I'm still in the process of figuring out what to do next year, and as always, the most difficult part is taking the step towards something.
This week, I've been considering applying to JR (Japan Railway) East to try and procure a job that would have some relationship with what I want to do in school next (transport). While it doesn't seem to be what I'm looking for, I've found out some interesting things about Japanese jobs in my research.
I was going to apply to be part of the "Green" staff (nothing to do with being "eco"), which consists of doing four jobs at four locations: ticket counter, ticket entrance, information kiosk, and travel bureau division. Looking through the job description, I saw that a new employee might have to switch spots up to 4 times in one year. This doesn't come as a surprise as most Japanese companies have you work multiple places to be a more rounded worker. For me, I thought, "Oh! I'd be useful in an information role, especially since there are usually plenty of foreigners lost in the labyrinthine stations in Tokyo!" Optimistically, I plowed my way through the online application. But as I continued on, I started to get disheartened at how poor of a candidate I was turning out to be. Under the qualifications section, there were several boxes for different kinds of certification for service positions. One that particularly stood out was the "サービス接遇検定," or "service and reception test, level 2." I knew about tests for levels of academic subjects, but...service? What is it based on? How big your smile is? How much keigo (super-polite language) you can pack in one sentence?
...so I looked into it. It is a test (split into written and interview sections) on how to react to different situations in a workplace, for example, what you shouldn't say to a regular at a coffee shop who says, "This coffee tastes a little different than it usually does!" (The answer is: "It's the same as usual, might it be your imagination?")
So without any qualifications, I'm letting the application sit in my browser, collecting digital dust.
But, I'm not feeling too down. Going through this way is the method other Japanese people will use, and Japanese is a category in which I don't quite belong. My next option would be to inquire directly, which I'm going to work on later this week.
One more interesting point about the job is the pay, specifically the bonus. If you haven't heard about Japan, bonuses are high. Foreign teachers don't get them, but the people that do get almost a significant boost twice a year or one lump sum based on performance and attendance. In this job, the base is so-so (180000￥ a month), but the bonus per year is...well... (~700000￥) The more smile lines, the more you bank.
Getting a position outside of the education field is a huge challenge in Japan (part of why I want to do it), but red tape and knowing I'll probably have to work 25 hours a day are the major turn offs. That, and knowing that there are tons of tests out there that I should take if I want a specific job. The only ones I hold now are frustration with Japan, 2級, and indecision, 1級. And what does that get me?
A job teaching English at a Japanese school.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A somewhat sticky situation
Yesterday after class was finished, a second grade girl infamous for being reckless came into the 1st grade teacher's room, demanding that a set of improvised paper (trump) cards be returned to her. They were taken from her brother in another class, where he and a friend were playing during the lesson. When it was explained to her that they may not be returned until her brother apologized, she had a temper tantrum, the likes of which I haven't seen yet in Japan. Words between her and two female teachers were had, and they weren't nice words. She was flagrantly rude to the teachers, making fun of the way they addressed her, telling them off (with a sharp urusai!) multiple times, and even cutting off a teacher mid-sentence by answering her cell phone (of course, illegal in school). After the exchange she cursed them off with a biting Shineh! (Die!) and stormed out of the teacher's room.
There are almost 600 students at my school right now, and about 5% of them are troublesome - not all on the level of the girl described above, but enough to create a large discipline problem. I spend most of my time in the 1st grade teacher's room, and almost every day I hear a lecture from a teacher to a student about discipline. There are some repeat offenders, but I'm always surprised at the scope of students who do things that they just shouldn't do (such as write "Die, ~~~~-sensei!" on the blackboard.
I've witnessed long lectures at assemblies from teachers about how the students need to "get out of elementary school" and how "our school can't move forward if it stays this way," but the situation doesn't seem to get much better. In the case of the 1st graders, it's driving several of their teachers crazy. One, in particular (also an English teacher), has been really struggling lately - she was in tears this morning because of her students' mischief. Rather than refer to the situation as "elementary school," this grade's teachers call it "the zoo."
It's disheartening to see the same thing happen day after day, and watch as things that the students are told by their teacher are forgotten once back with their classmates. There have been several times recently when I've wanted to step in and give verbal lashings to exceptionally bad kids, but held back because I didn't think it would have a positive effect. In the classes with funky students, I've become more rigid and more ready for any shenanigans that might break out. As a result, the bad kids don't like me (I've also received a Shineh! recently), but I'm more of a help in class.
Still, though, I've only been here for three months, and I haven't endured what other teachers here have endured for much longer. I have an enormous amount of respect for the teachers that put up with them without complaint - some will have to deal for 2.5 more years of the same. I ask if I can help from time to time, but mostly get "Oh, no, it's okay" as a response. They're dealing with it in their own way, which is fine, but as a result its tough to have a close relationship with them.
Card girl came back in 5 minutes later to look again. She went through the teacher(that took the cards)'s things, threatened to break her glasses, knocked over her books, and kicked in a drawer of her desk before given a second lecture about her behavior, then she stormed out again. What can you do? With violent students, teachers here tread a thin line between appropriate discipline and making sure their stuff doesn't get damaged. I am on the sideline wanting to help, but at the same time, not sure if I should get involved. It's a weird and difficult situation. The school is very high tension, and it feels like something's going to snap soon.
I'm staying alert for damage control.
~コッチ
P.S.
In other news, I found out that I can't apply directly to University of Tokyo, which is/was a candidate for grad school. I'd have to take an exam in August and pay 30000￥ as a screening fee. The reason for this ridiculousness? Because I live here. Thanks, Japan. さすが！
There are almost 600 students at my school right now, and about 5% of them are troublesome - not all on the level of the girl described above, but enough to create a large discipline problem. I spend most of my time in the 1st grade teacher's room, and almost every day I hear a lecture from a teacher to a student about discipline. There are some repeat offenders, but I'm always surprised at the scope of students who do things that they just shouldn't do (such as write "Die, ~~~~-sensei!" on the blackboard.
I've witnessed long lectures at assemblies from teachers about how the students need to "get out of elementary school" and how "our school can't move forward if it stays this way," but the situation doesn't seem to get much better. In the case of the 1st graders, it's driving several of their teachers crazy. One, in particular (also an English teacher), has been really struggling lately - she was in tears this morning because of her students' mischief. Rather than refer to the situation as "elementary school," this grade's teachers call it "the zoo."
It's disheartening to see the same thing happen day after day, and watch as things that the students are told by their teacher are forgotten once back with their classmates. There have been several times recently when I've wanted to step in and give verbal lashings to exceptionally bad kids, but held back because I didn't think it would have a positive effect. In the classes with funky students, I've become more rigid and more ready for any shenanigans that might break out. As a result, the bad kids don't like me (I've also received a Shineh! recently), but I'm more of a help in class.
Still, though, I've only been here for three months, and I haven't endured what other teachers here have endured for much longer. I have an enormous amount of respect for the teachers that put up with them without complaint - some will have to deal for 2.5 more years of the same. I ask if I can help from time to time, but mostly get "Oh, no, it's okay" as a response. They're dealing with it in their own way, which is fine, but as a result its tough to have a close relationship with them.
Card girl came back in 5 minutes later to look again. She went through the teacher(that took the cards)'s things, threatened to break her glasses, knocked over her books, and kicked in a drawer of her desk before given a second lecture about her behavior, then she stormed out again. What can you do? With violent students, teachers here tread a thin line between appropriate discipline and making sure their stuff doesn't get damaged. I am on the sideline wanting to help, but at the same time, not sure if I should get involved. It's a weird and difficult situation. The school is very high tension, and it feels like something's going to snap soon.
I'm staying alert for damage control.
~コッチ
P.S.
In other news, I found out that I can't apply directly to University of Tokyo, which is/was a candidate for grad school. I'd have to take an exam in August and pay 30000￥ as a screening fee. The reason for this ridiculousness? Because I live here. Thanks, Japan. さすが！
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
To a certain special Japanese cuisine:
I tried. I really tried.
I knew you were coming. I heard whispers of your name in the hallways. You were to make yourself known in the daytime, in all of your glory.
I recognized your fragrance when I entered the room. You sat apart from the crowd in your own little box. From the faces of others in the room, I could already tell you were having an effect, as would be expected from a name of this caliber.
As you made your way towards me, I was filled with an anxious optimism. I knew that within the confines of your white wrappings, you held the prestige and culture of an entire nation - distinction that can only come with time.
As the appropriate niceities were spoken, I slowly unravelled that which was inside the box. And there you laid, naked before me, and I trembled as two of my senses were arrested by your form and aroma. Hesistating ever so slightly, I allowed two more senses to fall to you as I delved into your container and stole part of your substance. With a sensation that only you can bestow, I was innervated in a way that I had only experienced once before.
But alas, I quickly grew less fond of you as you lingered within me. You became caustic and bitter. I tried to recitfy your nature by modifying your appearance with spices, dressings, and grains, but that, too, was a fruitless effort. There were no means possible to conceal your fierce, acute personality. And although I am now through with our initial encounter, I know other parts of me still are burdened with finishing this affair.
And so, I must apologize to you, natto, for leading you to believe that we might have had a meaningful relationship. My once hopeful optimism has turned into the realization that I cannot allow you to exist inside of me again. I was naive.
So farewell, natto! Know that I will think earnestly about our meeting, but in no way do I desire to meet again. If our paths cross are to cross again, be not offended by my apathy. I wish to move on, and I think our separation will be the most effect means to that end. You have a country of adoring fans who will appreciate you much more than I will.
And so I leave you, natto, not with a bang, but with an upset stomach.
Good day.
I knew you were coming. I heard whispers of your name in the hallways. You were to make yourself known in the daytime, in all of your glory.
I recognized your fragrance when I entered the room. You sat apart from the crowd in your own little box. From the faces of others in the room, I could already tell you were having an effect, as would be expected from a name of this caliber.
As you made your way towards me, I was filled with an anxious optimism. I knew that within the confines of your white wrappings, you held the prestige and culture of an entire nation - distinction that can only come with time.
As the appropriate niceities were spoken, I slowly unravelled that which was inside the box. And there you laid, naked before me, and I trembled as two of my senses were arrested by your form and aroma. Hesistating ever so slightly, I allowed two more senses to fall to you as I delved into your container and stole part of your substance. With a sensation that only you can bestow, I was innervated in a way that I had only experienced once before.
But alas, I quickly grew less fond of you as you lingered within me. You became caustic and bitter. I tried to recitfy your nature by modifying your appearance with spices, dressings, and grains, but that, too, was a fruitless effort. There were no means possible to conceal your fierce, acute personality. And although I am now through with our initial encounter, I know other parts of me still are burdened with finishing this affair.
And so, I must apologize to you, natto, for leading you to believe that we might have had a meaningful relationship. My once hopeful optimism has turned into the realization that I cannot allow you to exist inside of me again. I was naive.
So farewell, natto! Know that I will think earnestly about our meeting, but in no way do I desire to meet again. If our paths cross are to cross again, be not offended by my apathy. I wish to move on, and I think our separation will be the most effect means to that end. You have a country of adoring fans who will appreciate you much more than I will.
And so I leave you, natto, not with a bang, but with an upset stomach.
Good day.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Some things
Tonight I drank with the teachers at my new school for the first time. I would stay another year if the situation were different.
The moon is only good when full or new.
The rest of the world needs 代行.
I will marry a Japanese woman, because she will look the same at 45 as she does at 25.
The word "desultory" if fitting for many occasions.
No more shochu, please.
~コッチ
The moon is only good when full or new.
The rest of the world needs 代行.
I will marry a Japanese woman, because she will look the same at 45 as she does at 25.
The word "desultory" if fitting for many occasions.
No more shochu, please.
~コッチ
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Dark Side of ALT
I made a mistake.
I contracted with a private company who dispatches English teachers to schools in the middle of Japan. There have been substantial differences between this situation and the JET program, of which I was a member until August of this year. I am now located in Saku City, on the middle-east side of Nagano prefecture. While the location of this place is prime to get around Japan, there have been several hindrances with this company that prevent me from getting used to life here. And it's frustrating.
Most boards of education pay the same amount for English teachers, no matter where they come from. In JET, you get this base salary (minus insurance, pension, etc.), as well as flights to and from your location, and transportation fees, moving in money, etc. It's a good deal. Where I am now, the company receives the full of that base salary, tells the teacher to bear the transportation fees, and takes out some of the salary for profit. In the end it saves the board of education a lot of money, and the company is happy. But not necessarily a good deal for the teacher.
There are a few things that are particularly bugging me right now:
- Paying for transportation to training events
Being in Nagano, it takes the longest and costs the most for me to get to training (in Yorii, Saitama). The one day I went in August, I spent 8000 yen (~$80.00) to get there and back, only to spend the day listening to things I already knew.
- Jumping through hoops to get things done
In JET, I could just talk to my board of education, or even just the head teacher at my school if I needed to leave to go to the bank or the post office. Now, I need to call the company, who calls the board of ed., who calls the school, then repeat backwards. The reason this is done is because if I leave without permission before my time is done, the board of ed. will fight to withhold money from the company, and it becomes one big clusterf***. All over maybe 30 minutes where I'll be doing nothing anyway.
- Paid-holiday-screwed
With this company, I get school holidays off. Normally, this is good, as I'd get a ton for summer break. But, since I started in August, I don't get them. Quick background - teachers usually get 20 days paid leave. Hence, I should get 10, since its a half year. However, with the current plan, I get around 7. Since it would be better for me to have 10 and be able to choose, I asked the company about this, to which they responded, "You can't have paid holiday with that plan for 6 months, and you only get to choose 5 of those days, we get to choose the other 5." Ugh.
- Pay delay
Payday used to be the 21st of each month for the month that I was in (so, August's pay in August), but here, I get paid for this month at the end of NEXT month. Which means that since I started in August, I haven't gotten paid yet. And since all of the moving fees have been taken out, and I have to pay next month's rent this month, I get a pretty paltry paycheck. I know that I'll get a good chunk back at the end of my time, but since I want to do things now, and not later, I've had to dig into what I had saved up. And I'm not happy about that. It's causing me to be more frugal and not take off on an impulse, when I really want to (for example, I had the chance to meet a friend in Tokyo today, and I didn't take it - sorry mate, I regret not coming).
Yes, I'm only in this until midway through March, but I feel like it's time I could have better spent doing something else. And yeah, good things are coming from this, like really bearing down on what and where graduate school will be. But when the situation is not ideal and emotions run high, it's easier to make rash decisions. 注意してください。
I have to learn to get around this. Time to focus on finding squirming room between rocks and hard places.
Rant over.
~コッチ
I contracted with a private company who dispatches English teachers to schools in the middle of Japan. There have been substantial differences between this situation and the JET program, of which I was a member until August of this year. I am now located in Saku City, on the middle-east side of Nagano prefecture. While the location of this place is prime to get around Japan, there have been several hindrances with this company that prevent me from getting used to life here. And it's frustrating.
Most boards of education pay the same amount for English teachers, no matter where they come from. In JET, you get this base salary (minus insurance, pension, etc.), as well as flights to and from your location, and transportation fees, moving in money, etc. It's a good deal. Where I am now, the company receives the full of that base salary, tells the teacher to bear the transportation fees, and takes out some of the salary for profit. In the end it saves the board of education a lot of money, and the company is happy. But not necessarily a good deal for the teacher.
There are a few things that are particularly bugging me right now:
- Paying for transportation to training events
Being in Nagano, it takes the longest and costs the most for me to get to training (in Yorii, Saitama). The one day I went in August, I spent 8000 yen (~$80.00) to get there and back, only to spend the day listening to things I already knew.
- Jumping through hoops to get things done
In JET, I could just talk to my board of education, or even just the head teacher at my school if I needed to leave to go to the bank or the post office. Now, I need to call the company, who calls the board of ed., who calls the school, then repeat backwards. The reason this is done is because if I leave without permission before my time is done, the board of ed. will fight to withhold money from the company, and it becomes one big clusterf***. All over maybe 30 minutes where I'll be doing nothing anyway.
- Paid-holiday-screwed
With this company, I get school holidays off. Normally, this is good, as I'd get a ton for summer break. But, since I started in August, I don't get them. Quick background - teachers usually get 20 days paid leave. Hence, I should get 10, since its a half year. However, with the current plan, I get around 7. Since it would be better for me to have 10 and be able to choose, I asked the company about this, to which they responded, "You can't have paid holiday with that plan for 6 months, and you only get to choose 5 of those days, we get to choose the other 5." Ugh.
- Pay delay
Payday used to be the 21st of each month for the month that I was in (so, August's pay in August), but here, I get paid for this month at the end of NEXT month. Which means that since I started in August, I haven't gotten paid yet. And since all of the moving fees have been taken out, and I have to pay next month's rent this month, I get a pretty paltry paycheck. I know that I'll get a good chunk back at the end of my time, but since I want to do things now, and not later, I've had to dig into what I had saved up. And I'm not happy about that. It's causing me to be more frugal and not take off on an impulse, when I really want to (for example, I had the chance to meet a friend in Tokyo today, and I didn't take it - sorry mate, I regret not coming).
Yes, I'm only in this until midway through March, but I feel like it's time I could have better spent doing something else. And yeah, good things are coming from this, like really bearing down on what and where graduate school will be. But when the situation is not ideal and emotions run high, it's easier to make rash decisions. 注意してください。
I have to learn to get around this. Time to focus on finding squirming room between rocks and hard places.
Rant over.
~コッチ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
