As a mid-level employee in your 30s or 40s at a Japanese company, have you ever wondered, "Is it okay to continue my career as I am?" or "Does my current workplace have any future prospects?" In particular, “career move,” with a view to changing jobs to a foreign company, is an attractive option for many business people who feel stuck in their current situation. However, it is also true that if you act at the wrong time or without sufficient preparation, you may end up stalling your career or taking a detour.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to determine when it is time to consider a career move and how to prepare for success. If you are at a crossroads in your career, please read this carefully so that you can get some tips on how to move forward to the next stage with confidence.
1. What is a career move?
1-1. Definition and background of career move
A career move generally refers to a decision to make a major change in the specialized field or industry that has been established, or a decision to significantly change the position or type of job. In the broad sense of the word, a person in their 30s or 40s who has built up a career at a Japanese company and then moves to a foreign company or moves into a completely different field can be considered a career move in a broad sense.
In recent years, the business environment has changed dramatically, and with the development of AI and digital technology, it has become difficult to predict the future even in industries that were once thought to be stable. As a result, an increasing number of people are wondering whether they should continue pursuing a career in the same field or whether they should acquire new skills while they can, and interest in changing careers is growing even more.
1-2. Difference between career advancement and career move
Generally speaking, career advancement often refers to “increasing your position or responsibility within the same field or industry.” On the other hand, the big difference between career move and career move is that the goal is to move into a different field, industry, or job type. Of course, it is also possible to aim for career advancement in a new field through a career move, and as a result, it is attractive that you will have the opportunity to gain new skills and expand your network.
2. Reasons for considering international companies: Possibility of a global career
2-1. Results-based and speedy evaluation system
Compared to Japanese companies, international companies often have a clear performance-based system, and individual performance is more likely to be reflected directly in evaluations and compensation. Since your ability and results will be reflected in your career and income, it will be a great motivation for those who are willing to take on challenges.
2-2. Global work environment and networking
The appeal of working at a foreign company is that you can work in collaboration with offices and colleagues around the world. You can gain new knowledge and stimulation by getting involved in overseas markets and international projects, not just from a Japanese perspective. By collaborating with overseas headquarters and multinational teams, there is a high possibility that you will be able to greatly improve your language and business skills.
2-3. Diversity in organizational structure and culture
The organizational culture of international companies is diverse, and some companies have an environment that facilitates smooth communication and a culture that welcomes spontaneity and creativity. You will be relatively close to your boss and will have many opportunities to try out your ideas. A career move in such an environment may be a good opportunity to develop the skills you have cultivated at a Japanese company in a new way.
3. Main timing to consider career move
3-1. When you no longer feel motivated by your current job
Even if you are working stably at a Japanese company, there may come a time when you feel stuck in your work or feel like your growth has stopped. At this point, you should reconsider whether you would be satisfied with your current career, and if the answer is that you want to try something new, you should consider changing your career.
3-2. When you feel uncomfortable with the company's vision or culture
Mismatches are a major trigger for people to quit or change jobs. In particular, you should be careful if you start to feel that the company's management philosophy and organizational culture are significantly out of sync with your own values. Discrepancies in values often lead to decreased motivation and increased stress, so prompt action is required.
3-3. When there is uncertainty about the future of the market or industry
As AI and DX (digital transformation) progress, industry structures are increasingly changing rapidly. If you feel that there is a risk that the business model of your industry or company will no longer be applicable in a few years, we recommend that you start taking stock of your skills and gathering information at that point to prepare for a career move.
3-4. When you become interested in learning new skills or working overseas
When you feel motivated to use your English to work in an international setting or to take on a challenge in a new technology field, this is a great opportunity for a career move. If you do not have such opportunities in your current job, you can greatly expand your career by taking the plunge and considering changing jobs to a foreign company.
4. Self-analysis points to determine the timing
4-1. Quantify your “satisfaction level” with your current career
In order to avoid making the wrong timing for a career move, you first need to objectively understand your current level of satisfaction. By assigning scores from multiple perspectives, such as job content, salary, work environment, human relationships, and future prospects, you will be able to see what is important to you. If you find that your scores are lower than you expected, it may be time to seriously consider your next step.
4-2. Inventory of your strengths and weaknesses
When moving to a foreign company, the first thing to look for is "what skills and track record do you have?" During the self-analysis stage, pick up your strengths and identify the learning and experience necessary to strengthen your weaknesses. For example, if you need to gain a little more management experience, you might consider taking action such as being assigned to manage a small team while still in your current position.
4-3. Long-term goal setting
If your sole purpose is to quit your current company, you may end up having the same problems again at your new job. Before making the decision to change your career, think about what kind of professional you want to be in 5 or 10 years, and imagine a concrete vision of what your new job will look like as an extension of that. Rather than setting vague goals, we recommend that you describe your job title and job content as specifically as possible.
5. How to prepare for a successful career move
5-1. Information gathering: Understanding the industry and corporate culture
When making a career move, the first thing you should do is gather detailed information. Even though they are international companies, their industries, sizes, and corporate cultures are diverse, and the expected skill sets and work styles vary widely. If you find a company you are interested in, be sure to research not only the company's recruitment information, but also the reputation of its internal culture and work style. It is also effective to check what current employees are posting on SNS and LinkedIn.
5-2. Plan for skill improvement/qualification acquisition
If you are a former Japanese company employee in your 30s or 40s who suddenly jumps into a foreign company, there are additional skills and qualifications that would be advantageous if you acquired them. Examples include business English, data analysis, and project management. international companies have a culture that welcomes active skill learning, so it's a good idea to make a learning plan before changing jobs.
5-3. Brush up your resume and work history
When changing jobs to a foreign company, in many cases both an English resume and a Japanese work history are required. Japanese resumes are also expected to be more results-oriented and quantitative, so it is important to clearly state project results, team achievement rates, specific sales contributions, etc. Be sure to prepare thoroughly, including questions and answers that you might expect to be asked during an English interview.
5-4. Utilize opportunities for networking and exchanging information
Networking is a powerful weapon in changing your career. In addition to interacting with your current business partners and industry personnel, try to use events, seminars, and SNS to build a network with experts in new fields. In some cases, you may be able to find an attractive job offer or position through an introduction from a friend.
6. Changes in the job market and skills required by international companies
6-1. Spread of digital technology and increase in demand for highly skilled professionals
In recent years, the number of foreign jobs has been increasing, mainly in the technology industry, due to rapid developments in DX, cloud technology, and AI. We are looking for people with IT/digital skills and leaders who can manage projects on a global scale. Even if you are in your 30s or 40s and are changing careers, if you can ride this wave, you can instantly increase your market value.
6-2. Improving attention to soft skills
Even in performance-based international companies, soft skills such as leadership, communication skills, and teamwork are becoming increasingly important. There are many situations where not only logical thinking in Japanese but also the flexibility to work with members from diverse cultural backgrounds and understanding of different cultures will be useful.
6-3. Importance of self-branding
We live in an era where you can effectively promote your achievements and expertise by using SNS and business platforms. Self-branding in online environments such as LinkedIn is essential to increasing your chances of being noticed by hiring managers and recruiters at international companies. Let's actively disseminate information at the timing of a career move.
7. GCI support during career move
At GCI (Global Career Incubator), which has a track record of working with many foreign-affiliated and global companies, we provide a variety of support for career moves while carefully listening to candidates' situations and goals. His distinctive style is to guide him through a series of processes, from self-analysis to resume creation, interview preparation, and post-employment follow-up.
What is important for a successful career move is strategic thinking such as “How do I redefine my past experience?” and “How do I bring out my strengths that match the points that international companies are looking for?” “GCAP PIVOT” provided by GCI uses a coaching style, and consultants who are familiar with past career move success stories and corporate culture objectively assess your goals and strengths and provide optimal advice. In particular, it is a great advantage to be able to receive support based on factors unique to international companies, such as preparing for English interviews and determining compatibility with the corporate culture.
Preparing for a career move while continuing your current job takes time and effort. Finding a partner you can trust will increase your chances of making the process smooth and efficient.
8. Points to learn from successful career move cases
8-1. Increase your annual income by changing jobs to an industry you have no experience in.
For example, Mr. A, who worked as an engineer at a Japanese manufacturer, became attracted to the sense of speed and discretion offered by international companies through his interactions with overseas bases. Although I was worried about interviewing in English, I prepared thoroughly in advance and prepared well for the interview, and was offered an engineer position at a foreign IT company. Their annual income has increased significantly, and the pace of skill acquisition has doubled.
8-2. Use your management experience as a weapon to join a global company
Mr. B, who was working as a section manager at a Japanese company, was satisfied with his career in Japan to a certain extent, but decided to try his hand at a foreign company because he wanted to “test his skills in a broader field.” By demonstrating my English presentation skills and team leadership skills, I won a position as assistant to a branch manager at a global company. He has been entrusted with more discretionary matters than before, and his days are exciting.
8-3. Utilize what you felt was a half-baked skill as “expertise”
Although Mr. C had experience working overseas for a Japanese general trading company, he had complexes about himself because he was not a specialist in a particular field. However, at a foreign consulting firm, he was highly evaluated as a “generalist with a wide range of industry knowledge and an international perspective,” and although he started in an area with no experience, he was quickly appointed as a project leader.
As these examples show, the key to career move is “how to reinterpret your past experience and skills in a new way and connect them with the needs of international companies.”
9. Attitude: To thrive in a new environment after changing careers
9-1. Self-management in a results-based environment
When you work in the culture of a foreign company, getting results becomes more important than anything else. On the other hand, since everyone is focused on their own work, it is not always possible to receive detailed attention. Self-management, self-development, and networking will be essential.
9-2. Enjoy cross-cultural communication
When working with multinational team members, unintentional miscommunication can occur. However, the more people are able to view this positively and learn how to communicate proactively, the sooner they will adapt to the environment and be able to thrive. A positive attitude that finds ways of thinking and customs that are different from one's own to be “interesting” makes a very good impression in the workplace of a foreign company.
9-3. Continue learning to improve skills
international companies change rapidly, and it is not uncommon for organizations to reorganize or launch new businesses within six months or a year. An attitude of constant learning and flexibility are essential in order to continue to excel in new environments. At international companies, where it is easy to think that personal growth is directly linked to company growth, you can further expand your career possibilities by continuing to improve your skills voluntarily.
10. Summary: The courage to take a step will change the future
Career changes involve a big decision, so you should be careful, but if you miss the timing, there is also the risk of not knowing when the next good opportunity will come. That's why it's important to conduct a thorough self-analysis, create a vision for the future, and then start taking action. If you don't forget to gather information and prepare, you can fully succeed in changing your career in your 30s or 40s.
Furthermore, if you are aiming to change jobs to a foreign company, the key is to correctly understand market needs and corporate culture, and to present your strengths in the best possible way. Some people may be worried that the experience they have gained at a Japanese company will not necessarily be appreciated overseas, but whether or not you can successfully convert that experience and use it as a new weapon depends on your strategy and actions.
If you have any doubts or concerns, consider consulting with a trusted partner. By preparing with the help of a professional's perspective, your chances of success in making a career move will greatly increase. Having the courage to take a step forward may greatly change your future.
Let's clarify our ideals and goals and make a plan to open up a new future. Changing your career is not easy, but the rewards are also great. We sincerely support your success in your new stage.
Author
Global Career Incubator Co., Ltd. CEO Shinichi Ikawa
Biography: Entered the business world after working for the Ministry of Defense (National Class I) and the Australian Ministry of Defence. After working at a major real estate company, he started a real estate venture and experienced management and recruitment at a domestic fund, domestic business company, and overseas tech company before founding our company.
Developed a career accelerator program based on my experience as a corporate manager and hiring manager. We specialize in foreign-affiliated, bilingual, and senior talent, and support individual career advancement and corporate organizational strength and efficiency.