Career Question (IT Career? Remote?)

Dave, You’re sitting on a Gold Mine! You can read and speak Japanese? That makes you one in a Million over here! Work as a translator? Certainly you could teach Japanese to Western Businessmen. Probably at most universities. Or, for big bucks, Work as a Consultant to Western Firms on Japanese protocol And practices. Give a little 2 hour seminar, have a long lunch, Back for some "Workshop" stuff where they try what you’ve taught them, Then you’re on your way to the airport with the cushy check in hand. "Consulting" is the polite name for "Robbery" in this country. Corporations shell out outrageous $ for the info that you have, Because they do not. Keep doing what you’re doing… Teaching a foreign language. Just reverse thrusters and teach Japanese to Americans. Who else could fill your shoes when it comes to such? Very, Very few…. At worst case, do so at a University. The retirement package is sweet, and the hours rock! They would allow you to keep your Consulting gigs And outside corporate work going on the side. It does nothing but add to their prestige. (In that regard, I speak from experience.) Come on home to the US and drag all of your Japanese experience with you. It’ll bring top dollar here! Best Wishes- Dx

Hi Dx,

The job prospects do sound tempting.

Maybe I've been brainwashed, but I want to stay here with a low house payment, 5 minutes from a track, gym in my basement/ garage and where the wife is happy. Biggest part of it is, I don't think my wife would be as happy or perhaps even be the same person anywhere else. Maybe just my insecurity, but don't want to take the risk. She gains a lot of security from her family and I'm a loner.

Best Wishes,

Dave

 

 

Dave, There is a bigger demand for technical writers and translators that can cover translations of technical terms from English to Japanese and Chinese.  See:http://www.jobba.net/index.php?post_id=33813&offset=240 and http://www.techwr-l.com/archives/9403/techwhirl-9403-00226.h tml In fact, there is a freelance site where you can bid on doing translation jobs as an independent contractor. Check out http://www.outsourcetranslation.com/TranslatorRegister.aspx I hope that helps, Herb

Thanks, Herb.

Something I'll keep in mind, but there might be a big learning curve for me to turn a reasonable profit. It's generally about $25.00 for a page of good writing, which right now would take a big chunk out of a day.

Best Wishes,

Dave

Have you thought about looking into a career as a technical writer.  With your knowledge of three languages you have the appropriate skill set.  I manage a group of technical wirters, and we put together manuals and help for instruments in eight languages.  We are constantly having to revise manuals translated in Japanese and Chinese which need last minute fixes.  The problem is that we don't read or write Japanese or Chinese so most of what we do is guess work.  This is a growing field which is much easier to excel in than IT (my previous career of 28 years).    Good luck in your search for nirvana. Rob  

Hi Rob,

Since I'm not a native speaker in those languages, I wouldn't be able to edit them that well, I would of course, be much more effective at it than someone with no reading ability!

My skill would be in translation from Chinese or Japanese to English.

Just about any Chinese or Japanese exchange student would be able to assist at what you are doing. You should look them up.

Thanks,

Dave

Interesting that the US News "Best Careers" recommends blue collar work for college grads:

http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2007/12 /19/best-careers-for-a-changing-job-landscape.html

It would be pretty cool to be a plumber. I helped build my own house, so a little bit of background in that.

Forgot to add that my wife's parents are also aging and Dad is terminally ill --- complexity.

hey Dave,

i know what you mean about a back up. my g/f wants to retire and move. being a contractor i can move but need to restart my business and that takes time. i have accounts with lowe's and home depot so maybe i can do it easier but this post is about you.

i know it sounds corny but think about what you would really like to do if you could do it without any barriers. i remember you built your gym equip. you have some skills there. is there enough interest out there to start a little company for gym equip? training coach work may be out of the question as you say but you might want to think about importing some of the workout culture from here to there.

you know, dvd's, equip, supplies. maybe even a western styled gym. got any investors you know? another angle is to partner up with people who want to do something. if you can't find money then maybe you can find like minded partners. i know guys in the construction biz who still keep their own biz but group up under one name to offer all kinds of services. it's not complicated at all. so maybe you can find an HR guy, you as translator, biz guy etc and form a consultation biz together. since you teach you could offer courses to americans or english speakers and your partners offer....whatever. the point being is you can teach people from oversees how to do whatever your group is doing. hope this made some sense. you might be able to go it alone but a conglomerate of talented people can offer some interesting packages to companies and individuals who want to enter your market.

it might not even be in your mind yet but keep looking for import oppertunities. i used to supply japan with race cars for years. who knows, you might have a connection you don't even know about for left over blue jeans from wal mart or something. (know someone who does that and is a millionaire!). so start thinking pet rock and let it flow! carbonblob

Hi CB,

All great advice, I'll have to see if any fit my need for a 9-5 schedule. I've been in Japan too long. I just want to be taken care of. I've been livin' gravy train most of my adult life. It'll take some time for it all to sink in. I have friends who are trying many of those things, but they all seem to be perpetually missing the right chance. Most of them have no free time at all, of course many of them appear to not want a lot of free time!

Great to hear from you, as always!

Best Wishes,

Dave