Job Discussion Forums

HappyPizza · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 40

Blessings to everyone here!

A few of you may know that I've been looking for a job in Japan for some time now. It took me nearly four months to secure a position......a good position, that is. Now, I'm down to the wire with less then a week until I arrive!

Anyway, I'm amazed how things worked out. Since I've been home here in the U.S., quite a lot has changed.

1. I am no longer a Texas resident.
2. I obtained my Montana drivers license.
3. I obtained my international drivers license.
4. I opened a checking account so I can send money home and pay bills
(something I did not do while I was in Korea).
5. Contacted a debt consolidation company, and will be debt free in three
years (credit card debt anyway).
6. Re-established a relationship with my family, here (most important).
7. I bought a brand spanking new laptop.
8. I bought $500 worth of new clothes.
9. I actually had a refreshing, stress free break.

I am amazed that things have worked out so well. Even my mother thinks that going to Japan is a good thing. I've explained my worries about going, and the financial setbacks versus going back to Korea, but she still thinks that it will be fine. Granted, I will not be taking three trips to Thailand/Cambodia in one year, but...................I suppose there is more to life then money. I spent the majority of my four years in Korea being unahppy, but not with the job itself. I love teaching (as long as I am working below those who know what they are doing as well), my students, and learning more about the E.S.L. field.

Yeah, I'm nervous. But, I guess it is a "good nervous", if that makes sense. It feels like a genuine fresh start. Granted, I don't really have many expecations, but I know what I want this time around (for the most part). It is also in a small town, named Shimosuwa. But, I've heard it is a nice area with things to do. There are a few other expat teachers there, and quite a few work at my school....which is good.

Here is a question (sorry, I know this is a long posting. I woke up early this morning, and could not get back to sleep). But, I am interested in getting started with some snowboarding and skiing. I never went to any of the ski resorts in Korea (too many people, and I assumed they would suck anyway), so I need to actually learn. But, my question is........how would anyone here rate the skiing in Japan? What are the ski lodges like? Are they nice, cozzy, friendly, etc? I realize it may be an unimportant question............but, my folks live here in Whitefish, Montana. Everytime I walk into one of the ski resort lodges, it is awsome. Warm, friendly atmosphere.........good food..........good beer........huge fireplaces.

Is it similar there, or am I S.O.L. in that department? Yes, as I said...kind of a random, or unimportant question.

Anyway, thanks to those who helped me out in the past here on this site. I am definitely looking forward coming to Japan, having a fresh start, learning about the people and culture.........and getting back in the E.S.L. trenches.

If anyone is in the Matsumot/Shimosuwa region...........give me a hollar! I'll be there next week!

Happypizza
(extra happy)

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

I dont know any specific ski resorts that you go to but I know that japan is full of them. When I taught adults about 60% of them had skiing as a hobby...they told me that they would go to the ski resorts and stay the weekend (well one night) for like $200...so not so bad. I cant wait for winter to come so that I can go...
Congrats on coming to Japan!
You will like it.
What kind of work are you going to be doing?
I am from Louisiana and I have been to Texas many times so I know that you will be in love with the beauty of japan....(I only miss Louisiana because of family...)

HappyPizza · Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 40

$200 a night?!

Holly Lightning!

Well, I did find some backpacker style places for way less then that.......about $30-$40 a night.

Anyway, I'll be teaching kids. mainly elementary studetns...........which is fine with me.......give me the kids!

I still have love for Texas, but...........it is the past now. I'm a Montana resident now................Big Sky Country, baby! Actually, my mother was telling me of how a few Japanese have come up here, bought log cabin homes and dress up as cowboys................no harm in that, though!

Thanks for the encouragement!

happypizza

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

Sounds like the Japanese to spend 200 dollars a night on a ski lodge. I had a friend who worked in one for a winter. He said it cost about 4000 yen a night to stay there.

From what I've heard from my American friends Japan is a lot cheaper than America for skiing, but as a Brit I wouldn't know. And living in a ski resort city I've never stayed in a lodge, but they look nice on the outside. The food in the restaurants is cheap and good. I went to one place where they had a barrel of warm sake in the doorway for you to just dip a cup into. All free. There were a bunch of people sleeping in the restaurant, no surprise there. This was at lunchtime too. I've only seen it the once though.

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

I think that $200 a night may included transportation as well. My friend had a round trip airfare, 2 nights lodging and lift ticket all for about that price.

Quibby84 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 643 Location: Japan

$200 includes the rentals, the food, lodging, and maybe gasoline money...when I say "how much does it cost?" they usually give me the price for the entire weekend.