By Shiera*
Japanese companies in the Philippines are far cry from the Japanese companies in Japan. No, I am not referring to the remuneration, nor would I be talking about the company benefits here because these, after all, depend on the company and other factors. Just like in the Philippines and probably anywhere in the world, there are companies here that offer very attractive remuneration, and there are those many would only consider as a temporary respite as they traverse along their career path.
First, let's deal with the one that meets the eye: dress code. Most of the companies I've worked for, do not implement dress code - you are free to wear whatever you want. Of course, we're all aware that it's inappropriate if we don't put on business attires to interviews. In my previous office, there was a Japanese lady who wore short shorts and boots to work! Keep in mind though, no matter how casual everyone in the company is, it is an unwritten rule to wear business attire on the first day in a company.
How about the office? I only experienced having a cubicle of my own once. The rest, having even at least a medium-high partition in front is a big treat. In my current office, I could see the whole span of the office laid in front of me. I don't want to get caught closing my eyes for a bit, so fighting off sleep is one of my top priorities. How about the small daily perks? Some companies offer unlimited supply of green tea, black tea, and/or black coffee. Others don't even provide a water dispenser.
So how are the Japanese as officemates? If you're used to the friendly work environment like in the Philippines, workplaces in Japan would come as a big shock for you. In the Philippines, officemate means a new friend. Here in Japan, an officemate often remains as an officemate no matter how long you have stayed in that company. No contact details exchanges. Rare chitchats are limited to the weather, Japanese food, and some facts about your country of origin. "Are you married" and "how old are you" types of questions may be perceived as invasions of privacy, so wait until they initiate such topic. Even so, it is still safe to avoid asking personal questions.
*Shiera is our guest blogger. She is a Filipina friend and a young professional who works in a cozy office in Osaka, Japan. This is the first part of her post about her sojourn in Japan to work. She authors the following: BISDAK BABBLES, SYDNEY EXPERIENCE, EXPLORING KANSAI & SHAYNA LEXINE
First, let's deal with the one that meets the eye: dress code. Most of the companies I've worked for, do not implement dress code - you are free to wear whatever you want. Of course, we're all aware that it's inappropriate if we don't put on business attires to interviews. In my previous office, there was a Japanese lady who wore short shorts and boots to work! Keep in mind though, no matter how casual everyone in the company is, it is an unwritten rule to wear business attire on the first day in a company.
How about the office? I only experienced having a cubicle of my own once. The rest, having even at least a medium-high partition in front is a big treat. In my current office, I could see the whole span of the office laid in front of me. I don't want to get caught closing my eyes for a bit, so fighting off sleep is one of my top priorities. How about the small daily perks? Some companies offer unlimited supply of green tea, black tea, and/or black coffee. Others don't even provide a water dispenser.
So how are the Japanese as officemates? If you're used to the friendly work environment like in the Philippines, workplaces in Japan would come as a big shock for you. In the Philippines, officemate means a new friend. Here in Japan, an officemate often remains as an officemate no matter how long you have stayed in that company. No contact details exchanges. Rare chitchats are limited to the weather, Japanese food, and some facts about your country of origin. "Are you married" and "how old are you" types of questions may be perceived as invasions of privacy, so wait until they initiate such topic. Even so, it is still safe to avoid asking personal questions.
*Shiera is our guest blogger. She is a Filipina friend and a young professional who works in a cozy office in Osaka, Japan. This is the first part of her post about her sojourn in Japan to work. She authors the following: BISDAK BABBLES, SYDNEY EXPERIENCE, EXPLORING KANSAI & SHAYNA LEXINE
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2 comments:
Lol, I shall bear that in mind if ever I work for a Japanese company. But then thinking of it (just one, it's a no-brainer decision) I would prefer be a blogger and earn my keep blogging. What say you,my friend?
Oh ya, one more thing, Ronnie. I've bought myself a brand new domain name, but I'm still confuse whether to host with Blogger or migrate to WordPress? There's a poll on my blog. Your opinions are appreciated and I thank you in advance for joining the poll.
~ ArahMan7
well, aramah, we're on the same boat here. I guess, I am done with corporate life. Full-time blogging? Well, I am already contemplating with the idea. If within 6 months I see a an income stream, I might do this full timely.
Any advise?
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