Going to keep it short. An opportunity opened up for fresh grads to apply for a career in Japan as an engineer.

Would be able to apply to a lot of positions, just asking whether it's worth it to make that move if the chance is there. Not planning to make it long term but as a stepping stone. Salary wise it isn't that 'much' but in my opinion the experience would be somewhat valuable.

Or is it a shitty move as an engineer as the work culture there is toxic and exacerbated as a 'gaijin'.

Currently in the petrochemical industry. Received 'japanese' education.

This post has been edited by CertifiedHomphobe: Aug 11 2022, 10:24 AM

as a fresh grad going to japan in engineering field, you are going to learn a lot over there.

Toxic work culture - as you've known, you've covered that. However not all companies are like that, so it entirely depends on your luck (the superior you'll meet, the company you'll be working at).

Since you're very clear on your intention for it to be a stepping stone, weigh the opportunities and gain you'll have if you're recruited for it. As you put it, the experience will be valuable and you foresee a steep learning curve so why not? Unless you have other "path" in mind to take, otherwise it might be good to give it a shot imo.

First of all what is your skin color ? I worked in Japan and I can tell u that u wont have them as friends. Your circle of friends will be your own people or other expats. Japs dont hang out with outsiders.

Japan culture also work hard and work fast. S




Other than that it’s a great country - food and sights.

Only expensive thing is rent - try to get your company to arrange for you


FYI I work there for 1 year and decide to come home it was getting too lonely

Currently I've set two paths in my mind. The first being is building a career locally, the other path is going overseas to satiate my curiousity on seeing what opportunities I can get.

Just a bit of background. I've done extensive networking here, outside of engineering I also so some business here and there (family business related) so I kind of want to do things in conjunction with my professional career. But then again there's also peer pressure, most of my family members have worked and stayed overseas, so I kind of want to follow in their footsteps.

It's just that I'm afraid that it might not turn out what I wanted it to be, eg wageslaving instead of seeking out the potential branches in my career progression.But shouldn't hurt that much since its going to be a 'short' period in my life time.

Thanks for weighing in. If given the opportunity I'll probably take the shot. I've survived high pressure environments from my endeavours, so I'll probably survive if things go south.


Not exactly trying to make friends. The said companies are mainly MnCs with tons of expats. Locals probably wouldn't like me Lol.

As far as hard and fast work, I don't really mind. Used to really shitty deadlines and multitasking. Just that I fear I might be a target or scapegoat (knew a few pinoys/viets who worked there, the bias was unreal).

I do get pretty lonely when I'm away from family, was Manageable but pretty harsh. So I might end up like you, but I seem to be holding up currently.

I wouldn't consider it if it wasn't for it being a plausible golden ticket for me.

Also thanks for weighing in. I'll keep that in mind.



I currently have a few offers lined up for me locally for offshore and petrochem industries. But would really like to get into PMT or Project permittance as having experience in upstream grunt work and fabrication was excruciating with Insane hours.

This post has been edited by CertifiedHomphobe: Aug 11 2022, 03:42 PM

Just go get new experience....
1 or 2 years is good enough...

Like some mentioned...
They are close type...so it's just pure work....
U get exposed to new culture....

if there's opportunity, why not?

Experience working life in different country.

Won't say that Malaysia isn't good - we're also a land of opportunity. But looking from another perspective, its a learning opportunity from overseas which can be applied locally when you're back.

Guess another aspect is... worried about being alone and the potential oppressive work culture. I've studied overseas before and can understand how easily one will get homesick after a while... but slowly, and eventually, you'll adapt. Make new friends with colleagues there and connect with local Malaysians who are there (pretty sure plenty of Malaysians in Japan, be it for work for studies). Just imagine the new "adventure" and experiences that awaits!

At the same time, think of a backup plan. If things really doesn't work out in that company (ie. it happened to be a "black company") what would be the exit strategy? If you're tied to a contract, is there any compensation you need to pay if you leave before tenure is up etc. Find out all these info before signing up (if you secured the offer).

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Aug 12 2022, 09:45 AM

If u can speak Japanese and if its a decent fresh grad job can give it a try. It would look good on you if u can survive 2 years in a harsh Japanese environment.

if u can survive in japan company. u can survive anywhere.

but if i got an other option, i will not join japan company.

but its up to u. ur life, u choose.