Work › Newcomer's Guide


Work


 


 

Like housing, everyone's work situation is different as well. Some new JETs will be visiting a different school everyday, and some will only go to one school. Both situations have their advantages and disadvantages that become apparent as you go along. It is best to contact your predecessor and ask what the general situation at work is like, but don't expect a rundown of "who's who" and "what they're like" because most JETs will probably want to keep their personal judgments personal.

Be warned though, that there is sometimes a disparity in the actual amount of hours that ALTs and CIRs are expected to put in at their respective institutions. There really is nothing that can be done to remedy this situation other than trying to set a personal precedent for yourself as soon as possible. If you are the kind of person who wants to be involved and likes overtime, then make it clear to your teachers, supervisors, and prinicpals, from the very beginning that you have some ideas and want to help. If you are looking forward to a little more free time, then try to get out of staying around the office and schools as much as possible. Questions like, "Do you need me to do anything else this afternoon?" and "What should I do from now on?" Will, in some cases, get you out the door, because they just might not have anything planned for you. This goes for cleaning time (daily student custodial work) and lunch as well. If you want to clean the school or eat with the students, then ask to help from the beginning. If you don't want to, tell your schools that you aren't going to do it. Precedent plays a big role in what your situation will be like. Remember there is no career advancement, or job security on the line here. A healthy go get em' attitude will do nothing more than get you more work, which is great if you want it. Doing just what is asked of you and nothing more will keep you out of responsibility.