To Re-contract or Not To Re-contract

That’s the big question everyone here has been faced with here.  Some were asked earlier, but around the end of the calendar year is the time when all JETs are approached by their CO (contracting organization), and asked if they would like to renew their contract for the next year.  Seems really early right (for most of us we have been here for only a few months)?  Here’s the breakdown though.

On the Japan side of things, they’re going to start filling out budgets for the next year, and part of that would be fitting in the salary for the JET.  So, the earlier they know the better for them.  It gives them the opportunity to get a head start on the paperwork they would need to fill out.  It also lets them know if they are going to need a salary for a new JET or for a renewing JET (you get a slight raise for each year you renew).

The US (home country) side of things is a completely different matter.  It is around the same time that they will be opening the application process for the next wave of JETs.  It seems really early, but when you think about it, you’re filling out a job application that won’t actually start until the following summer.  So, here is what happens on our side that applying JETs don’t know about.  We have 2 options, “No, I’m done and would like to go home” or “Yes!  I want to stay for another year!”  If you want to stay you get another bonus question.  Do you want to stay in the same place, or would you like to put in for a transfer.  Yes, you don’t have to stay in the same place they sent you if you don’t want to.  So after CLAIR gets the list of how many openings they will have for the next school year, we JETs that are staying and would like to move would get the chance to see where is open to move to (this is my guess at least, as I am planning to stay where I am, I don’t know what would have happened if I asked to move).  Once the tallies of who is returning, who is staying, and who is moving is finished, CLAIR will have a final list of where they have openings to send new JETs to.  I would also assume this would include any openings for locations that may have gained an ALT or CIR position as well.  I think this is why so many people make it to the interview process, but so few would get hired.  They won’t know until that time how many positions they will have to fill, so they will interview more than they need.  Harsh, but makes sense right?

 

So how do you know if you want to stay or not?

For me the answer was quite simple.  I went into this job knowing right off the bat that I wanted to stay for more than a year.  I was also fortunate that I lucked out with such friendly co-workers here.  I’ve heard stories at our Prefecture conference about JETs that get frustrated that their JTE (Japanese Teacher of English) don’t get along with them well when it comes to teaching.  There are many teachers that get stuck in the traditional teaching mindset, and are set to teach only what is written in the book.  I lucked out in that most of my JTEs here see me as the English expert, and often ask for my opinion on what is being taught.  They will tell the students that the textbook teaches one thing, but according to Veronica-sensei it is more common to say something else instead.

Being in a bad situation shouldn’t be the reason you say no though.  Keep in mind that unless you feel completely miserable in your work situation, Japanese teachers will often change schools after so many years teaching there, and you can also request to move and hope for a better situation too.  You do have to also keep in mind though, that this wouldn’t be a guarantee for a better situation.  There are also some other things to consider along with this that affect your decision to stay or not.

What is my opinion for reasons not to re-contract?

First and foremost, you feel like you just don’t belong at ALL.  If the culture is just completely weird, or something you feel you will just never get used to then don’t try to force yourself to!  It’s completely OK!  There is nothing wrong in admitting that the situation is something you can’t handle, in fact I would consider it healthy!  Living in another country is an awesome opportunity, and you’ve had your experience with it, but it is by no means easy.  Now, on the other hand, don’t go home just because you miss being able to drive down the road to grab your favorite fast food joint.  Part of living in a new country is realizing that it’s going to be different from what you are used to back home.  If the thought of being away from that, and getting to know life in a new culture is just not for you, then that’s perfectly ok!

You don’t like the work.  Plain and simple.  Now, this doesn’t mean in regards to your co-workers.  I mean, “I really don’t like being around all these little kids and having to go over the same kind of stuff every day.”  There can be quite a bit of repetition in this job.  Especially in Elementary school, where the schools you visit will be at different levels and places in the text book.  If you find that the work you are doing is not appealing then, again, don’t force yourself to do it.  Going back to the teacher situation.  What if you love being here, love learning the culture, still feel like you have things you haven’t accomplished yet, but the work environment is horrible?  Then that will take some serious consideration.  But remember too, you’re not alone!  There is a whole bunch of support groups for you to turn to.  Your PA (Prefecture Advisor) is always there to give you advice on this kind of thing, there is a Peer Support hotline you can call just to vent, and of course your fellow JETs as well!  There are many people you can turn to for advice on your situation.  After getting feedback, thinking it over, and feeling like the work situation still just isn’t worth it then you’ll have found your answer.

You feel like you didn’t earn enough money yet to justify the job.  This should not be a factor at all.  Yes, the money starts off on the small side, and will get slightly bigger the longer you stay, but this should not be the only reason you want to.  Especially if you don’t like the situation you are in at work or in general.

The only one that wants you to stay is everyone else.  If your friends, family, and co-workers are all telling you that you should stay, but you really just don’t feel like you fit in then don’t!  No matter how sad your co-workers will be to see you go, or how much your friends and family get on your case about wishing they had this opportunity, that shouldn’t be the reason you stay.  Like with any other job, if you don’t feel you can give it your best, if this really just isn’t for you, then don’t force yourself!  Remember, it’s not your friends, family, or co-workers that are doing this job, it’s you.  Your own health and sense of mind should come first.  The only person you should be staying for is yourself.  If you feel like your work here has reached its end then by all means, it is ok to say you are done.

 

The long and short of it all is simply that it is a decision that you should spend time considering.  I may sound like a broken record, but that is how important this point is: Don’t force yourself to stay if you don’t feel like you should!  Take some time to consider the situation from various angles.  Don’t be afraid to ask others for advice, but don’t let their opinion be the only one that counts.  Be sure that this is something you want to do, and that will make you happy!

My First Week at Work (sort of)

I keep putting off writing a new entry every night, but I think it was understandable that at first my time here in Japan would be one big whirlwind at the start.

So here are a few brief things about my literal current situation.  In between classes (and unless you are allowed, or invited to sit in on other classes) you get to sit in the staff room at your desk.  Being an assistant, and not yet fully trusted by some of my teachers, this can be a VERY boring time.  This is what I’m doing right now.  I’ve finished giving my lesson for the day, so until lunch I have pretty much nothing else to do.  But why waste this time?  Instead, if I have the time and I can, I will be trying to write out some of my blog entries.  At least it will give me something to do and give the appearance that I am working to my co-workers.  LOL one of the advantages to being the only fluent English speaker in the office I suppose is that it will just look like I am typing something up, not many will be able to fully understand what exactly I am writing.

What I really wanted to reflect on during this post was what my first week here in Japan was like.

Since I was a late upgrade, that means I missed most of the nice long orientations in Tokyo.  After I landed and was gathered together with some other late arrival JETs we were then taken to the same hotel orientation was at, but for only two nights.  Our one day in Tokyo was for a major crash course orientation session, and then the next morning we would depart ways to our designated towns/cities.  For me that meant a bus ride to the second airport in Tokyo (Hanaeda), and then an hour and a half or so flight to Izumo, followed by an hour drive to my small town.  There was a Shimane Prefecture representative to guide me along my trip to Izumo, and then at that airport I was met by my supervisor and another worker from the town office that was kind of my translator.  I didn’t have too much time to myself at first since there was sooo much to take care of!

During the weekend I was taken on trips to the larger town of Matsue for supplies that may be missing from my apartment, set up my cellphone contract, and car insurance.  I was also shown to a local supermarket that I could buy food for the weekend at (which is actually a short walk from my apartment, so yay!) The rest of the week was also packed full of various appointments, and showing me around town a little bit.  During the week, I was officially starting work at the Board of Education Office, but through the week I had various meetings with people and traveled about town.  A couple of the days had time dedicated to my supervisor driving me around town and showing me how to get to the various schools.  This also gave me the opportunity to briefly meet the staff and give a short self-introduction to them.  It was also during this week that I had an appointment to meet with the mayor of the town!  There was a brief ceremony in his office where I was presented with my official contract for the school year (Definitely something to frame!).  This did mean though, that the rest of the day while I was in the office I had to once again make myself look busy.  This included making lists of things I needed still for the house, practicing writing my self-introduction to my future students, and whatever else I could scribble.  At least there was something to do every day to break up the long hours of “working” at my desk, and every day my supervisor took the other JET and me to eat out at these really good restaurants!  I also had to go get my bank account set up during the weekday, and I got my inkan (personal seal) officially registered.

During this first week as well (and actually even a little bit longer) I also didn’t have access to my internet connection.  It was already set up, but the PC tablet I brought with me only had USB ports, so I didn’t have anything to connect it to.  This meant that my evening activities were pretty much limited to the iTunes movies that I already had saved on my external hard drive.  Though this wasn’t always a bad thing, there were times that I was pretty tired when I got home anyway, so I was fine with it.

One of the exciting things that happened my first week being in town was that I was right on time for the next festival!  There was all kinds of yummy food booths, some that were merchant stalls with various things to buy, and the highlight was by far the beautiful fireworks display!

All in all a pretty good start to my year here I think!

More late night blogging

It's a little odd, laying here in my room for the last time.  These past couple of days I've been hit with odd fits of nervousness.  While it is not ideal, this has also led me to refrain from eating in fear I might throw it up.  I honestly wasn't expecting to feel this way until after I arrived in Japan (the same thing happened when I went study abroad for a couple of weeks one summer).  I think part of it comes from the fact that I will be living on my own and very far away from home for a significant amount of time for the first time in my life.  And then, almost as suddenly, it goes away leaving behind a slight rumble in my stomach from the lack of food.

I know that I'm going to have a blast, and adjust to my new life soon enough though.  I've wanted this kind of experience for a very long time already.  It's just slightly annoying to feel this way when in my mind I'm all ready for this adventure.  Lol I guess it's a classic case of the heart going against the brain.

Sorry that I don't have much to write about this time.  Gonna keep this one on the short side so I can try to get some sleep before my early day tomorrow.

Countdown Continues!

It's crazy to think that it's getting closer and closer to my departure date!  I just received my passport back in the mail today with my visa for Japan.  I'm now 12 days away from my flight, and I keep running through my mind a list of the different things I need to make sure I pack.

Aside from thinking of what kind of lessons I can plan, I've been having fun dreaming up all kinds of information about my new life.  Most importantly I've been dreaming up what my daily life is going to be like, and what kind of furnishings I will be getting.  I'd like to find things to make my new little apartment ready to receive guests.  I'll have to look for some linen, at least one futon, and possibly a day bed/couch that would fit in my living room.  I'm also really looking forward to finding the little furnishings as well.  Things like dishware, and other home furnishings.  Oh!  I'm also looking forward to finding a quilt to use with my kotatsu table!

I've also been getting my wardrobe together, fitting in as much as I can for both warm and cold weather.  I think I'll find little in my size as I can be bigger than most Japanese people.  LOL!  One thing that I will most likely have to find when I get there will be things like winter jackets.  I can't wait til I can explore the area and do some shopping!

Late-night Blogging

So I really should be in bed right now.... but I'm still running on my newest JET info high!

A couple of days ago I got an email with details of my assignment!  FINALLY!

Now it is a countdown clock until August 19th when I make my way to Japan.  I have been assigned the prefecture of Shimane, in a little town called Okuizumo.  It is still the main island of Japan (Honshu), on the Western side of the island.  A probably more well known landmark is that I will be a couple of hours north of Hiroshima.

I was apprehensive at first, I'll admit.  When I first did my google search to find out exactly where this place was, I was a little sad that I would be out in the country (the closest major city to me is about an hour away, and it is still nothing compared to the bigger cities).  But when I first filled out my application I was actually hoping that I would get placed in a small city.  The idea of the big hustle and bustle that comes with a major city like Tokyo and Kyoto sound more appealing to me as a visit, not a permanent living place.  And from where I am, it's actually not that far from Kyoto if I wanted to drive out there for a weekend.  I stayed for a few days during study abroad, and I love all the temples that you can visit there!

The other advantage I realized to my placement comes two-fold.  Firstly, the cost of living should be far less expensive since I will not be in a big city.  This means that I should have plenty of money to save a little nest egg for my return, and still afford to go on some fun vacations during my stay.  Secondly, being out in the country means that I get to use a car!  It's going to be different for sure, and something to get use to, but I think I'm going to love the mobility!

The last minor worry is that my apartment is going to be really small.  I only say this because I already have family making reservations to come visit me, and this means that either we will all be trying to cramp into my little apartment, or I will have to help find them a hotel to use.

Fun side note:  lol I had started this post late at night, but then forgot to publish it before I went to bed....   oh well!

One wait after another...

If I were to give anyone thinking about applying for JET right now advice it would be this: have patience!

Throughout the whole process it is nothing but one waiting period after another.  It is impossible to predict when you will be contacted after each step of the way, and if you spend the whole time worrying about it you will be miserable for months!

I'm kind of having fun imagining where I might be sent while I wait to see what the final word is.  I know that either way I will have a blast, but a small part of me is really hoping that I will at least not be on some remote island.  At this point I just have to make do with my final waiting game to find out when and where I will be going.

Also, while it seems kind of common sense to say, don't put all your eggs in one basket!  Look into other jobs, the worst that could happen would be that you would need to let them know another opportunity has come up.  If anything this would probably be the one thing I would change about my experience.  I was so obsessed about this process that I didn't look much into other job opportunities.  At the very least I kind of wish I would have taken a part time job to help set aside some extra cash.