Anyone hear updates from the DMF'ers over there?
I just got word that I am in the running for a possible position near Tokyo.
I've always wanted to go but unsure now after everything happened with the tsunami.
I'd still go in a second but with a newborn to think about..
??? ??? ???
You guys think it would it be a wise move?
My brother-in-law's brothers-in-law live over there. They are not running back, so I guess it's safe. Just remember that it is very expensive and that wherever you live, it will be small.
just leave the hot wife and a good insurance policy behind... ;D
i know my company is still having issues getting parts that are made there, and one of our vendors, Sony, is backordered on a few things.
Quote from: duccarlos on August 24, 2011, 08:22:46 AM
My brother-in-law's brothers-in-law live over there. They are not running back, so I guess it's safe. Just remember that it is very expensive and that wherever you live, it will be small.
I know there's an IZ joke in there somewhere...
Dude! If it's a good opportunity for you and your family, go for it, but we'll miss ya.
And remember... You'll be
big in Japan. ;)
[bacon]
Alphaville - Big in japan Official Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c98qdFQF7sw#)
Do some research on the culture, manners and what's expect there. It's a lot different that 'merica or Europe. And be sure to let the wife know about the women only train/subway cars. There's a real problem with the perv grope on the over crowded subways in Tokyo. So if you can deal with the culture shock and a shit ton of people in your space... then it's supposed to be great.
On the good side, you can buy beer in vending machines on the street.
Kids that learn 2 or more languages when they're young are smarter
You may want to pm slowpoke :)
Quote from: The Bacon Junkie on August 24, 2011, 08:27:36 AM
I know there's an IZ joke in there somewhere...
Dude! If it's a good opportunity for you and your family, go for it, but we'll miss ya.
And remember... You'll be big in Japan. ;)
[bacon]
i was going to mention the culture shock (of being one of the larger people around), but you stole my thunder....
Quote from: The Bacon Junkie on August 24, 2011, 08:27:36 AM
And remember... You'll be big in Japan. ;)
I wouldn't go that far. ;D
If it is a job that you would enjoy, go for it.
It would be a great experience! [thumbsup]
Does the job involve hazmat and utility companies?
Like I said, I'd go in a second but wondering..should I be concerned about about radiation with the newborn? Seoul came up a few weeks ago and Japan this morning. Japan is a long shot but hoping I get it. Familiar with customs somewhat after researching it for years. Pol, I spoke to him at DIMBY. Thanks for the info everyone.
The radiation isn't any worse than what all the coal plants put out in the US everyday. I'm not sure I would worry too much about that. A bigger concern to me would be smog/air pollution (coming from someone who has suffered from severe asthma their entire life) and it's effects on infant lungs. Just remember, Tokyo is the biggest city in the world...I'm sure there are good and bad parts of that.
Quote from: RAT900 on August 24, 2011, 12:55:16 PM
Does the job involve hazmat and utility companies?
[cheeky]
I just received a second message for the same position. Thinking that a telephone interview is next?! [popcorn]
Opportunities knock all the time on peoples' doors. Those that open the door and follow those opportunities, they succeed in life.
IZ,
If it's good and you like your new 'job' there ....go for it ...
I'm all for experiencing other cultures, but I wouldn't choose to bring up a kid in Japan. Not because of radiation, but because of racism and sexism.
Jesus IZ, isn't life complicated enough?
Quote from: Raux on August 28, 2011, 05:31:18 AM
Opportunities knock all the time on peoples' doors. Those that open the door and follow those opportunities, they succeed in life.
Looking back over the past 17 years, the s/o and I can't say that we haven't taken advantage of the opportunities..especially those that have come in the past 8 years!
A friend from Japan said he has been back there 5 times since the tsunami. He said it's safe but just don't drink the water. I don't know much about radiation and what's going on with the water supply but don't they shower and wash with the same water? A little kid will be drinking the water all the time! I just wouldn't want to take my son there and find out 20 years down the road that he's sterile or something crazy like that.
I guess I'm coming to the conclusion that right now might not be the best time?
Quote from: somegirl on August 28, 2011, 11:53:10 AM
I'm all for experiencing other cultures, but I wouldn't choose to bring up a kid in Japan. Not because of radiation, but because of racism and sexism.
How would you rank Japan as opposed to someplace like AUS?
Quote from: MrIncredible on August 28, 2011, 11:59:46 AM
Jesus IZ, isn't life complicated enough?
Yes, but when things aren't complicated..it gets boring. [cheeky]
Quote from: IZ on August 28, 2011, 12:49:48 PM
How would you rank Japan as opposed to someplace like AUS?
I'd definitely choose Oz over Japan.
Quote from: somegirl on August 28, 2011, 12:56:33 PM
I'd definitely choose Oz over Japan.
+1111111111111111111
OK, you've got the choice of Oz also?
Then, haven't you packed and are in the plane to Oz right now?
Doode .... go down under ... You can still be a Ducati guy, but, you'll need to choose your vehicle very wisely, either Red or Blue ...
If Korea is still an option JUMP on it. I much prefer Korea over Japan
OZ isn't in the picture at this time. I'm thinking NZ over OZ though.
Seoul is still an option. I'm thinking since I'm lowest on the totem pole though that Japan would be the only position left.
Somegirl..isn't sexism big in OZ though?
Quote from: somegirl on August 28, 2011, 11:53:10 AM
I'm all for experiencing other cultures, but I wouldn't choose to bring up a kid in Japan. Not because of radiation, but because of racism and sexism.
I was assuming that this would be only a year or so assignment for IZ , not really long enough to be completely raising kids there? I've worked in various cultures and I consider it a valuable experience to have been a minority and experience racism first hand.
About Australia, I worked with Aussies in Papua New Guinea and in general they had a very tiresome white supremacy racist attitude. The difference between living in Japan and Australia would be that in Japan, racism would be directed toward you and in Australia as a white person you would be in the "in crowd" and only experience racism directed toward non white minorities.
I've experienced very little direct racism in other countries, and it's generally when I come home to the USA that I get painfully reminded of all of our ongoing race issues. I don't think I'd consider race or sexism as a deterrent to working in Japan for a period of few years. It would be one helluva an adjustment, but I think a worthwhile and educational one.
Many countries where expats live and work have US residential communities and I've avoided those, trying to live with and like the locals. But then I didn't have kids with me.
I don't know about the possible radiation issues, I wonder if the US state department has any guidelines for US citizens in Japan?
Bob
Something to check into. Thanks for the info B!
Btw..this would be at least 2 years for this position.
Quote from: IZ on August 28, 2011, 10:28:17 PM
Something to check into. Thanks for the info B!
Btw..this would be at least 2 years for this position.
Bit easy to dismiss the sexism if you're not the one experiencing it, no?
P has notoriously thick skin (look who she's married to) and she doesn't like how they treat her there.
[laugh]
Seriously though..what nationality is P? Does that make any difference?
We would def. make an attempt to live with the locals. I would really like the s/o to have a positive experience. If the sexism is as bad as you say P.. that's no bueno.
[thumbsdown]
Quote from: IZ on August 29, 2011, 12:05:37 AM
[laugh]
Seriously though..what nationality is P? Does that make any difference?
We would def. make an attempt to live with the locals. I would really like the s/o to have a positive experience. If the sexism is as bad as you say P.. that's no bueno.
[thumbsdown]
I found this online forum for U.S. expats living in various countries. Might maybe be able to get more first hand viewpoints there or at other similar forums?
http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ (http://www.expatforum.com/expats/)
Quote from: Langanobob on August 29, 2011, 02:50:21 AM
I found this online forum for U.S. expats living in various countries. Might maybe be able to get more first hand viewpoints there or at other similar forums?
http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ (http://www.expatforum.com/expats/)
Oh yes..I actually became a member on that site a few years back. I've been looking at moving overseas for quite some time now. I was offered a job to work in Dubai through that forum but never pursued it. Thanks for bringing it to my atttention again
None of my business...
but wouldn't it be wise to let Maro 'catch up' before you and Mrs. IZ_ continue your wandering ways?
Quote from: ducpainter on August 29, 2011, 05:01:37 AM
None of my business...
but wouldn't it be wise to let Maro 'catch up' before you and Mrs. IZ_ continue your wandering ways?
Yes, that is also one of my concerns. I was just thinking about his needs, i.e.: formula, meds, etc.
Quote from: IZ on August 29, 2011, 05:05:16 AM
Yes, that is also one of my concerns. I was just thinking about his needs, i.e.: formula, meds, etc.
He had a bit of a rough start. Medical attention or the availability of it will likely be a major consideration until he grows some.
It isn't about
you any longer. ;)
Quote from: ducpainter on August 29, 2011, 05:08:04 AM
He had a bit of a rough start. Medical attention or the availability of it will likely be a major consideration until he grows some.
It isn't about you any longer. ;)
#1 thing in our lives is Maro! Half the reason we've wanted to go overseas is for him. That's always been the plan. If it happens now or later..that's fine. [thumbsup]
We'll be on or near base for medical care though. We've considered having me go ahead for a month to get things in order and let him "catch up" a bit more back here. Being away from him that long would be tough though!
Move down to Chile.
Lotsa opportunities in A's field in Cali... ;)
[bacon]
Quote from: duccarlos on August 29, 2011, 07:04:54 AM
Move down to Chile.
BTW, how you doing down there? Tasting wines?
Position in Italy just thrown into the mix 5 min ago!!!!
japan or italy..hmmm...i think i might know your first choice ;)
This place is playing mind games with me now! Third year for them to offer a job...hopefully it's a charm.
Italy!!!
Quote from: IZ on September 01, 2011, 09:08:10 AM
Position in Italy just thrown into the mix 5 min ago!!!!
OK ... easy choice ... go to where you know what you're eating ... and whatever it is you're eating is dead !!
Italy !!!
[drool]
Italy
I spent my childhood back and forth between Saudi Arabia and the US......it sucked then in the 1950's and 60's
and I am quite confident it sucks now with chap-stick on, for extra grip
stay out of the middle-east, Dubai, Kuwait etc
let Maro have a stable non-disrupted life in his formative years
or you could wind up with something the likes of me
an emotional cripple who is capable of forging intensely intimate relationships
yet be able to walk away from them in the blink of an eye
Viva l'Italia!
Forza Azzurri!
Quote from: RAT900 on September 01, 2011, 12:14:09 PM
let Maro have a stable non-disrupted life in his formative years
or you could wind up with something the likes of me
an emotional cripple who is capable of forging intensely intimate relationships
yet be able to walk away from them in the blink of an eye
there's a reason for being the way I am?
Quote from: RAT900 on September 01, 2011, 12:14:09 PM
an emotional cripple who is capable of forging intensely intimate relationships
yet be able to walk away from them in the blink of an eye
wow..i think you might be related to my ex.. ;)
Quote from: elyse on September 01, 2011, 01:26:01 PM
wow..i think you might be related to my ex.. ;)
[laugh]
At least I don't kid myself about my limitations...could be worse
Quote from: RAT900 on September 01, 2011, 12:14:09 PM
I spent my childhood back and forth between Saudi Arabia and the US......it sucked then in the 1950's and 60's
and I am quite confident it sucks now with chap-stick on, for extra grip
stay out of the middle-east, Dubai, Kuwait etc
let Maro have a stable non-disrupted life in his formative years
or you could wind up with something the likes of me
an emotional cripple who is capable of forging intensely intimate relationships
yet be able to walk away from them in the blink of an eye
Wouldn't want that! ;) I don't think you would need to have that specific type of upbringing though to have those traits.
IZ.
Settle.
Good boy.
[laugh]
Noooooo!!
When you get there
and find out
you are the new bukkake star
please do not post about it.
Quote from: ducatiz on September 02, 2011, 06:49:03 AM
you are the new bukkake star
eeeeewww, gross. even for those freaky japs! [puke]
While I'd love to go see Japan, I would suggest going to Italy instead. Much less culture shock (stuff like legible street/shop signs...), it's easier to get around, far more interesting neighbors (vs Russia, China, & the Koreas?!?), the food can't even compare (and I love sushi), and most important: pretty much anywhere you are just head out of town and there's great roads!
The only bad thing about this is that I don't get to pick who I interview with and/or where I would go. I could interview with any of these places and then be offered a job at a totally different place.
Do you really care...
as long as you are packing or unpacking?
Quote from: IZ on September 02, 2011, 03:29:34 PM
The only bad thing about this is that I don't get to pick who I interview with and/or where I would go. I could interview with any of these places and then be offered a job at a totally different place.
but you can always say no if you dont like the offer right?
Quote from: IZ on September 02, 2011, 03:29:34 PM
The only bad thing about this is that I don't get to pick who I interview with and/or where I would go. I could interview with any of these places and then be offered a job at a totally different place.
That happened to me once....I took a job on the basis that I would be at Brookhaven National Labs managing a project.....after 4 months of special training
instead I wound up assigned in make the beast with two backsing Owego NY out past Binghamton at some creepy IBM Federal Systems Defense Plant...
living alone in a Holiday Inn that had a bar that had some machine that measured the shots exactly and never gave buy-backs
no in-room porn,
no women
the worse part was the stream of undercover security cretins that were assigned to chat it up with me off the job in the bar and at restaurants etc
to see if I would talk about what we were up to....was never sure if they were IBM Security or Men in Black goons but they always asked too many questions
home phone was tapped for months
I had to get a DOD Bizarro 12 clearance to go to either site...make the beast with two backsing form was 40 feet long
Yeah, like the USAF. They offered me one job and then after basic, they put me into another. >:(
Elyse..yes, I can turn it down. I did that with Daegu, South Korea 2 years ago. I kick myself now since it was a foot in the door but it just wasn't where I wanted to be.
Quote from: IZ on September 02, 2011, 07:29:58 PM
I kick myself now since it was a foot in the door but it just wasn't where I wanted to be.
$50 says you've never known where you wanted to be.
"Not here" is not a valid answer.
good point...the man either has wanderlust or hasn't found a place that gives him a sense of "home"
I am not sure that being on the DMZ in Korea would be a step in the right direction toward the latter
unless maybe he acquired a powerful like for roast dog in his prior wanderings
Roast dog = "Chow" time! ;D
[bacon]
Quote from: RAT900 on September 02, 2011, 10:40:24 PM
good point...the man either has wanderlust or hasn't found a place that gives him a sense of "home"
I am not sure that being on the DMZ in Korea would be a step in the right direction toward the latter
unless maybe he acquired a powerful like for roast dog in his prior wanderings
wondering when rat is going to create his new thread "psychiatric help 5¢ ~ the dr. is in" :)
Quote from: elyse on September 02, 2011, 11:26:07 PM
wondering when rat is going to create his new thread "psychiatric help 5¢ ~ the dr. is in" :)
We actually had formed an ad hoc relationship counseling and therapeutic team on TOB...
it was quite frightening but highly amusing