Question:
I am in the middle of a new career search. Since I am
relatively young, single (almost to the point of M13Kification) and don't
really know what I want to do (except not run restaurants) I am looking way
outside the box. One opportunity has presented itself and I need some
feedback.
The position is a one year teaching contract, teaching english in Japan. I
haven't done a lot of thot about this but here are the upfront +/-
Plus:
I've never been to Japan
I have taught before
Requires more dedication than technical ability
Room/Board provided or subsidized
5 day/35 hour workweek
Minus:
I've never been to Japan
It's a long way from home and it's a one year contract
Could miss the entire 2001 season
Putting everything I own in storage
Back in almost the same situation one year from now.
Unknowns
Pays about 400,000 yen/month
Rules on overseas taxes
Any of you rsfckers done anything like this? It's still an outside thought,
but the more information I have the better.
(A second job I have applied for is with a consulting firm who helps high
school athletes market themselves to colleges.)
TIA for advice and smartass comments.
Answer:
-I don't know how Japan would tax you, but if you are out of the
US for the year, you wouldn't have to pay US income taxes. I'm not
sure, though, if that one year is "365 days" or Jan1-Dec31.
-My understanding is that you should dye your hair blonde (not blue).
I've heard Japanese chicks dig Americans. This is enhanced the blonder
and taller you are.
One year is not that long. Besides, it sounds like you are searching for
what you want to do, and a change in perspective and experience can't
hurt.
You weren't gonna do anything anyway.
Parents? Friends? That could make it cheaper.
It will be a different situation, because your experience will have
changed.
This is around $40K / annum. I donut know the cost of living in Japan,
but this could be very good or very bad, depending upon whether room and
board is paid for you. If all your living costs are paid, and you get
$40K after tax to pick up Japanese honeys, it could be a very good year.
If you spend $40K before tax and have to buy room, board,
transportation, you might be watching a lot of Sumo wrestling.
Talk to a tax dude. I've got the same questions going to Bermuda. There,
Americans have a tax treaty with Bermuda. I imagine the same situation
exists between the US and Japan. Long story short, whatever the case is,
it is probably specific to an American in Japan. Seek help.
http:///www.ajsuggs.com!
