Get me outta Japan!

**Dale-of-Cedars** · 29th January 12, 06:45 PM

Come back to Vancouver, just in time for the M9 we're waiting for...

**denmcdough** · 29th January 12, 07:20 PM

Yes, you NEED to get out of Japan! Easier said than done. Best of luck in your job search endeavor (not easy in today's economy).

**chukissaki** · 29th January 12, 11:35 PM

I have always wanted to visit Japan, but this would make me nervous also. Best of luck on your search.

**seanachie** · 30th January 12, 08:49 AM

Just a curiosity question after reviewing the posts here and a similar thread from AZ Wildcat.... how did folks who are citizens of one country get the work permits/ residency permits to work in other countries? Several years ago I worked out of Silicon Valley but spent considerable time in Europe. My company tried to get me a work permit so I could work out of our marketing partners offices in Guilford. It was incredibly difficult and the company finally gave up in frustration.

Good luck in your search Jim!

**creagdhubh** · 30th January 12, 10:08 AM

Get outta Nippon mate!!! I wish there was something I could do to help...perhaps keep an eye out? In any rate, best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Best wishes,

**CDNSushi** · 30th January 12, 08:01 PM

Thank you to all who have responded thus far. I've received a number of PMs with some good leads as well as connections on LinkedIn.

As creagdhubh pointed out, simply keeping your eyes and ears open, while it may not seem like it's helping very much, is actually VERY helpful. Most experts, including my own career coach agree that up to 90% of all jobs are NOT posted on any website or job board and that the great majority of jobs are obtained through personal (or professional) connections.

Again, I am happy to provide additional info via. PM, including links to my personal/professional website if anyone thinks they may know someone (or know someone who may know someone).

Seanachie: every company is different, (as is every country), but for the most part, where there's a will there's a way. In Japan, obtaining a work visa is not terribly difficult. If someone is university educated and a company can show that they need your experience and skill set, you're good to go. I remember a couple years ago, this actually backfired on some poor Chinese chef living in Japan. They tried to deport him because they alleged he started cooking Japanese instead of Chinese noodles at the restaurant where he worked, and therefore he no longer possessed a unique skill that the restaurant couldn't fill with a locally-obtained, Japanese worker.

In the end, I think the courts ruled in the chef's favor, but it was quite the runaround and bureaucratic nightmare for him.

Otherwise, for some companies/countries, it may be necessary to hire an immigration lawyer or specialist to help do the paperwork. But seriously -- if a company wants someone somewhere badly enough, they'll get them!

**Kiltedinkansas** · 30th January 12, 09:09 PM

Best of luck man!

**chrisupyonder** · 30th January 12, 10:32 PM

Best of luck with your move but avoid the San Andreas Fault line if you move back to the USA.

Chris.

**azwildcat96** · 30th January 12, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by seanachie

Just a curiosity question after reviewing the posts here and a similar thread from AZ Wildcat.... how did folks who are citizens of one country get the work permits/ residency permits to work in other countries? Several years ago I worked out of Silicon Valley but spent considerable time in Europe. My company tried to get me a work permit so I could work out of our marketing partners offices in Guilford. It was incredibly difficult and the company finally gave up in frustration.

Good luck in your search Jim!

Great question!