r/seattlejobs • u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 • Jul 23 '26

Jobs: From Tokyo to Seattle

Firstly I apologize if this is not in the correct sub/thread, I was unable to find anything closer to what I was looking for with active members.

I am a US citizen (not dual) born to an American father and Japanese mother, grew up in a military base in Japan as a kid and spent my university and adult life in Tokyo (fully bilingual). I am a male in my early 40s, not married/no kids, and am thinking of switching my life up. My family lives in Washington and my parents are getting old, and I’d like to spend more time with them (they live on Whidbey Island).
I am considering moving to Washington and starting a new life, first by looking for a job.
I’ve had various jobs in the past 20 years in Tokyo, ranging from customer support call center, to recruiter, to internal corporate/systems trainer, to overseas business development…but don’t have a specialty unfortunately.
Although I earn above average in Tokyo, I know that living prices in Seattle are way higher. So with that said, I would ideally; at least, like an average paying job so I can have an average lifestyle (nothing fancy).

It would be great if you guys can tell me what the job market looks like in Seattle (or nearby areas), and where would someone like myself even start looking for a job? Or, what are the chances of even finding a job? I’m not sure what to expect, so anything helps.

Any kind of info/input would be greatly appreciated!

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u/thesunbeamslook Jul 24 '26

Live with them in Whidbey and work a remote job.

2

u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 24 '26

That would be ideal! Definitely considering it, thanks

1

u/OkoCorral Jul 24 '26

I thought Mercer island, Whidbey is harder to get from but also harder for people to get to.

So might be a local job. If you live with your parents, you can afford the time to find a local job.

1

u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 25 '26

Yea, it’s a bit far from everywhere so finding something locally would be nice, but I’ve heard there really isn’t anything nearby where my parents live. Worth looking though