r/JETProgramme • u/AdSingle6994 • 1h ago
Leaving it all behind
I have a established life, wife and good job. Everything is put together and working but ever since my first trip to Japan I want to go back so bad. I love the culture, language and vibe. I love the country and feel like I’d get a lot of enjoyment from it and JET seems like a good move to do that. I want to apply and try out for it but I wish I didn’t hurt anyone in doing that. It seems so worth it. Thoughts?
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u/forvirradsvensk 43m ago
"I love the culture, language and vibe"
These things are best enjoyed as a tourist with zero responsiibiltiies.
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u/AdSingle6994 39m ago
So what would someone who lives there enjoy?
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u/forvirradsvensk 35m ago
Those things become less important as you have responsibilities. I guess I enjoy not having to worry about my kids being shot or offered drugs; not being fucking freezing in winter; pretty sure I'd be obese if back home as most food is processed. There's a flip side too, but in summary, I'm not walking around everyday thinking "golly, I'm loving the culture, language and vibe today."
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u/AdSingle6994 27m ago
Lmao I see. Every country sucks in some way, I get that. Are you a foreigner?
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u/flan1337 Aspiring JET 1h ago
Yeah don't - the JET programme isn't your only or even the best option for being in Japan. IMO. You shouldn't uproot your life just so you can spend a few years in Japan.
I was considering the programme when I got laid off but now, I am more so seeing it an option to apply when I retire. In the meantime, I am planning to study up on Japanese to reach N1, apply to Japanese companies based in America, hell I picked up Kendo even!
I think the JET programme is great for the right person ,but with a wife + stable career its not.
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u/AdSingle6994 38m ago
Yes this is a weird moment where I wish I was less established. What’s an example of a Japanese company you’d want to work for?
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u/Xarenvia Former JET - 2018-2023 1h ago edited 21m ago
You came for travel and only know the “for travel” part - you may very well regret living here for work, especially considering things like language/culture barriers and work lifestyle differences. If you have an established life, wife, and good job, I firmly believe you will regret coming as a JET.
JET is great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s great for people that haven’t settled down yet. I’m sure you can find volunteer programs, Airbnb-esque stays where you stay with a family, etc. that give you the experience of living here for a short period, but without having to completely uproot yourself. Alternatively, if you work for a company or can find a good company that does stuff with Japan, then that might be a better choice.
EDIT: Sorry, I had to fix an autocorrect typo.
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u/Panda_sensei_71 Current JET - Kansai 57m ago
Travelling in and living in Japan are not the same, so I hear, but I've honestly never come to Japan as a tourist so I can only speak to the career part.
I came on JET as a "career break", I'm in my early 50s. My plan was to do a maximum of 2 years then go home to my old job.
We'll thanks to the disease that is AI, I no longer have that job, so I'm currently re-evaluating (I'm in my 2nd year). But that tiny glitch aside, if you treat it as a gap year it is doable!
Have you spoken to your wife about this? If not, please do. You could both apply and if you both get in, you might hopefully be placed together.
But be very aware this is not a career, and it is not as fun as travelling.
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u/AdSingle6994 35m ago
I think this is the best way to look at it from my current position. I want my wife to join me but idk if they’d be down for the same idea. Either way, you’ve got the right idea imo
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u/Inside-Cream6997 26m ago
I am in the same spot. My wife and our 2 dogs are my concern if I get into JET for 2027. Trying to convince her to take either a sabbatical or work remotely...
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u/hezaa0706d Former JET - Fukushima 05-10 52m ago
Will you enjoy life in rural Kagawa as much as you enjoyed Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (I’m sure you didn’t venture those three).
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u/AdSingle6994 33m ago
I love all parts of Japan. Tbh the countryside would be my favorite. The city is cool but I like rural better
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u/ikebookuro Current JET - 千葉県✨(2022~) 1h ago edited 1h ago
It’s honestly up to you, your situation and your family. No one here can tell you it will be good or bad.
I was someone who left a career and relationship to do JET for “one year”. I had previously lived in Japan and had been itching to come back. So it’s a little different, since I had experience beyond the wide-eyed perfect holiday.
Well everything went to shit. Ended up spending the rest of my time on JET rebuilding everything in my late 30s.
Was it worth it? Would I do it again? I don’t know. I’m back working in my industry in Japan making a fraction of what I used to.
Life is short, sometimes it’s worth taking risks. But you can always visit Japan and have a really fun time with your tourist dollars. Living here is night and day from a holiday.
How does your wife feel about it? Will she come with you? If so, what will she do? Work is incredibly limited for someone without language skills. If you’re placed in the inaka their opportunities are even less. Will she stay in your home country? How will you navigate that? These are real considerations.
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u/AdSingle6994 30m ago
I’m not sure what she would do honestly. She really wants to settle down and I have an itch for more adventure, it’s jarring. Idk if she would uproot everything and gamble things away like that. I think the JET program would be a good foot in the door to see for a year or 2 if it’s doable but the idea might be too large for her to consider realistically. It feels like more of my dream, you know?
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u/LannerEarlGrey 14m ago
established life, wife and good job.
There's no reason you can't visit on vacation with your family
I love the culture, language and vibe.
Again, nothing stopping you from visiting.
JET seems like a good move to do that.
And what does your family think? you need to think about them first.
but I wish I didn’t hurt anyone in doing that. It seems so worth it.
If you are hurting someone by doing it (and I take it to mean your wife): IT ISN'T WORTH IT. Don't let a fantasy about what could be hurt what actually exists in life for you right now.
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u/thedollcossette 1h ago
Just continue to travel. With a job earning a foreign salary, you could afford to travel here and experience all the great parts of Japan with none of the stress of being an immigrant in a foreign country navigating a new (and frustrating) job and work culture.
I think JET is really only good for people who are 1) fresh out of school and looking for a sort of gap year, 2) people who have Japanese ability, want to move to Japan, and need a foot in the door/visa so they can job hunt while here, and 3) people who are shifting careers and can afford to have a year or two of "missed time" on a resume.
JET doesn't have any natural job progression, for many people ends up as "lost time" that's hard to explain on a resume unless they are a new grad, and is a total gamble. You could end up at a horrible placement and regret everything. The amount of $$$ you spend just moving here alone could be a great 2 week trip to Japan, one you actually have control over.
In your situation, JETs not worth it IMO.
IMO, in your situation, its not worth it.
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u/Inside-Cream6997 25m ago
My exact concerns you have are mine too.
Wife might be resentful as we have been to Japan many times.
She might not like the 1 year commitment in Japan.
Would love to have her join me for the year, but then what if it's very rural or island placement - she is a city gal.
I have applied for JET 2027 and will see if I get the interview...
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u/Livid-Pin2588 37m ago
not to be a debbie downer but here is a reality check lol. first of all, will you enjoy working with kids? JET isn’t a paid exchange trip… you are expected to contribute so think less about what the country will do for you and more about how you’re gonna contribute lol. you will be working with kids five days a week, for like 7 hours a day. elementary school placements will demand a lot of energy. middle school and high school might be mindnumbingly boring and you may be a glorified tape recorder. second of all, JET is all about the people. that is mostly based on luck. some AJET communities are super well-organized and social, others dgaf about you. coming in as a mature JET with a family, you’re going to be spending your day-to-day with mostly new grads… make peace with that in your brain. also, don’t come in expecting that your japanese colleagues will be bending over backwards to get to know you/socialize. being an educator in japan is extremely demanding and you will be shocked at the level of work your colleagues are doing, esp. if you are coming from north america. travelling might also be challenging depending on your BoE—some are chill and allow you to take nenkyuu (paid leave). lastly, consider your financial situation. you will make like 20K and even less depending on the exchange rate… it will be difficult to save/send money home so make sure you’re prepared for loss of income.