Hello.
I'm a 29yo mechanical engineer (have a MSc) with 5 years of work experience. As of now, I have no japanese language ability but I understand that it is an absolute must if I ever want to work and live long term in the country and I am willing to learn it.
Living in Japan has been a recurring thought in my mind for a while and I think it is time to act on it.
I am able to get a WHV but only until I am 30yo, so I don´t have too much time left. I think doing a WHV could serve a dual purpose, as a means to test the waters (Do I like living in Japan? Would I like to stay long term or is 1 year enough?) and as a stepping stone (Learning and practicing japanese as much as possible, networking, trying to find an engineering position).
I am still sketching my plan but it could be something like this:
I have recently left my job and I can devote a lot of time to learn japanese. I think I could be at a N3 level in 6 to 12 months.
After this period I would apply for the WHV and move to Japan for a year. I would move to a guesthouse, get a part time job and try to reach the dual purpose goal. I would try to bring my japanese level up to N2 level. Towards the end of the WHV I would try to get an engineering position with and employer willing to sponsor a work visa (I understand I would have to return to my home country for a WHV to work visa change). After the WH is over I can see different outcomes:
- I have scratched the Japan itch, so to speak, and don´t feel like pursuing a work visa/full time employment in the country anymore
- I am able to find an engineering job (with its work visa) that allows me to stay in the country or return shortly thereafter.
- Despite wanting to stay, I am forced to leave. I find an engineering position elsewhere, keep learning japanese and keep applying to positions in Japan. I could even try to get relocated to Japan.
- I do as the last point and eventually I apply for a language school student visa (for 6 months) to give a push to my japanese level and try to get a job and a change to work visa.
I think that if I don´t do the WHV now, I will give up on my Japan dream. Learning enough Japanese to find a job outright seems like a huge time commitment and also a risk (what if I end up not liking living in Japan?). Going to language school is costly.
Does my plan seem to far-fetched? Which of the outcomes seems more plausible/viable? What would you do? Please, take into account what my language ability could be and a possible up to two year gap in my resume (japanese studying period + WH year), regarding possible employers. Any insight on the mechanical engineering market in Japan?
by ScratchSerious5887