Freelancing in Tokyo: 2010 Wrap-up
Hello All:
It's hard to believe we are coming to the close of 2010. Is it just me or does it seem that days are flying by faster than they ever did? One way or the other, we got here from there and I hope most of you had a smooth ride of it.
To me, this was a year about learning. I learned that it was a lot more difficult than I thought to keep monthly FIT networking events going strong. I certainly appreciate all the people who came to the ones that we held, but what I learned was that, in general, people do not seem to perceive the value of networking with fellow freelancers. I can understand that, but I feel that every business card I have received in Japan has potential value somewhere down the line--although it may not be immediately apparent.
However, speaking honestly, I feel like I am in the minority. As such, at present there are no monthly FIT events planned for 2011. Instead I will focus on keeping the "Helpful Websites" page of the FIT site updated and hopefully introduce new features such as video interviews with people of interest, as well as adding additional phrases to the "Helpful Phrases" page. If I'm lucky enough, I'll be able to turn the phrase page into an iPhone/iPad app. That's the plan, at least.
Meanwhile, for those of you who have visited this site and for those of you are visiting for the first time, please do take advantage of the resources here, because there are plenty of them. I wish I had them when I first came here, which is why I created the FIT project: to help others get their bearings here in Tokyo and to pursue their freelancing dreams.
One more note: Yes, things have been tough financially here in Japan. Companies are cutting back, hiring has slowed, money isn't flowing like it used to. Yes, a lot of people are racing to China to experience the "new gold rush." I cannot deny that if I were young and just out of college, and if I had a hankering to live and work abroad, I would probably head to Shanghai and not Tokyo.
But... a MAJOR difference between China and Japan is: Japan has had a strong relationship with the US and other Western countries for many years. This relationship allows Westerners to come to Tokyo (or elsewhere in Japan) and find that there are English-speaking Japanese in many service situations (hotels, stores, hospitals, ward offices, talent agencies, employment offices) , a strong network of fellow Westerners who have "been there, done that," and an established world where the waters have been tested by gaikokujin (foreigners) so many times that living in this country is not the mind-boggling challenge it used to be. It is, I must say, possible to have a good, comfortable life in Tokyo if you know how to play your cards right. That's another reason why I created FIT, to help guide fellow foreigners through trouble spots so that they can have a smooth-sailing experience. China is currently "untested" waters, and of course, that holds its own mystique and I certainly can see the value in pursuing the challenges that await.
Nonetheless, I feel Tokyo is still a vibrant, exciting place to live with tons of opportunities. The difference between the "bubble" era and now is: it is up to you to create your own freelancing dream. Do not wait on companies or agencies to call you. Create your website, advertise your special talents, get out there and show up at events and get in people's faces. That's how I did it and I am still able to get work from agents and companies I first worked for years and years ago, as well as work from new sources because I put myself out there enough to make a difference.
I guess that's my message to myself and to you, as trite as it may seem. Tokyo (and Japan) holds its own special challenges, but if you are able to incorporate those challenges into how you approach your life here, and if you are willing to get out there and make a presence for yourself, freelancing in Tokyo can be the most exciting ride of your life.
Happy Holidays to all and I wish you the best in 2011.