| Those foreigners that are venturing to Japan for | | | | such a work schedule right from the beginning, it |
| job opportunities will certainly have much to look | | | | is best to avoid being a 'moaner and a complainer' |
| forward to. The country is a wonderful place to | | | | when dealing with such a work week. Complaining |
| live and there is a tremendous cultural experience | | | | and work ethic do not gel well together. It will |
| to be had. However, some of the cultural | | | | undermine your success more than anything else. |
| components found in a Japanese component may | | | | As such, it is best avoided. |
| be far different from what visitors may be used | | | | One of the more unique aspects of the Japanese |
| to. This may not necessarily be all that bad of an | | | | work ethic is the notion of loyalty to a company. |
| experience provided one has a clear understanding | | | | It has been a common tradition that one will sign |
| of how things are done in a Japanese company. | | | | on with a company and stay with the company |
| Basically, if one clearly understands the Japanese | | | | until retirement. In some instances, even "jumping" |
| work ethic then it may not be as difficult to | | | | to another company for more money may be |
| navigate in the company as some might be led to | | | | considered an outrageous action to take. This is |
| believe. | | | | most definitely different from the attitude |
| The first step to succeeding in such an | | | | foreigners may have since leaving for greener |
| environment is to understand that things will be | | | | pastures is often the most common course of |
| done a little differently. It is wise to avoid trying | | | | action to take when a better offer is presented. |
| to buck the system since such an approach is not | | | | Always keep this cultural component in mind when |
| a beneficial one. Instead, developing the steps to | | | | agreeing to work with a Japanese company. |
| duplicate the Japanese work ethic is the most | | | | And in Japan, your word means everything. When |
| advisable strategy. | | | | you sign a deal with a handshake, you will be |
| First and foremost, a great deal of dedication is | | | | expected to hold true to your word. To do |
| required in order to work for a Japanese | | | | otherwise might severely damage your reputation |
| company. That means you will be spending a long | | | | in business environments. |
| number of hours in the office. This is not going to | | | | Also, a lot of business is actually social. After |
| be a 9-5 process. In many instances, 16 hour | | | | hours, members of a company will often socialize |
| workdays might become the norm. And the | | | | as an extension of the work day. This helps |
| weekdays will not be the only days you will be | | | | reduce much of the stress you may be dealing |
| working. Weekend shifts may end up being the | | | | with from a heavy work day. |
| norm as well. Yes, that would entail 7 days a | | | | Yes, the Japanese work ethic can be a tough one |
| week for several weeks. | | | | but it is always rewarding. Developing such a |
| While many Japanese companies understand | | | | strong work ethic will certainly help you in life. |
| foreigners might not be all that capable of handling | | | | |