Long time lurker first time poster,
I’m a (M24) ALT who has been working for JET on the outskirts of a medium-sized city (around 1M) for almost 2 years now. My experience so far has been really good: I get along well with my students and coworkers, and I’ve been able to make some good (foreign and Japanese) friends.
In December, I accepted an offer to work for a 3rd year with JET, after which I would go back to my home country. However, I’ve been experiencing some issues with motivation recently, a lot of which relates to my placement. I grew up in a big city (8M+ pop), and I’m getting bogged down with feelings of boredom and loneliness out here. Despite my good relations with co-workers and friends, the lack of energy in my city has been slowly wearing me down, and I’m finding it difficult to be present at work. Additionally, though my job is quite easy, the benefits are unusually stingy (only 11 days nenkyuu plus 5 days summer leave, no housing subsidy)
Ideally, I would like to move to Tokyo, as it feels the most like home to me. Also, it would be easier to form connections in the field I’d like to pursue (Media and Entertainment). However, I know this would almost certainly entail a big pay cut from the JET 3rd year salary (325,000 a month pre-tax), and I’m not sure I have the qualifications to secure employment outside of English education (though I do have an N2 certification, currently studying for N1).
I’m wondering if I should:
A: Follow through with the 3rd year and hope things improve.
B: Renege on my 3rd year contract and hope to secure a contract in Tokyo before July.
C: Renege on my 3rd year contract and move back home.
I’m concerned about the effects reneging on my contract will have on my BOE and coworkers. I don’t plan on living here past 2025; my parents are getting older and require my care. However, I don’t feel like my time living in Japan is done yet, and would like to experience life in Tokyo. I’ve also been pondering language school to stay on a student visa (I’ve quite a bit of money saved up from 2 years of living in a low CoL area).
Most of this is shouting into the void, but I’d truly appreciate it if you have any advice for me.
by nowthatsefficiency