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Discussion on: Working in Japan 2: Freelancing, Job Hopping, More Salary, Visa Types, Learning Japanese

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gperilli profile image
G. S. Perilli

This article just doesn't bear any relation to my reality as a freelancer in Japan. I speak Japanese reasonably well, I have two degrees - one related to computer science, I've wasted my time in a completely unsatisfying English teaching job, but I've made the effort to get a coding bootcamp training in Tokyo, build loads of Linkedin contacts with Japanese tech sector recruiters, and force my way out of the TEFL sector and into coding, but the job search is without end. The idea that I could even be aiming for 1,000,000 yen/month is way beyond realistic, and I'm often working until 3am 4-5 days per week. The reality of trying to build a freelancing career is lacking here. As a freelance programmer just starting out, what I'm really asking myself each day is: "Can I earn above the minimum wage today?", and "How long can I continue pursuing a desired profession before this just becomes untenable?".

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rob117 profile image
Rob Sherling

I'd like to hear more about your experience - I totally get that every situation is different, and I appreciate you sharing yours!

Out of curiousity, what bootcamp did you go to? And would you recommend it? I'm always looking for good recommendations to give people when they ask!

I started making 1,000,000/mo after about 5 years of programming experience. Right out of the gate I made significantly less (my salary progression is listed in my other major Dev article). I agree that starting out, it won't be nearly that high. I think that if you have solid Japanese skills and a robust portfolio, you're looking at 400,000/mo as a freelancer. That being said, freelancers are hired almost exclusively when they have experience, so working as a regular employee might be easier to land while builing experience.