The job hunt continues

[Brand_X]

Well I have been looking around and am having trouble finding a job. I know its not easy but im not limiting myself to SOFA jobs seeing as I already have a spousal visa. If anybody ahas any info or can help me out that would be great. The places I have looked all want super qualified people and I am unfortunately a jack of all trades and a master of few.

Where is the best place to look?

I only know of usajobs, mccs, 18sevices, the few that pop up on monster.com and hotjobs.

Also are there any places to get certified here in Okinawa that offer the tests in english? What cert would be the most helpful for this location? Or are IT jobs even harder to get?

Thanks in advance!

[dk]

Everything IT related I've run across has been system administration, which is BORING, or something entry-level IT'ish that pays crap. But I'm talking about purely off-base, and my Japanese language skill isn't great, so I've limited myself.

If you value money and sanity, I'd work on-base if you want to go into IT. Either that or instantly become fluent. Or move to Tokyo. Or go back to the states, which I will most likely eventually be doing unless I somehow manage to hit the jackpot.

Or teach English until something decent comes your way.

[Brand_X]

What is you idea of "pays crap"? What qualification are they looking for?

What's out there in ANY job category. Short of being a janitor or food and beverage server I am willing to do a lot. I only value money to a point. As long as I can sustain myself till the right job comes is what I need now. I feel like a bum living off the wife. Sanity, whats that? I guess you have to have it to know its value.

[BleuEneG]

I heard that you only need a high school diploma to become a sub teacher for the DoD schools and the higher the education you have the more likely you will be called to fill in. Though I imagine the days you would be working are sporatic I am told that because there are so many teachers leaving this summer the schools will be needing many to take their places till new teachers are found. Maybe it's something to do in the mean time.

[Brand_X]

I dont see myself as a teacher but where would one apply for being a sub? Im telling ya almost all options are considered right now.

Keep the options coming please!

[dk]

What is you idea of "pays crap"? What qualification are they looking for?

What's out there in ANY job category. Short of being a janitor or food and beverage server I am willing to do a lot. I only value money to a point. As long as I can sustain myself till the right job comes is what I need now. I feel like a bum living off the wife. Sanity, whats that? I guess you have to have it to know its value.
"Pays crap" = around Y200,000 a month (or less) with a 4 year degree. Full-time. With no benefits other than job security.

Most "pays crap" jobs aren't looking for much other than a willingness to work and a little experience, which is why I sometimes refer to this place as "entry-level island".

Just keep looking through the help wanteds (http://www.japanupdate.com/classifieds/english/?s=HELP) until you see something that catches your interest. It's rare when an IT job is posted, but it does happen. There's BiOS (http://www.biosjp.com/) too. If you want to work off-base, your best bet would probably be to drop off resumes anywhere you might be interested in working. You never know. They might not be hiring at the moment, but they might eventually either find a job for you or you might inadvertently create your own job.

Good luck.

[dk]

I dont see myself as a teacher but where would one apply for being a sub? Im telling ya almost all options are considered right now.

Keep the options coming please!
Ask your wife to call the Naha City Board of Education. Don't know what they are paying now, but I was making Y300,000 a month (11 months a year) as an Elementary English teacher down in Naha City six and five years ago. Don't need any experience, and although they say you need a college degree, I knew a few teachers who somehow got in without one.

Good pay, great hours, and a whole lot of fun. The job was about 1.5 hours of real work per day and 6.5 hours of "sitonyourassintheteachersloungeandreadabook".

Fun job though. Just have your wife ask them when they do their hiring and if you can drop off a resume. I don't remember when they do their interviews...

[Brand_X]

Ask your wife to call the Naha City Board of Education. Don't know what they are paying now, but I was making Y300,000 a month (11 months a year) as an Elementary English teacher down in Naha City six and five years ago. Don't need any experience, and although they say you need a college degree, I knew a few teachers who somehow got in without one.

Good pay, great hours, and a whole lot of fun. The job was about 1.5 hours of real work per day and 6.5 hours of "sitonyourassintheteachersloungeandreadabook".

Fun job though. Just have your wife ask them when they do their hiring and if you can drop off a resume. I don't remember when they do their interviews...

yeah my japanese is basic to none. thanks for the idea though. May try anyways if the search gets really bad.

[dk]

If you ever run across a great company that needs a programmer, let me know. :)

[Brand_X]

Hell I have to look again but I seen one the other day. DOnt know anything about the pay or what kind of company it is but I will look again and give you the information if I can find it. What platforms do you work with? I have been through so many web site its ridiculous.

[dk]

Thanks. I'm always interested. I'd prefer it to be local and somewhere where I don't have to instantly become fluent in Japanese, because that's just not happening. But thank you. :)

[Son Kokujin]

Brand X, I am in the same boat, so I feel your pain, at least to some degree. I am even considering moving to Tokyo one of these days myself, the job hunting here is a nightmare and a half! But, I'll keep my head up, and encourage you to do the same. Semper Fi.

[BleuEneG]

yeah my japanese is basic to none. thanks for the idea though. May try anyways if the search gets really bad.

Oh well the sub teaching job I was refering to was for DoD schools. You don't need to speak Japanese to work there.

[spike7165]

I'm in the same boat as you guys, IT background, sick of teaching so stopped and money running out. Its either Tokyo now I think, which isnt much easier with minimal Japanese or home for a few months to build the funds and Japanese up then try again!

[OkinawaStud]

I'm a GS IT and the jobs are few and far between. Not trying to discourage you. I'm a System Admin. and I love it. My only advice is to not give up.

[dk]

Sys.Admin... Ha! You guys are a dime a dozen!!!

\:-)

Sorry, the programmer in me just came out. IT Wars. :D

[OkinawaStud]

Sys.Admin... Ha! You guys are a dime a dozen!!!

\:-)

Sorry, the programmer in me just came out. IT Wars. :D

You do not get a http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/images/hexcell/buttons//post_thanks.gif for that post!!!

[Rollin_J's]

Look at the following contractors:

SAIC, CSC, EDS

They have numerous contracts with the DoD and just as many positions here in Okinawa and the mainland. Your considered SOFA sponsored and receive all the benefits of on base privelages.
Make sure your a mainland hire though....so you get per diem and housing.

[OkinawaStud]

Look at the following contractors:

SAIC, CSC, EDS

They have numerous contracts with the DoD and just as many positions here in Okinawa and the mainland. Your considered SOFA sponsored and receive all the benefits of on base privelages.
Make sure your a mainland hire though....so you get per diem and housing.

I work with SAIC people top.

[Brand_X]

SAIC, CSC, EDS where do they post their job openings? There are not many if any on their web sites. Do they post them locally?

[Brand_X]

Well after looking the DoDDS sub jobs are only available to current SOFA status persons. Couldnt do it if I wanted to. But they do have some other jobs a will think about.

[AFuel567]

Try CAI at www.cubic.com

[Brand_X]

there are two i am trying from for that site. Thanks for the link! Most of the Oki jobs are referrals to L3 communications job posting though. Still a god site.

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Sorry I did not read all your thread, so if someone posted these, Sorry, but here is what I use...

Good Luck! and don't forget to PM if you find something else.

Peace!:army:

http://www.cpol.army.mil/


http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei4.asp#skipnav

AVENUE CentrAL (https://www.avuecentral.com/casting/central/control/index;jsessionid=a13a53e530d6a317f0447f3047bb9e578 14757d6bb60.e38PaN8TbNaTaO0LahaNc34TbO0?agency=ACE )

http://www.dfas.mil/careers/

https://chart.donhr.navy.mil/

http://www.hr.dla.mil/prospective/

OSC ("http://www.overseasservice.com/')

[DOCROB]

SGT Okinawa,

Thanks for the links this is great info. DOCROB

[SGT_OKINAWA]

No problem. I have helped a many guys get GS jobs or get thier VA benifits. Some day I am going to do a STEP BY STEP post on the VA Benifits.

Well, see you on the "Job Hunt" battlefield. "Charge!!"

Peace!:army:

[DoctorP]

No problem. I have helped a many guys get GS jobs or get thier VA benifits. Some day I am going to do a STEP BY STEP post on the VA Benifits.

Well, see you on the "Job Hunt" battlefield. "Charge!!"

Peace!:army:

If you seperate on island, the VA is a mess...the whole physical that they do for you is a joke. It's been a while, can I still go back and be re-evaluated?

[SGT_OKINAWA]

If you seperate on island, the VA is a mess...the whole physical that they do for you is a joke. It's been a while, can I still go back and be re-evaluated?

OMG! Yes!

Any questions you need to ask me, I did apply to be a VSR, so (Hint hint) I have much knowledge. :thumbup:

Peace!:army:

[Brand_X]

There is also another place I found that can get you a job on base. No SOFA but its can be a foot in the door possibly. The name of the place is called "Plenty Group" They are by the futenma family housing gate on Foster. Somewhere around there. If you just need a fast job then can get you one within a week or two but if your holding out for decent pay they said it can take a month or two. They offered me a $7.80 an hour job but I gave them the deer in the headlight look. That was the only full time job they had at the moment. They can also find you a job off base. Helps if you know a little japanese though. I know the greetings sorry and thank you so thats not enough.

[Taz T]

Brand X,

There is a place that you mentioned called Plenty Staff. The website is all in Japanese, but maybe your wife might be able to help translate for you. There is also On-Time Staffing: http://www.on-timegroup.com/
and ProStaff is located outside of Camp Foster's Legion gate (same road) and just past the main intersection as if you were going to Expressway #3 (before you make the right to go to the expressway of course. Here is a webpage that has the three temp hire company's contact information. All three have english speaking staff. Good luck with the job hunting.

[Taz T]

whoops, here is that website

http://www.imcea.com/staffing_employeeservices.html

[Brand_X]

Yeah Plenty Staff has english speaking staff. I did go inside. They are temp agency's though and the jobs they offer are very low on pay. I do plan on getting even a temp job if the going gets tough. Right now I have a few application sent in for contractor jobs. But its a waiting game. Right now I would just like to find a person in the know who can help but I figure this will be a lonely battle. I do appreciate all the help I have received though and any pointers anybody can give is great. After all this is said and done I will have to refer back to all the info I have received and write an help thread that maybe can get a sticky here in the forums for people later on.

I am always surprised at the vast amounts of info that is out there on this subject that is not consolidated or easily found.

[Taz T]

Going with plenty staff would definately be the way to go. Yes they are a low wage paying company, but they have to get their $ in too. I have been working with them for over a year now. It has definately kept me busy while I've applied and waited for responses on contracting positions and with GS opportunities from CHRO on Foster. It has been a ruff ride, but I am sure that there are others who are having more of tough time. Again good luck.

[khanhtinh]

Hello everybody:

I am a newcomer! Please help me!

I will be in Okinawa, Naha city shortly with my husband. He is a post-doc in the University of Ryukyus. I only can speak English and Vietnamese. I am looking for a job. I really do not know what kind of job is suitable for me. I also heard that it is very difficult to find a job in Okinawa.

I am a vietnamese. I graduated in Ho Chi Minh City University of Law in 2002. I moved to Korea for my master of Law in 2003 and I obtained my Master of Law in 2005. It is easy for me to have a job in Vietnam... but it seems very difficult for me to have a job in Okinawa. I can teach English because I am speaking very good English and I also have a Bachelor of English from Ho Chi Minh City University of Human and Social Science. One problem, I could not speak any Japanese. I am studying Japanese very hard now. Hopefully, I can speak some when I arrive there.

Please welcome me as newcomers and help me to find any kind of job there.

Thank you very much for your help.

Tinh

[Brand_X]

well you have a masters in law. thats should help a lot. but if you want one here its in 99% of the time necessary to speak Japanese. You could try to be a legal counselor for the DoD. To get hired you will need to go through an outside agency. If you learn even just a little Japanese there are always schools looking for people who can teach English.

practice hard the japanese and dont give up. Search through this topic and a few of the others and you will see some good advice or places to look. With all of your acedimics you may find a great job you like and make good money while your doing it.

[khanhtinh]

Thank you very much for your reply. I have arrived Okinawa for two months but I can not find any job to do! I am so lonely and sad to be home all day long.

I am studying Japanese by myself now. I will try to speak some Japanese everyday to improve my poor Japanese. If anyone knows any kind of job around Naha city, please kindly let me know. Thank you very much!

[dk]

Thank you very much for your reply. I have arrived Okinawa for two months but I can not find any job to do! I am so lonely and sad to be home all day long.

I am studying Japanese by myself now. I will try to speak some Japanese everyday to improve my poor Japanese. If anyone knows any kind of job around Naha city, please kindly let me know. Thank you very much!
How do you support yourself? Are you here with a spouse???

[resumes4success]

SAIC, CSC, EDS where do they post their job openings? There are not many if any on their web sites. Do they post them locally?
Please email me at resumes4success(at)gmail.com. I have some job info for you.

I have a great track record in helping people get jobs around the world including Okinawa (my clients have been hired by Apptis, Lear Siegler, L-3 Communications, Titan, SERCO, Chenega, Cubic, General Dynamics, SAIC, and CSC just to name a few and that's just on Okinawa!).

Robert

[khanhtinh]

How do you support yourself? Are you here with a spouse???

Yes. I am a spouse.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Khanhtinh, you should submit a copy of your résumé to the Naha City Board of Education. They hire Assistant English teachers for public elementary and junior high schools. The office is on Himeyuri-dori (R330), across from Yogi Park. The hiring season is usually Jan.-Feb., but some mid-year replacements are often necessary. You could also try the Boards of Education in the surrounding towns and villages. I know of several people who were hired in the summer and fall to replace teachers who left. Just last month, the Itoman City BOE was looking for a teacher.

[dk]

Khanhtinh, you should submit a copy of your résumé to the Naha City Board of Education. They hire Assistant English teachers for public elementary and junior high schools. The office is on Himeyuri-dori (R330), across from Yogi Park. The hiring season is usually Jan.-Feb., but some mid-year replacements are often necessary. You could also try the Boards of Education in the surrounding towns and villages. I know of several people who were hired in the summer and fall to replace teachers who left. Just last month, the Itoman City BOE was looking for a teacher.
They also pay REALLY well. I did this for two years. Excellent experience.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Your info is out of date, dk. The pay was cut drastically beginning the 2006-7 school year. The highest paid AETs I'm aware of (excepting the JET program) work for Tomigusuku City. They are paid what you were once paid, dk. Naha, Itoman, and Urasoe, for example, are paid far less.

[dk]

Your info is out of date, dk. The pay was cut drastically beginning the 2006-7 school year. The highest paid AETs I'm aware of (excepting the JET program) work for Tomigusuku City. They are paid what you were once paid, dk. Naha, Itoman, and Urasoe, for example, are paid far less.
No kidding? It was Y300,000 a month back then. What is it now?

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Signifcantly lower. Also, on a per day basis, not per month. So, it will vary depending on the number of weekdays, holidays in a month. Summer, winter, and spring break unpaid. Not nearly as good as the formerly mentioned Tomigusuku. But, as they only have two teachers, and one is a lifer, it's not so easy to get in.

[khanhtinh]

Dear Eelecurb:

Thank you very much for your advice. I will try to go there to see if there is any opportunity for me there.

It is very nice to see your post.

[Carl]

American Engineering is hiring right now I think. The pay isn't the greatest and management really doesn't trust the lower peons, but it's very laid back and they have decent bonuses.

[thistle]

American Engineering is hiring right now I think. The pay isn't the greatest and management really doesn't trust the lower peons, but it's very laid back and they have decent bonuses.

In what fields are they hiring? Do you think..........manual?

Or do you think they might have office work/IT etc.

[dk]

American Engineering is hiring right now I think. The pay isn't the greatest and management really doesn't trust the lower peons, but it's very laid back and they have decent bonuses.
Kind of surprising that the lower peons trust the upper management after what recently went down.

So, basically:

1) Crap pay
2) Management won't trust you

=

3) Take this job if you REALLY, REALLY just need a job.

Yes?

[Carl]

Kind of surprising that the lower peons trust the upper management after what recently went down.

So, basically:

1) Crap pay
2) Management won't trust you

=

3) Take this job if you REALLY, REALLY just need a job.

Yes?

Well, it's a comfortable place to work and it's a great place to learn more Japanese. I'd say if you're just getting here and you need a job, it's a great place to get your foot in the door and get some experience and meet people (I've heard the girls are on the lookout for single guys...the building is conveniently across the street from a love hotel). Although the upper management is kind of shady, they'll help you out if you need it. The prez has a beach house he rents out to employees for pretty cheap. I haven't seen it, but I heard it's nice.

I wouldn't suggest making a career out of the place though. A few people have and they're happy, but all the high ranking jobs are given to family members or close friends of upper management.

So, yeah, if you need a job, it's OK, but if you have many options available, I'd pass.

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Wow, I feel like an idiot asking for advice here about getting a SOFA job. I am no better off and I feel way way more depressed now that everyone crappped all over my request for advice.

*Sigh*

The internet is worse then getting your nuts clamped in a hot sauce cover workbench vise.

Peace!:army:

P.S. in 1997 I was a ju-ku sensei (Spell?) at an english school in itoman, it was fun, but the drive ate up all my profit.

[Oki alumni]

Wow, I feel like an idiot asking for advice here about getting a SOFA job. I am no better off and I feel way way more depressed now that everyone crappped all over my request for advice.

*Sigh*

The internet is worse then getting your nuts clamped in a hot sauce cover workbench vise.

Peace!:army:

P.S. in 1997 I was a ju-ku sensei (Spell?) at an english school in itoman, it was fun, but the drive ate up all my profit.

dk's posting about the civilian outfit reminded me...in the other thread on job hunting, I forgot to mention contractor work. SOME (not ALL) offer SOFA status even for part time work (yup, that's within the "law", I've checked it and I'm SURE about this).

-Oki Alumni:old:

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Thanks!

I am going to start looking at non DOD jobs next summer if nothing pans out by year end.

Peace!:army:

[dk]

Thanks!

I am going to start looking at non DOD jobs next summer if nothing pans out by year end.

Peace!:army:
I am going to start selling blood and semen soon lol.

[DougP]

:barf: agh gross

[resumes4success]

Thanks!

I am going to start looking at non DOD jobs next summer if nothing pans out by year end.

Peace!:army:


Wow, you're finally going to consider non-federal opportunities? You have
been enlightened. All the best.

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Wow, you're finally going to consider non-federal opportunities? You have
been enlightened. All the best.

But, Shhhhhhhh.... it is just so I can get over there and apply for the fack'g GS jobs that are "Local only"...Muahahahaah!

And YES…. For the love of GOD! I already have a perfect "Civilian" resume. (But I don't use it, I use my CPOL one anyhow, I want a company that sees the "Outside the box" from the start and if they don't like my resume, then oh well. It was not meant to be, or work for __________ company)

Peace!:army:

[Old Timer]

99% Of The Battle Is Being Here!!!

[Brand_X]

Hell first post in a while...

I have a job now. "Thank you!" to everyone who helped me out here. While its not an on base job it pays good. I am kinda late in giving my thanks as I have had the job for over 5 months now. Again thanks to everyone who supported me and helped out!

[kintama]

So what are you doing for work?

[Brand_X]

Selling cars :ohmy: