I just left the navy after 6 years after being stationed in Yokosuka for the last 2 years. After these last 2 years, I decided I want to stay here no matter what.
I wasn’t an IT per say. But I used Linux everyday and troubleshot a large LAN. Using a lot of IT skills. I have compTIA security+ and Google IT Support Technician. Right now I’m working on Linux+ and JLPT N5/4. I’ve been applying to a lot of jobs, but it looks like the standards are so high here.
I just left the navy in January and I’m here on a tourist visa. I have a Japanese fiancé and she’s looking for a job now as I’m having a hard time finding one, and to try to help me get a spouse visa. I’ve been cranking out certifications and trying my damn best but apparently I need to have a 4 year degree, JLPT N2, and like 10 years of experience at the minimum before I even begin thinking about trying to stay in Japan. At least that’s how it feels right now.
My fiancé’s and I’ve been thinking about starting a business as a possibility. I’m not sure how plausible that is. Although I even got accepted to the University of Maryland Global Campus which has campuses on some of the military bases out here. But the advisor’s basically told me to try to figure out a visa before I would start school (they don’t offer visa’s). My gi bill would cover the school and housing.
I’m trying to attack this from multiple angles and all that I can do is hope that I can get a spouse visa or that I can find a job. This entire thing sucks. I feel like I’m drowning trying to study everyday for IT certifications while trying to find a way to stay here. I feel like I have to be freakin Superman to live here. How do you guys do it? Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
by Expensive_Wash_1912