Networking = Live where you want to work

Recently a problem seems to have been brought to my inner sight. Japan requires an intense amount of human interaction. In the US we say networking, but our version of weekly parties falls somewhat short of the Japanese version wherein a lunch engagement sometimes turns into dinner and socializing until the last train. The point is that connections matter here for the foreigner even more than for the Japanese. That creates a problem.

The problem is that one cannot expect to have as much opportunity if one is not living in the city in which they want to work. I am speaking of myself in Kobe, while the jobs I seek are centered in Tokyo. My skills and portfolio have been developing rapidly, but getting connected to the "unposted" jobs is impossible. Those also happen to be the best possible jobs for foreigners.

Perhaps it is because the Japanese do not intrinsically trust foreigners. For example, cities with large foreign born residents are seen as more dangerous in Japan and the fact that there are foreigners justifies the belief. Or, maybe it is that Japan still carries a very community focused mindset. No matter the reason, according to several people I've met who have found work with limited Japanese ability many jobs that are offered to foreigners are not posted. Rather, they were selected by the process of networking. One girl I recently met even found her job at a real estate office through her drinking habits. Her current boss shows up to the same bar as her and after getting to know her offered her a job at his company. Another person I know was speaking with the owner of a company who said, "I only hire people I would drink with."

Well, that is the tip of the month. Go out and meet people.