Hi, looking for guidance from people that might know more about Japan/Japan work /Job offer. Any input is appreciated.
Background info:
26M with no dependents/partners
JLPT N2
Bachelors of computer science( Graduated summer 2024)
Canadian Citizen, living and working in Canada
studied in Japan for 6 months previously, but I go back to visit every year
Current job In Canada:
– Did 6 internships (at same company) + got offered full time position which I am currently since January 2025 in a Cloud role (devops) at Canadian company. Essentially a new grad position.
– Current pay is 7.5mil yen (converted cad to yen) and I will get 9.1mil yen in 6 months guaranteed.
– I also get 20 days paid + 15 sick days paid/year
– Amazing team, very chill environment, 2 days remote. Nothing to complain really, I guess full remote would be ideal but otherwise really great work. Also very safe and the chance of being laid off is close to 0.
New Job Offer in Japan :
– Got offered a job at a foreign company in Japan as an assistant manager, where I would be working on their cloud solution (mostly infra work which I am also currently doing).
– Visa support
– Location in central Fukuoka, remote 3x/week.
– Pay is 6mil base + 2x/year 1 mil bonus each + 600k yen performance bonus. (No bonus in first year)
– Except national holidays, Paid time off is 3 days year 1, 12 days year 2, which seems incredibly low for me.
– Will likely receive housing support for the first 5 years (I have a letter draft, they just need to do a background check before the official letter, so I’m not sure of the housing support specifics yet).
– 3 months probation, can be extended to 6 months for circumstances.
– in 2027 I will be able to renegotiate salary for the first time.
The salary in Fukuoka will definitely go a lot further than my salary here, but the benefits (like paid time off) seem so incredibly bad. Would it be worth it ?
From what I am reading 6mil (or 8 mil with the bonuses) seems like a really good salary, especially in Fukuoka. I’ve pretty much always wanted to move to Japan( yes cliché indeed), but not to the point where I would have awful living conditions, however Fukuoka seems really good, beaches, mountains, etc. I also generally quite dislike living in Canada (extremely poor infrastructure, healthcare, transit, food, WINTER weather, etc). I’m debating on this opportunity, and wondering what reddit thinks of it.
Are there any things that I should be aware of, or particularly concerned ? Any particular checks to do/verify on the offer letter? Any red flags? If you were in my position, would you move? Currently, I am thinking of taking this offer, especially since it seems like a strong stepping stone, but I have doubts. I appreciate any advice.
by problemo04