no question.
Background: I’m a new grad from Sydney, Aus currently earning about Aud 74k + 10k in super (pension which can’t be withdrawn until 65), assume aud is slightly stronger than jpy at the current rate. I’ve been offered a new grad role in Tokyo at about 10 million yen including bonuses. I’m very fortunate for this but I’m still on the fence on taking it. Here’s my thoughts.
- I’ll be leaving my family, support network, gf (agreed to not do LDR), and my home
- I don’t have an urgent desire to live in Tokyo, I’ve lived there before as an exchange student and it was great but my life back home is also great
- Comparing both companies, the company in Tokyo is maybe one level higher in name and prestige so it’ll be better for my resume
- More high stakes and pressure at the Tokyo company, good for growth. On the other hand my company back home is extremely chill, I can see myself getting lazy and cruising here.
- I live with my parents at home so after deducting rent and living expenses, I’ll probably be earning more at home, not to mention the yen is getting weaker everyday
- The main point of moving would be to get out of my comfort zone and learn to work things out by myself
- I can always come back in a year or two if I don’t enjoy it
- I’ve heard Tokyo can be extremely isolating - more so as a working adult, and it can be difficult to make deep emotional connections
Would love to hear other peoples opinions on my situation. Would you move or not? And why?
Your decision is just based on whether or not you want to try the experience or not, given that the employment situation is fairly similar.
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Staying in home country vs moving to Japan
Before I start I want to preface this is more of a looking for advice/different perspectives question rather than an objective yes/no question.
Background: I’m a new grad from Sydney, Aus currently earning about Aud 74k + 10k in super (pension which can’t be withdrawn until 65), assume aud is slightly stronger than jpy at the current rate. I’ve been offered a new grad role in Tokyo at about 10 million yen including bonuses. I’m very fortunate for this but I’m still on the fence on taking it. Here’s my thoughts.
Would love to hear other peoples opinions on my situation. Would you move or not? And why?
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What industry is the Tokyo role in and is it a International company or Japanese? What level is your Japanese? This will help gauge future prospects.
I'd move regardless tbh. You're young, so it's a good time to move, Tokyo is a great city & ¥10m as a grad is a great wage. Plus, it's a better company on your CV which means getting the next job is easier, regardless of location. Will the company offer any relocation support?
Moving anywhere is only isolating if you let it be. There's plenty of ways you can make friends - joining groups/meet-ups related to your hobbies, language lessons, etc.
High finance, N2, English team
Relocation support is provided (not included in the 10 mil)
Thanks for your input!
Absolute no brainer to move then. While salary is lower, quality of living is higher & it's a cool adventure, even if its just a couple of years. Having N2 will make everything so much easier.
10 million is a decent salary. For a single in Tokyo, you should be able to live pretty well on that- Although lifestyle and where you live, etc, may factor in there.
I'm not really familiar with prices/salaries in Australia these days, so I won't comment on that, but one thing to remember is that you can't make direct comparisons, which is why comments like "the yen is getting weaker every day" don't really matter until you cash out, so to speak.
I do think making friends and good connections can be hard in cities, so that may be an issue, but if they are hiring you from abroad, you can assume there will be other foreign workers that you may (or may not) get along with.
I think the most important point is "I can always come back in a year or two if I don’t enjoy it". If you can't come back to your current job or something similar if things don't work out, then why not take a year or however long it takes to see if Japan is what you want?
10mil is more than the average salaryman in Tokyo will earn at the peak of their career, so would call it more than decent for a new grad.
You're right, I skipped over the new grad part, just saw he was making about 74k and assumed mid-career.