Sarah Macabare

Assistant

“Getting thank-you letters is always a treat. Clients are sometimes awed by how thorough and considerate our service is, so being part of the team that makes this possible is quite gratifying.”

 

What were the initial difficulties of adjusting to life in Japan?

The language barrier is definitely a continuing day-to-day in this country. At the start, I had to constantly ask for help for even the most basic of tasks, like grocery shopping or figuring out the remote control. Translation mishaps are quite funny, but it can get frustrating sometimes. Fortunately, in time I found myself being more observant, knowing how to improvise and just taking things in stride. Making friends with the locals also help a lot!

What was it like starting work at the Firm straight from university?

It is such a great opportunity for a fresh graduate to work in such a reputable firm with an impressive roster of clients. That said, there's a lot of work and pressure that goes into delivering the quality of service that's expected of us. It's comparable to being thrown into the deep end of the pool.

How was Japan in reality to what you had imagined before you arrived?

When everyone thinks of Japan, what they usually have in mind is Tokyo or Osaka, which are huge, modern cities always bustling with activity. People aren't too aware there are other equally beautiful and interesting areas in Japan away from the major cities. I was very lucky to get to experience living in Fukuoka, with its quieter and more laid-back pace of life and get to see the island of Kyushu.

With all the diversity of backgrounds and personalities in the Firm, what have you found as a common thread?

People here are really dedicated to executing tasks in the most efficient and best way possible. On a lighter note, they are also all very passionate about good food here!

Do you feel like you're having an impact directly on the clients that you work for?

Getting thank-you letters is always a treat. Clients are sometimes awed by how thorough and considerate our service is, so being part of the team that makes this possible is quite gratifying.

What have been your three fondest experiences in Japan?

- When I went to the sumo stables in Tokyo to watch the morning practice;

- Seeing the beautiful and surreal Takachiho Gorge, where the river runs through a deep ravine;

- Going around cedar forests, ancient cemeteries and temples of Koya-san.

When I'm not at work, ...

I'm either travelling or going to one of the events in the city on the weekend. Osaka has an active foreign community, and its quite easy to make friends of all nationalities here. So it was quite easy to look for people who want to experience as much of Japan as I do.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

The firm strives to produce service and work product that is perfect. Living up to that ideal get to be quite stressful.

What is the most important thing that working at the Firm has taught you about yourself?

Working here has instilled in me an attitude of just getting things done, done well, and on time.

You've formulated Sarah's Rule of Three to describe the types of people the firm attracts. It's not officially sanctioned; it's Sarah-sanctioned. What are these three types and why?

1. The "Guts and Grit" type
It takes a lot of guts and a thirst for adventure to go work in a foreign country, particularly one that is as unique as Japan. It also takes a lot of tenacity and hard work to thrive in the workplace here.

2. The "Power Player" type
These are the type-A types with the ambition and drive to take their careers to the global stage, and who have the foresight to work in a promising industry.

3. The "The World-is-My-Oyster" type
These are the internationally-minded, jet-setting types. They've taken their Masters and their post-graduate studies overseas, and now they want work experience in another foreign country.