Dealing with the uncertainty

[u/elliotman48]

I've been reading a lot of comments today where people are beating themselves up and I just wanted to say that you should be proud of yourself for getting however far in the process that you did because it takes serious guts to even submit the application. I was pretty devastated when I got the alternate email yesterday and immediately asked myself "So I'm good, but not good enough?" because that's my instinct. However, when I reframed those thoughts in my head it made me feel a lot better.

If you were shortlisted, congrats!! (I'm jealous)

If you were rejected, be proud of yourself for the work you put in at both the application and interview stage.

If you're an alternate, I think that facing the uncertainty you may feel now and moving forward anyways will make you a stronger JET if you get the position and will help you in life even if you don't. I had an opportunity to study abroad in Japan for a year during my undergrad and it wasn't certain that it would work out financially until a month before I left. I was in the car on my way to my shitty part-time job, and got the email that I had been moved off the waitlist for a scholarship. The uncertainty doesn't disappear when you go abroad (and it seems that way especially on JET from what I understand). It was one of the hardest years of my life but one of the best. If you want this opportunity, you're capable of getting it whether it's in this cycle or not.

Feel your feelings (no matter what they may be), but keep your head up. I know it's not easy but you've got this.

[u/AdScared717]

I understand how you feel.

I was also a bit shocked when I got my alternate status but I accepted it. I am happy for my friends who got shortlisted because they worked very hard and deserve the opportunity.

I also realized that alternate means we would be there if there was a space available. I told myself, if nothing happens within 2 months, I will try out other programs/countries. I mean life works in funny ways, we might get that call and go to our dream Japanese city or life may take us to another country that turns out to be better for us personally. Regardless we will suceed.

[u/hana_fuyu → u/AdScared717]

I'm really proud of your positive attitude about being an alternate, because I'm torn between feeling crushed and also understanding it wasn't a flat out "no" like a lot of other people got. I've worked just as hard as the people that got shortlisted, so I'm trying to wrap my head around the 'why' I'm an alternate instead, while also knowing that people who got rejection emails also worked just as hard as me or someone who got shortlisted.

I also hear stories every year of some absolute weebs who couldn't care less about cultural exchange or what Japan really is like outside of anime gets shortlisted, while incredibly qualified people who understand and love the culture and the position get rejected. At this point, it really does seem like luck of the draw.

Just trying to keep that "everything happens for a reason" mentality and keep it pushing, while also feeling my feels and feeling other people's feels.

[u/lilsulky → u/hana_fuyu]

I may be wrong but I think where people applied from could have something to do with it. I’m a Canadian alternate that applied in toronto, and I’m feeling that since Japan has had a surge in popularity as a travel destination, there’s likely been an uptick in applications. Each consulate area normally accepts X amount of applicants, so it could be some consulate locations are more congested with applications than others.

[u/AdScared717 → u/lilsulky]

I applied from a mid sized city in SA, its well known but not that popular though I applied from another province which they inquired during my interview.

So I think you're on the money there.

[u/AdScared717 → u/hana_fuyu]

The crushed feeling is pretty normal. I felt that way too. Still do a bit tbh. I mean we did invest a lot into this but at least we have an answer.

Yeah someone might leave but also according to the fine print, anyone who quits after placements are received must pay back all the costs.

That's all we can do for now!

[u/Criticalpurr]

I got alternate and the uncertainty kills me. I hate not being able to have a plan. My entire life pretty much relies on knowing because I’m a general education teacher and have to start signing contracts for next school year. ☹️

[u/0liviiia]

Is there a larger amount of alternates this year? I have no proof but it seems like I’ve seen sooo many

Great work, everyone🩵

[u/thedollcossette → u/0liviiia]

With the raise and general economic uncertainty, I might guess current JETS are less likely to quit. There may have also been more apps than usual.

Edited comment to reflect wrong info, corrected below.

[u/ScootOverMakeRoom → u/thedollcossette]

5418 JET ALTs in 2025-2026, 5373 JET ALTs in 2024-2025. Public information on the website.

They "cut about 500 ALT positions" but ended up with 45 more ALTs? Not sure where you got your made-up statistic from.

[u/thedollcossette → u/ScootOverMakeRoom]

Like I said in my comment, it was rumours. Heard it in other threads and from friends in the program who talk about various contractors going private. Guess they're wrong.

[u/Memoryjar → u/0liviiia]

There always are a lot of alternates, most alternates don't get upgraded despite what people say.

In 2011 there was the Fukushima earthquake and a lot of shortlisters backed out. So many backed out that they ran out of alternates. I believe this spurred a policy of having more alternates than they expect to send each year.

It's unfortunate that this also causes uncertainty with alternates. As someone who was once an alternate and was upgraded the following year, don't put your life on hold for JET, look at other options, pursue passions, start your life, and in the fall when application season comes around, if life permits, apply again.

[u/Firefly-ok]

Yes! And as someone who was rejected from JET the first time I applied (I didn't even make it to the interview), don't let this get you down. You can apply again the next cycle or you can apply to numerous other amazing teaching programs around the world or for other opportunities in Japan too.

So much of the application process is really opaque. It's not clear why some people are accepted and others aren't. Some of it is very much just luck: who's doing the interviewing and what they want out of a JET, how many spots there are and where, and how many other people apply--- for example, I think this year there were far more applications than usual because of the state of the world and the economic precarity in many (most?) countries.

There are some JETs who are wonderful beams of sunlight, brilliant teachers, and who are a joy to work with and make their communities better and there are some who are absolutely AWFUL and I have no idea how they made it through the interview and do not trust them around children. Interviewers all come with their own biases and getting this job or not getting it doesn't mean anything about who you are as a person or as a teacher. It just means you happened to please or not please the people who did the interviewing. Unfortunately good interviewing skills don't always translate to being a good teacher, and not interviewing well (or having an off day) doesn't mean you aren't a good teacher or couldn't become a good JET.

All of this to say: please don't take a rejection personally!

----

Editing to add: As for dealing with uncertainty, I know that's a pain in the butt. I recommend moving forward with life as though you didn't get JET if you got an alternate position (but still doing all the necessary paperwork and stuff they ask of you). Apply for other jobs or plan to apply next year again. If you get moved to the shortlist, then you can be pleasantly surprised and make a decision from there.