Book Review: 'Freelancing in Tokyo' by David Chester

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I’m sitting in a local Dotour, dodging cigarette smoke (I endure it for the easy access to power and the decent cocoa) reading David Chester’s just-published ‘Freelancing in Tokyo‘.

Now, I’ve lived in Japan, under varying circumstances, for close to 13 years. But, it’s only in the past 1.5 years that I’ve focused on being completely independent, an entrepreneur…a freelancer. I wish I’d had this book 1.5 years ago, and I’m very glad I found it now. Here’s why:

1. Humor

David has retained (who knows, perhaps even honed) his sense of humor while living here. This comes through clearly with his descriptions of Tokyo life’s little differences; I giggled out loud at his ‘Things You Should Know’ chapter, with his cautionary tales of slow-walking schoolgirls, Japanese TV, museums, crows, and the ever-present noise.

2. His Sample Schedule

This is David’s day during his busiest periods, and a revelation it is, too. Very useful in figuring out if this is the way you want to live while you’re building up your nest egg of cash and experience. By the time you get to the schedule, David has explained the details behind each entry, so you feel as if you went through the whole day with him.
Whew!

3. A Balanced View of Freelancing

It seems to me that David loves Tokyo, but not unreservedly so. He describes the pros and cons in freelancing for a wide variety of jobs, including preparation, handling problems, doing the job itself, and aftercare, with some good tips on how a foreigner might be seen by employers. It’s pretty clear-eyed, and I don’t think you could romanticise the independent life or fail to see the advantages, after reading this book.

4. An Honest View of the Experience Gap

Unless you are one of the fortunate expats whose lifestyle is covered by a company (and isn’t that less and less the case these days?), you have to make your own way. You may have freelance opportunities that require you to sell your services in areas you have limited experience in, and find a way to do them reasonably well. David explains his candid experience of doing this and keeping your integrity intact. He also explains where it’s not a good idea to ‘fake it till you make it’.

5. The Freelance Coach

The book is like an experienced friend, leading you around potholes and pitfalls, and explaining why a certain approach makes sense. David’s clear writing style helps you to experience each job or daily life situation vicariously, and thus be better prepared when you encounter it (or better prepared to run very, very far away!;-)

All in all, I’d say that Freelancing in Tokyo is an essential resource for those of us who are making our way on our own in Japan: or planning to.

Terri MacMillan

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