I’m sure many people have seen such fields in job application forms. Sometimes, it’s either “Expected Monthly Pay” or “Expected Annual Pay.” Sometimes, it’s both. I’ve never understood the purpose of having to fill in both because, “duh… just multiply my expected monthly pay by 12 yourself!” Or so I thought.
As it turns out, annual pay is not necessarily monthly pay x 12.
Here’s how it goes: Your monthly pay is, as you understood, what you are paid every month. That’s not a problem for most people. The problem is, what is your annual pay? The annual pay actually includes all bonuses. Which means, if you are expecting to be paid $1000 a month, and you do not expect to receive any bonuses, then your expected annual pay will be $12000. But, if you expect to have, say, at least 2 months worth of bonus every year, then your expected annual pay will be $14000 (while the expected monthly pay still remains at $1000). While in Singapore, bonuses are practically non-existent, it is a big deal in many companies here in Japan. Some companies pay 2 to 4 months bonuses every year (or maybe even more). But while such bonuses are only heard of in government agencies, statutory boards, and banks back home, it is relatively common in Japan. So, don’t go multiplying your expected monthly pay by 12.
Note, however, there are exceptions to some companies. Before I joined the current company I’m with, the boss didn’t ask for my expected monthly pay but only annual pay. I told him X yen, and he took it that the amount does not include bonuses yet. So when you are discussing your salary package, be sure about the basis upon which it is being discussed.
On a separate note, I’ve left the translation company and joined a totally unrelated industry which would see me back in Singapore for at least a few years.
Interesting information! I am wondering though, why did you choose to join an industry based in SG. Wasn’t it always your dream to work in Japan?
Well, as with all decisions, there are multiple factors I considered before taking up this job. Frankly, given a choice, I wouldn’t choose one that requires me to be back in Singapore for a number of years. Months would be okay or maybe up to a year. Fortunately or unfortunately, this is the decision I arrived at. Perhaps I will write a bit about it next.
You’re back in SG?! That’s a surprise…! Hope to hear more updates soon. Thanks for your sharing and inspiration.
Hi izu,
No, I’m not back in Singapore. At least not yet. I will someday in the near future though, but just for a few years.
If you are leaving Japan be sure to withdraw your pension….
Hi Patricia,
I didn’t know we can do that. What if I’ll be returning to Japan again and I withdraw my pension?
I’m super confused. You need a timeline, or that could be your next blog entry, a summary of your job changes, locations and stuff… really interested to read about it. Ganbare!
Hi Z,
Haha… apologies for the confusing entry. I guess it’s partly because I don’t update share too much details on what I’m doing. Good suggestion though. I’ll give it some thought.
eeeeeh…. actually we do get bonuses here, it’s pretty much summed as “the 13th month bonus” or something like that. and where I’m currently interning, I do get “bonus” for things like hitting xx target, or for my outlet getting certain rank during promotion periods, etc.
SOOOOO, it’s not unheard of, it’s just… not very expected/hyped about I guess.
I’m surprised that you are taking that offer though o_o; (didn’t think that you’d consider a job that require u to come back to sg for years)
You have a point. I totally dismissed the 13th month bonus. Most companies here give at least 2 months worth of bonus though.
Frankly, I didn’t think I would take up the offer either. Again, it’s all the many factors that made me arrive at this decision which I may write about someday.
Hi fellow singaporean here and ur passion to work and live in Japan is really cool
Since young I have also always been interested in Japanese Culture and lifestyle and someday plan to visit Japan too but is the language barriers and culture hard to adapt to? And are the Japanese people friendly to Foreigners to S’poreans?
Hi Dominic,
Personally, I didn’t think it was difficult to adapt to the culture here. I believe you will gradually ease into things since they don’t all jump at you at the same time. Language-wise, I’m not certain how well you speak the language so I can’t really comment on the language barrier question, but let’s put it this way, I know some people who speak no Japanese even after working here for two years. And in general, I think Japanese people are friendly.