Hey 👋🏻 25F here,
I'd like to get some advice on my current plan to move to Japan so see if it's viable at all and get some solid unbiased advice on whether I should pursue this or not.
I've been working for 3y as a UI Designer in Portugal and I've saved up around 10k €.
I'm currently unemployed but I've been doing some side gigs and I've been able to keep putting some money on the side while I plan this one out. I've been having Japanese classes for 2y and although I'm still nowhere near N5, I genuinely have this passion towards the culture and language. (I'm also getting my driver's license)
I've checked the Working Holiday Visa requirements for my country and I check all the boxes. So I'd be going in with at least 7k€ to spend in Japan.
I'd like to move in with my cat and just get a part time job to help pay my rent/ food while I'm there so my savings don't burn.
As I said before, I worked as a UI designer and I've working in retail and part time as an assistant at a school canteen before. I'm not afraid of working as a cleaner/ doing the dishes if needed and teaching English would be fine as well. I genuinely just want to be immersed in the culture and I understand it's not easy for foreigns there but I'm ok with being alone/ lonely and just experiencing the world around me.
I'm feeling a little anxious because I'd be going all the to the other side of the world but also I've been thinking about this for the longest time and saving up for it , as well.
I have a few Japanese friends living in my country who are able to help me navigate Japan if necessary. One of them told me to just go ahead and move, considering I could get a part time job and not burn through my savings, she even told me about a Portuguese owned coffee shop in Kyoto that are currently hiring. There's a bit Portuguese speaking community there (Shizuoka, for example).
I've been looking into sharehouses, that are pet friendly bc I don't think I could move in without my cat. My parents could take care of him but I'd need him close to me.
I'd be down to clarify anything in the comments incase I wasn't clear enough.
Thank you!
by Kit_KatsSousa