I’ve been studying Japanese since 2014.
Not daily, exactly. More like, daily for about 1-2 years and then joined the Navy (I’ve been in for almost 8 years; I’m out next year) and went through some mental health stuff so I’ve just basically immersed myself whenever I can, studying on/off.
I can read a decent amount of kanji (maybe around 300 or so), I speak at roughly a 5 year old’s level (been told my accent is good too!), and I understand basic-lower intermediate grammar.
Japanese is my passion and I don’t want to give up on it. Assuming I set a routine and follow through and ultimately pass N2 maybe N1 (I wanna set small goals and pass them subsequently), what’s the best way to go about incorporating it into a career? It’s my niche and I don’t wanna waste it.
Side note: I hope this isn’t too “all over the place”, I have ADHD and it’s hard to summarize my thoughts/ideas.
2 comments
Translation, interpretation for emissary/political work is one career. The UDSD has listed Japanese as a critical need language, so they’re looking for skilled Japanese speakers. I don’t know about the training for that, but your military background might help. You’re looking for an N1 for sure.
Teaching is another idea if you like interacting with others. You’d need about an N2 level to teach in the US. Your best bet is a teacher preparation program for the K-12 scene; SUNY Stonybrook and I think Tufts in Boston offer programs. You’ll have to follow up on that yourself.
I hate to say it, but it sounds like you’re a long way off from N1. At the pace you’re going at you won’t even make it in another 10 years.
If you actually want to make a career out of Japanese you really need to step up the pace. Otherwise just keep it as your hobby.