I spent a long time organizing and typing this in the in-browser post editor, and then it suddenly glitched out and deleted my entire draft. Going to have to copy-paste this from a text editor, so I apologize in advance for any strange formatting.
Background on me before I start:
- JLPT N2, just sat for N1, awaiting results
- ~20 years off and on experience with Japanese language (got sent to language school as a kid)
- Planning to apply for Nikkei visa: I meet all language and age requirements and have the appropriate documentation as well as a sponsor. No restrictions on type /duration of work with this visa.
- Once I pass N1, I am eligible to get re-licensed in Japan. I have seen the old 国家試験 for my field and it looks on par with what I had to take in my home country, so I think I can pass
- Planning to move with in-laws and spouse who can generously give me a place to stay while I get on my feet
- Hoping to be able to buy a house/condo outright if things work out (no mortgage payment) in a lower COL area (Hokkaido prefecture)
My current field: My job is called orthoptist, or視能訓練士 in Japan. Orthoptists work as assistants to ophthalmologists (you can think of it like being a nurse in an outpatient clinic). The starting salary is around 200-250 K yen/month, not including bonuses, and with regular raises. According to websites about this job, you can reach the average national salary of 4 million yen/year around your 40s. This field is female-dominated, so the wage gap is likely reflected in the lower average salaries. I also have several years of experience in this field and training in specialties, such as low vision, that orthoptists also work in.
If I change fields: I am considering applying to a 2 year certificate program (専門学校) for accounting. The starting salary appears slightly higher but since I have no background in this field, I’d be starting my career from scratch in my early to mid 30s (32-34). (Salary is not including CPA/TCPA because I know the licensing exams for those are insanely difficult.) If anyone has suggestions on good certificate programs, I’d like to hear them.
TL;DR: I am not sure if I should spend time and effort getting re-licensed as an orthoptist or try to pivot to something else. Open to other suggestions for certificate/training programs I can enroll in given my language qualifications and background.
by ajisai3742