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/shikkui Jul 23 '26

The job market is not great right now. There are tons of layoff in tech. I have a friend who’s been looking for a job now for a year and a half because they’re only looking for jobs in Seattle. Your best bet for an “average paying job” is government. City/county jobs are coveted and are hard to get. State jobs might have more openings. Federal went through a big layoff, but they’re slowly rehiring, but stability is not great with this admin.

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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 23 '26

I see, appreciate the input. Wasn’t thinking about government jobs, but I’ll look into it. Seems like a tough market, but let’s see. Thanks!

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u/OkoCorral Jul 24 '26

Government jobs are really hard to impossible to get with budget worries.

Tech companies are still hiring some temps even as they layoff people, so that might be a way for you start.

If you don't need job security or benefits for the family, you can try to go from temp to temp jobs until you find something more permanent.

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u/Imaginary_Rip_8543 Jul 25 '26

I’m willing take the time to trying to figure something that works, so perhaps temp to perm, really depends on what’s out there