Need Advice: Moving to Japan

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: kami333

What kind of jobs are they? A cook?

Well I am sure the embassy needs more than cooks, and there are a ton of support jobs other than just being a cook. Almost every place a US installation is needs data entry/clerical types....I just wouldn't count on a huge selection though

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: kami333

What kind of jobs are they? A cook?

Well I am sure the embassy needs more than cooks, and there are a ton of support jobs other than just being a cook. Almost every place a US installation is needs data entry/clerical types....I just wouldn't count on a huge selection though

No, GS jobs are not cooks -- generally clerical jobs or management-type positions in civilian run offices. GS jobs run from GS-1 (I think) to GS-15, with the latter positions the equivalent of flag rank (generals/admirals) if they have enough experience, making over $100,000 per year. They can be something as simple as the manager/director for on-base housing for a Marine installation (my friend's wife does that nearby -- started GS-5, currently GS-7 and awaiting promotion to GS-9 in 6 months or so).

One of the best aspects of the GS system overseas (or worst, depending on your perspective) is that if you get hired for a job in the States and move over here, you can apply for a different job when you arrive, something more interesting. Essentially, you get your foot in the door with the first job and then wait for the one you really want. The bad part is that it tends to screw over the people in place here who were applying for the first one, which happened to my wife.

 

[THELAIR]

Edit: BubaMorg summed up exactly what I was going to say, and even more!
Remember, you CAN NOT get a 'foreign residents' ID Card on a tourist visa. That is your alien registration card, and it is needed for almost anything dealing with life living long term in Japan, IE bank accounts, housing, credit cards etc... You can not even get a cell phone with out one (the pay as you go ones are hard to find, i never did find one)

If you were Canadian or a citizien of a common wealth country (Australia, New Zeland, UK) then you can stay and work for a year no probs on what is called the WHV Working Holiday Visa. However Americans are exempt and will be denied a WHV so you are SOL on that one.

If you want anymore info, then feel free to pvt message

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I have been in Tokyo for over a year now, and I had to go through probably the toughest things, visa and apartment hunting as a foreigner here.

I skimmed the thread briefly, some good advice, some incorrect advice.

It's been the best year of my life, so I encourage everyone to take the chance and come out for awhile and see what goes on outside your town, county, state, border