Hello everyone,
I’m an American expat now living in Nagasaki while taking care of ailing family members. I was formerly deskside IT support with a major university in the states, and while I was not exactly making six figures, I was certainly more comfortable than I am now.
Since moving to Nagasaki, I had to give up my IT job and was only able to find work as an English teacher. My Japanese level is basic at best (planning to take the N5 in December), though I am slowly improving. I have limited time to study and skill up due to a crowded work schedule and commitments at home, but I’m not looking to make excuses. I want advice on how to maximize the time and resources I have to improve my professional situation. My main dilemma is making a workable study plan and sticking to it, as I just have no idea what to focus on. In looking at job postings, I see 2 things that are in demand more than anything else: Japanese language skills and programming/development expertise.
Working as an English teacher isn’t all bad, but it’s not sustainable to live indefinitely on a 3 million yen salary with a family to support. I’m desperate and I don’t mind moving to a different city or prefecture for a better opportunity. I’m on a spouse visa, so no work restrictions.
Any ideas and advice would be welcome. Kind thoughts and prayers are coveted also.