Re: work times & accommodation @tokyo, WAS: Re: [tlug] Embedded linux dev wanting to find work in Tokyo.. Seeking advice.

[Edward Middleton <emiddleton@example.com>]

Curt Sampson wrote:
> Actually, that you can imply that Japanese should "proudly reject the
> systems that lead [to] such horrible experiences" just shows how you
> don't understand Japan. The implication of doing that here is to face
> the risk of never making enough money to start a family, get married, or
> even move out into your own apartment.
>
> To "proudly reject" the system means that you can't get a job in most
> Japanese companies. Even if you manage to get in, you'll be branded
> as un-cooperative and face the wrath of your peers. Very few people
> can sustain their co-workers despising them for years on end; I would
> guess that that's more likely to drive you to death (by stress and maybe
> suicide) than overwork is. Even if you can handle it, and somehow avoid
> getting fired, you'll stand no chance of promotion, and will never make
> enough money to finance all those activities outside of work for which
> you set aside that time.
>
> Your other options are pretty limited. Being an entrepreneur is not
> likely to work out if your main aim is to spend less time at work,
> since most entrepreneurs spend more than average time there. Becoming
> a housewife is not generally an option for men. You might find a job
> with a foreign company in Japan, but many of those have the same sort of
> demands as Japanese companies. Moving overseas may be a good bet, if you
> can figure out how to do it.
>
> Japan has no lack of people who do reject the ridiculous work ethic, but
> I encourage you to look up the "freeters" entry on Wikipedia to see what
> they're really facing.
>   

Alternatively work for a Japanese company with a predominantly young 
workforce and don't accept this sort of poisonous corporate 
environment.  In the 7 years I have worked for a Japanese company I have 
never been expected to work for free.  There have been situations where 
overtime was necessary but it has always been paid at a premium.  Most 
of my colleagues have families and have time to pursue hobbies.  I don't 
know what the situation is in most Japanese companies, does anyone have 
concrete data?

Edward