Success in Employment in Japan! How to Achieve Full-Time Employment and High Income with N1 Certification

Necessary N1 Level Skills for Success in Employment in Japan

Necessary N1 Level Skills for Success in Employment in Japan

When hoping to find employment in Japan, N1 is not just a part of a language exam, but an important factor that proves your operational ability in a business setting. To aim for a position as a full-time employee and to earn a high income, you need not only Japanese language skills but also business Japanese skills. For those who have not yet obtained N1, it is important to know the following elements as future learning goals, and for those who have already obtained it, as information to aim for further skill enhancement.

First, understanding business Japanese is essential for improving work efficiency. Specifically, it encompasses a wide range of activities such as reading and writing business documents, speaking in meetings, and handling phone calls. This enables smooth communication with clients and colleagues. Even for those who have obtained N1, the level of Japanese required varies by industry, so it is necessary to refine language skills that match the characteristics of the industry you aim for.

Next, there are reasons why obtaining N1 is valued. In many companies, N1 is considered one of the essential requirements, often giving an advantage during hiring. Additionally, when signing a contract as a full-time employee, it is important to understand that high language skills are valued in order to achieve high income. However, depending on the industry, N1 may not always be necessary, so it is crucial to assess the demand for each job type.

In this way, N1 is a key factor for employment in Japan for many companies, but ultimately, how those skills can be utilized in business is the key. To secure a position as a full-time employee and achieve high income, it is essential to acquire not only language skills but also practical business operational abilities.

The Japanese language skills required in the Japanese business scene

The Japanese language skills necessary for success in the Japanese business scene are diverse. In particular, it is not just about passing N1, but actual Japanese that works in the workplace is required. Let's break down this skill set below.

First, keigo (respectful language) is an important element. In Japanese business, the ability to appropriately use sonkeigo, kenjougo, and teineigo according to the situation is necessary. For example, when speaking with superiors or clients, it is required to use sonkeigo to show respect. Next, let's talk about cushion words. This expression is used to gently convey opinions and requires careful consideration to avoid making the other person uncomfortable.

Attention is needed in the style of emails and chats. In business settings, it is necessary to differentiate between formal and casual styles. Additionally, summarizing meetings and speaking in a conclusion-first manner is essential for making effective use of time. Furthermore, the practice of Hou-Ren-Sou (reporting, contacting, consulting) is a crucial skill for enhancing team cooperation.

Telephone communication is also an important element of business Japanese. Since the way you speak and your choice of words can influence the impression you make on others, it is necessary to communicate politely and fluently. Additionally, ambiguous expressions and expressions that read the atmosphere are unique communication styles in Japan, and mastering these can help build smooth relationships with others.

Below is a checklist of specific skills required in the Japanese business scene. It also takes into account the weight of skills by job type.

• Keigo (respectful language, humble language, polite language)
• Use of cushioning words
• Differentiating between email and chat styles
• Summary and conclusion first in meetings
• Practice of reporting, communicating, and consulting
• Telephone response skills
• Ambiguous expressions and reading the atmosphere

The weight of these skills varies depending on the job type. In sales positions, communication skills are particularly emphasized, while accuracy is required in administrative roles. In the IT and customer service industries, specialized skills are also necessary. Thus, in the Japanese business scene, practical skills based on N1 level Japanese proficiency are important.

Reasons why N1 holders are favored and their impact

Reasons Why N1 Holders Are Favored and Their Impact

In Japanese companies, individuals who have obtained N1 are particularly highly valued. This is based on the evaluation logic of the companies. First, holders of N1 tend to have a higher "selection pass rate". This is because their fluency in Japanese reduces hiring risks. Companies prioritize smooth communication and seek individuals who understand Japanese business practices and culture.

Next, in the selection for assignments, those who have obtained N1 are at an advantage. Particularly in departments that require customer interaction or positions that demand internal coordination skills, individuals with a N1 qualification are more likely to be chosen. This leads to a stronger tendency for these individuals to be entrusted with more important tasks, taking into account their expertise and achievements.

Furthermore, it also affects the "salary range" but caution is needed. Just because one has obtained N1 does not necessarily mean that their salary will increase. What is evaluated is not only the Japanese language ability but also the multiplication of that individual's expertise and achievements. For example, in situations where technical skills are required in the IT industry, candidates with N1 clearly have an advantage over other candidates.

In this way, the reasons why companies favor N1 holders are based on clear evaluation criteria. Employers want to avoid risks, so they are relatively attracted to individuals with high language skills. This process is a very important factor in the Japanese job market and serves as a key to enhancing the potential for becoming a full-time employee.

The following is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of those who have obtained N1. It is important to understand the benefits for companies and the challenges for workers.

From this perspective, it is necessary to understand the importance of Japan's job hunting activities regarding N1 and to take measures accordingly.

Choosing a profession to aim for a high income as a full-time employee

When considering employment in Japan, to achieve a high income, various factors come into play. The four key elements are job selection, market value, company size, and performance-based compensation. These are closely related, and to stabilize income as a full-time employee, it is essential to accurately understand your skills and the market's needs.

First, choosing a profession is a fundamental element. In the STEM fields, engineering and data science are rapidly growing and tend to be in high demand. On the other hand, in the humanities fields, areas such as sales and marketing have higher standards for the talent that Japanese companies seek. Depending on the profession you choose, the potential for high income can vary greatly, so it is important to research market trends in advance.

Next, a point to consider regarding market value is the advantage of obtaining N1. In domestic companies, especially among foreign-affiliated companies and large corporations, many places place importance on N1, which is effective in enhancing your market value. For new graduates, in addition to the previously mentioned profession selection, it is necessary to gain experience through internships and showcase practical skills.

Additionally, the size of the company is another important factor in aiming for high income. Large companies offer comprehensive benefits and bonuses, but in small and medium-sized enterprises, performance-based rewards may also be expected depending on the results. Understanding the salary structures and evaluation systems of each company and making careful selections will lead to career development as a full-time employee.

Finally, attention must also be paid to performance-based compensation. In professions such as sales and project management, where salaries fluctuate based on results, one's efforts can more directly lead to high income. However, this cannot be achieved without the appropriate skills and knowledge, so a continuous learning attitude is required.

For new graduates and mid-career job seekers, as well as those with backgrounds in the humanities or sciences, the strategies to adopt will differ. By selecting professions and conducting market research tailored to each attribute, it will be possible to effectively build a path to increase income. Next, we will focus on specific career strategies based on these considerations.

List of Professions with High Income Potential｜Attraction of Full-Time Employment

The following fields are noted as professions in Japan where high income can be expected.

These job types require specialized skills and knowledge, and high income can be expected based on performance and supply-demand balance. Particularly, having a high level of Japanese language ability is an important factor for success in these roles.

Connection between required skills and N1 qualification by job type

Connection between required skills and N1 qualification by job type

Having an N1 qualification is highly valuable when working in Japan. Especially in situations involving client negotiations and presentations, business Japanese (soft skills) is crucial. For example, in roles such as IT engineers or consultants, direct communication with clients is required. In this case, having N1 skills allows for smooth discussions on specialized topics and technical explanations, making it easier to gain trust. Additionally, accurate Japanese is required for specification adjustments and creating approval documents, which contributes to the success of projects.

Moreover, how to showcase your achievements (portfolio) is also very important. Particularly in high-income roles, it is necessary to clearly demonstrate performance indicators. For instance, in consulting positions, specifically showing past success stories and feedback from clients becomes a factor that creates a competitive advantage in job hunting. In this way, while the N1 qualification is not the only factor, it is a skill that cannot be ignored, especially in the workplace environment in Japan.

On the other hand, having only the N1 qualification may not be sufficient. Particularly in IT development or research roles that thrive in English-speaking environments, specialized skills (hard skills) and knowledge of other languages are also important. In these roles, projects often progress on a global basis, with many situations requiring the use of English. Therefore, not only technical skills but also improvement in English proficiency is required. Additionally, obtaining qualifications and deliverables, as well as internship experiences, are effective complementary strategies to advance job hunting favorably.

In the Japanese job market, there are high expectations for individuals with an N1 qualification, but it is important to understand that this alone is not enough. By consistently putting in effort, it is possible to carve out a path as a full-time employee and aim for high income.

How to Advance Your Job Search in Japan Utilizing Your N1 Qualification

How to Advance Your Job Search in Japan Utilizing Your N1 Qualification

Having an N1 qualification is very advantageous in job searching in Japan. However, it is important not to just "write it on your resume" but to utilize it appropriately in interviews and document screenings as well. Different documents are emphasized for new graduates and mid-career hires, so careful attention is necessary. In particular, if you aim for a full-time position with a high income, you will need to demonstrate specific achievements.

For new graduate applicants, it is essential to convey not only your educational background and qualifications but also how you have utilized N1 in your work, particularly how your Japanese language skills have been beneficial in the workplace. In the case of mid-career hiring, you need to showcase your abilities through your past work experience and achievements, especially those that can be quantified. In short, by demonstrating replicable results, you clarify the impact you can have on the company.

Thus, to make the most of your N1, it is ideal to organize episodes that showcase your language abilities and past achievements. For example, it is necessary to specifically illustrate what kind of projects you utilized N1 in and what results came from that. Using such concrete examples will leave a strong impression on the hiring side and will be a significant step towards obtaining a job offer.

To convey your true value in document screening and interviews, it is essential to conduct thorough self-analysis and understand your strengths. It is important to be aware of your career as a full-time employee and to develop strategies aimed at skill enhancement in a short period. This approach will surely open up pathways to positions that can expect high income.

In the next step, we will take a closer look at specific document preparation and interview strategies.

Points for Writing Resumes and Work History Documents

1. Resumes should clearly state the acquisition date and score of N1, showcasing your language skills in the Japanese job market.
2. In a work history document, it is important to quantify specific achievements. For example, demonstrate results related to sales increases, reduced man-hours, and quality improvements.
3. To provide evidence of your Japanese language proficiency, include specific examples such as meeting minutes, emails to clients, and improvement proposals.
4. If you are targeting high-income positions, use specialized terminology such as requirements definition, KPI, and PDCA to showcase your industry knowledge.
5. Examples of things to avoid include abstract expressions, long sentences, and excessive modesty. It is required to state things clearly and specifically.

Based on these points, creating a resume and a work history document can enhance your competitiveness in the Japanese job market. In particular, if you have obtained N1, it serves as evidence of your high Japanese language proficiency. Additionally, quantifiable achievements increase reliability and are factors that elevate the potential for high-income full-time positions.

Interview Preparation: How to Highlight Your N1 Qualification

To make the most of your N1 qualification in an interview, it is important to demonstrate it not just as a "qualification" but as a specific ability to perform tasks. To achieve this, it is recommended to use the STAR method to explain your experiences in a structured way. First, describe a specific Situation, then explain how you approached the Task, followed by detailing the Action you took, and finally, state the Result of your efforts. This approach allows you to clearly convey how your N1 level Japanese proficiency is utilized in your work.

For example, if the interviewer asks, "Are you comfortable with honorifics?" you can respond, "I have been practicing the use of honorifics regularly through presentations at university and conversations with clients in a corporate setting." By incorporating specific examples like this, you can effectively showcase your actual abilities. Additionally, when asked about your "experience in handling complaints," you might say, "Previously, I proposed improvements based on customer feedback, which strengthened our trust relationship."

Regarding your facilitation skills in meetings, you could state, "I engage in discussions with multinational members and strive for smooth communication by being mindful of not just language but also cultural understanding," which allows you to specifically demonstrate your strengths. Finally, during the time for reverse questions, asking something like, "Are there ample opportunities to use Japanese in your company?" can further emphasize your Japanese language proficiency.

As a point of caution, it is important to objectively assess your capabilities without exaggerating just because you have obtained the N1. It would also be good to communicate your study plans. For instance, you can explain that you are regularly reading Japanese literature and working on improving your conversational skills in business contexts. By conveying your abilities along with specific examples, you can enhance your appeal as a high-income full-time employee.

The Reality and Expectations of High Income in Employment in Japan

The Reality and Expectations of High Income in Employment in Japan

Earning a full-time salary in Japan can often fluctuate based on the required standards and conditions. In particular, due to the significant influence of seniority-based systems, there is a strong tendency for salaries to increase with age when entering a company as a new graduate. However, this is limited to certain industries and companies, so caution is necessary. The realization of high income across Japan is greatly influenced by individual abilities and the type of industry. Additionally, the size and performance of the company also have a significant impact on annual income. There can be substantial differences in annual income even for the same job type between large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises, so careful selection is advised.

Furthermore, in companies where performance-based compensation systems are implemented, individual performance directly affects annual income. In such environments, individual performance increases the likelihood of achieving high income, but conversely, the pressure also increases. Additionally, in workplaces where overtime pay is provided, the actual annual income can be supplemented by the base salary, so consciously working overtime may lead to expectations of high income. These factors are important points that should be considered individually.

Regional differences are also an undeniable factor. Economic conditions and job markets vary by region, and in certain cities, there are many opportunities to earn high income. For example, in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, there is a tendency for the quality of job offers and salary levels to improve, but it is also necessary to consider that the cost of living is high. Therefore, the region in which one works as a full-time employee becomes an important factor affecting annual income.

It is important to comprehensively consider these factors and realistically grasp the high income in employment in Japan. As the next step, we need to specifically look at how to increase annual income based on these statistics and comparative data.

Median annual income and the reality of high income by industry

The annual income of regular employees in Japan varies significantly by industry and age group. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "2024 Basic Survey on Wage Structure," the average monthly salary for general workers is 322,000 yen, and for university graduates, it is 385,300 yen. (Reference: jinji.jp)

Looking at it by industry, the high-income sectors include electricity, gas, heat supply, and water services. The average monthly salary in this industry is 437,100 yen, significantly exceeding the overall average. (Reference: jinji.jp)

By age group, the annual income of regular employees tends to increase with years of service. For example, the average monthly salary for university graduates with over 30 years of service reaches 521,900 yen. (Reference: jinji.jp)

On the other hand, statistics regarding the annual income of foreign workers are limited. According to the "2023 Basic Survey on Wage Structure," the average monthly salary for foreign workers is 232,600 yen, which varies by age and years of service. (Reference: jil.go.jp)

For those who have obtained the N1 certification aiming to find a regular employee position in Japan, it is clear that factors such as industry, years of service, and company size significantly impact annual income. In particular, considering employment in high-income sectors such as electricity, gas, heat supply, and water services can be beneficial.

Comparison with Overseas Companies: Salary Levels in Japan

Nominal Annual Income

In Japan, the annual income of full-time employees varies depending on the industry and company size. For example, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "2024 Basic Survey on Wage Structure," the average monthly salary for general workers is 322,000 yen, and for university graduates, it is 385,300 yen. By industry, the electricity, gas, heat supply, and water services sector has an average monthly salary of 437,100 yen, which exceeds the overall average.

On the other hand, the average annual income for full-time employees in the United States is about $50,000 (approximately 5.5 million yen), while in Singapore it is about 60,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 5 million yen). In European countries, it varies by country, but on average, it tends to be higher than in Japan.

Taxes and Social Insurance

In Japan, full-time employees have income tax, resident tax, health insurance, and employee pension contributions deducted from their salaries. The total amount of these taxes and social insurance contributions is estimated to be about 30% of the annual income of full-time employees in Japan.

In the United States, federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes are deducted from salaries, but the tax rates are often lower than in Japan. Singapore has lower tax rates and fewer social insurance contributions, resulting in higher take-home pay. European countries tend to have higher tax rates and social insurance contributions, but this varies by country.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Japan varies significantly between urban and rural areas. In urban areas like Tokyo, rent and prices are high, leading to a higher cost of living, while in rural areas, it is relatively low.

The cost of living in the United States varies significantly between urban and rural areas. In urban areas like New York and San Francisco, the cost of living is high, while it is lower in rural areas. Singapore has high rent and prices, resulting in a high cost of living. In European countries, the cost of living varies by country and city, and it can be higher than in Japan.

Bonuses / Benefits

In Japan, full-time employees typically receive bonuses twice a year, and in some companies, they may receive bonuses three times or more a year. Additionally, companies often provide benefits such as housing allowances, transportation expenses, and retirement bonuses.

In the United States, bonuses vary by company and position, and they are not guaranteed. The same is true in Singapore, where bonuses are based on company performance and individual evaluations. In European countries, the systems for bonuses and benefits differ by country and company.

Employment Stability

In Japan, it is common for full-time employees to have a lifetime employment system, which allows for long-term employment expectations. This enables full-time employees to more easily achieve high incomes and ensures stability in their lives.

In the United States, there is high employment mobility, and there is a risk of being laid off depending on company performance and economic conditions. The same is true in Singapore, where employment mobility is also high. In European countries, employment stability varies by country, but it may be lower than in Japan.

Salary Increase Curve

In Japan, full-time employees typically follow a seniority-based system, where salary increases are expected based on years of service. This allows full-time employees to more easily achieve high incomes and ensures stability in their lives.

In the United States, a performance-based system is common, where salary increases are determined based on individual and company performance. The same is true in Singapore, where a performance-based approach is prevalent. In European countries, the systems for salary increases vary by country and company.

Trends and Future Outlook of Job Hunting in Japan

The Japanese recruitment market is undergoing significant changes due to factors such as labor shortages, digital transformation (DX), globalization, and fluctuations in foreign recruitment.

Labor shortages are becoming more severe due to the aging population and declining birthrate, particularly evident in sectors such as manufacturing, nursing care, construction, and IT. Against this backdrop, companies are actively pursuing the recruitment of foreign workers. As of October 2025, the number of foreign workers reached approximately 2.57 million, marking a record high for the 13th consecutive year. (Reference: nippon.com)

Digital Transformation (DX) is rapidly expanding IT-related job categories. In particular, there is a growing demand for highly specialized personnel such as AI engineers and data scientists. These positions offer opportunities for high-paying full-time employment for those who have obtained the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1.

With the advancement of globalization, the demand for foreign personnel with the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 is increasing. Particularly in fields such as international business, translation, and interpretation, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 qualification is highly valued, opening pathways to high-paying full-time positions.

Considering these trends, individuals who possess both the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 and specialized skills are increasingly likely to thrive as high-paying full-time employees in the future job market. In particular, there is a growing demand in fields such as IT, international business, and translation/interpretation, making career development in these areas promising.

Next, let’s take a closer look at Japanese Language Focus and Trends in Accepting Companies.

Increasing trend of companies valuing Japanese language proficiency

In recent years, Japanese companies have been increasingly emphasizing Japanese language proficiency. This trend is driven by the importance of customer service, compliance, cross-departmental coordination, and the significance of document culture.

In customer service, Japanese language proficiency is essential for ensuring smooth communication with customers. In particular, companies that conduct business within Japan are increasingly seeking personnel with high Japanese language proficiency.

In addition, compliance with compliance requires an understanding of legal documents and regulations in Japanese. Personnel familiar with the Japanese legal system play a crucial role in corporate risk management.

Furthermore, when conducting cross-departmental coordination, smooth communication in Japanese enables progress. In Japanese corporate culture, Japanese language skills are key to building cooperative relationships within the organization.

Moreover, within a document culture, the ability to create accurate documents in Japanese is essential for information sharing and record-keeping. In Japanese companies, personnel with high Japanese language skills are highly valued.

For these reasons, Japanese companies are increasing job postings that emphasize Japanese language skills. In particular, individuals who have obtained the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 can gain a favorable position in job hunting within Japan.

As a result of researching Japanese job information, it has been confirmed that there is a growing trend in job postings requiring the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1. This can be considered good news for highly skilled Japanese language personnel wishing to work in Japan.

In this way, Japanese companies are increasing job postings that emphasize Japanese language proficiency, and individuals who have obtained the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 can gain a favorable position in job hunting within Japan.

Trends of companies accepting foreign talent

In recent years, Japanese companies have been actively promoting the acceptance of foreign talent. This is particularly evident in industries such as IT, manufacturing, tourism, and nursing. In these industries, companies are actively hiring foreigners with high Japanese language proficiency who have passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1, expanding employment as full-time employees.

For example, in the IT industry, there is an increasing number of companies hiring foreign engineers who hold the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1, allowing them to work as full-time employees. As a result, opportunities for foreigners wishing to find employment in Japan are expanding, leading to chances for high income.

Additionally, in the manufacturing industry, there is an increase in companies hiring foreigners who have passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 as full-time employees and offering high income. These companies actively accept foreigners with high Japanese language proficiency and provide high income, making them an attractive option for foreigners wishing to find employment in Japan.

Furthermore, in the tourism and nursing industries, there is an increase in companies hiring foreigners who hold the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 as full-time employees and offering high income. In these industries, actively accepting foreigners with high Japanese language proficiency and providing high income makes them an attractive option for foreigners wishing to find employment in Japan.

As points to consider when identifying accepting companies where you can aim for high income in these industries, the following points can be mentioned.

- Transparency of Salary Ranges: The salary range provided by the company should be clear.

- Clarification of Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation criteria for promotions and salary increases should be clear.

- Clarification of Job Scope: The duties and responsibilities assigned should be clear.

- Verification of Salary Increase Records: Past salary increase records and career paths should be clear.

By confirming these points, foreigners wishing to find employment in Japan will find it easier to identify accepting companies that offer high salaries.

How to Search for and Utilize Job Information

How to Search for and Utilize Job Information

Job search needs to be conducted strategically to find full-time positions that match your desired conditions. In particular, if you have obtained the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1, there will be more opportunities for high income. There are mainly methods for searching for jobs such as direct applications, job sites, recruitment agencies, referrals, and SNS/community. Each of these has different characteristics, so it is important to choose according to your purpose. For example, when promoting your background and skills, recruitment agencies are effective, but if you prioritize company culture, referrals are effective.

Direct application is a method of knocking on the doors of companies directly, which can shorten the hiring process, but it is also true that competition is fierce. On the other hand, job sites provide a wealth of information, and by utilizing the search function, you can easily find job types that match your preferences. Additionally, by leveraging SNS/community, you can obtain real information and feedback from the field, allowing for better choices.

In job searching, the freshness and reliability of information are crucial, and especially regarding visa requirements, it is necessary to confirm sufficiently in advance. Some companies may prioritize hiring foreigners who meet specific conditions. Keeping these points in mind, gathering information about your desired companies and understanding visa requirements and salary levels in advance will be the key to success.

Next, I will explain in detail the specific strategies for utilizing each method.

Tips for Job Searching on Online Platforms

1. Job sites and LinkedIn, when searching for jobs as a full-time employee, it is important to use specific keywords. For example, using phrases like N1, business Japanese, and even "salary range" can help narrow down the target job listings.
2. By effectively using the filter function, you can quickly find job listings that match the job seeker's preferences. Set filters for location, industry, salary range, and especially try to list jobs focused on "high income".
3. Optimizing your profile is key to increasing your visibility to recruiters. By clearly showcasing your skills and experience, as well as specifying requirements such as bilingual in English and visa support, you can attract more attention from companies.
4. It's also important to be cautious about identifying suspicious job listings. In particular, job postings that do not specify fixed overtime pay or have a too wide salary range should be approached with caution. These listings may have vague conditions or poor working environments, so it's crucial to assess them carefully.

How to use career consultations and agents, and their benefits

Using an employment agent is a good way for foreign job seekers, especially those with an N1 level, to receive appropriate support. The process begins with registration with the agent, followed by a meeting where job seekers' preferences and skills are discussed, leading to job proposals. If a desirable job is found, the job seeker proceeds to an interview with a recommendation from the agent. Finally, the agent conducts condition negotiations, expanding the opportunity for the job seeker to start a career under satisfactory conditions.

The benefits of utilizing an agent include the introduction of non-public job listings and support for salary negotiations, which is particularly valuable for job seekers aiming for high income. Additionally, using a document review service to improve the quality of application materials can significantly enhance self-promotion and work history descriptions. On the other hand, a disadvantage is that the level of support can vary depending on the representative, and there is a risk of being rushed to apply, so caution is necessary.

Questions to determine a good representative might include, "What are some success stories of N1 level job seekers you have supported?" and "What types of job listings do you handle?" It is also important to assess whether they can accurately understand job information for full-time positions. By confirming these points, you can receive the most suitable employment support for yourself.