Job Discussion Forums

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Later rather than sooner hopefully!! This is more for the old foggies on this forum rather than the new people but anybody can answer. What are your future plans? Are you planning on living here for good or only hanging around for 5-10 years? Or are you going to continue your career here until you retire and then go home?

TK4Lakers · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 159

I came here this year to learn about the language and culture of Japan, and also about its people and the way things work (to broaden my mind).

Even before I left from the states, I felt staying for one year was not enough. I would also like to expand my Japanese language skills, and possibly use them to my benefit for some kind of career (I don't think I want to be teaching English for the rest of my life).

Therefore, I feel like I'll be here in Japan somewhere between 3-5 years. As of now, I would definitely like to go back to the states and raise a family there, but anything can happen from now until then.

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

I am out after another year or two. it's fun and all, but only for so long. unless something unexpected comes up that makes me want to stay.

bornslippy1981 · Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Posts: 271

I told myself 3 years maximum before I came. I also said 30 days straight of being miserable would make me go home.

As it is, my contract expires 3 years and a week from when I arrived.

Then, it's on to grad or law school back in the US.

earthmonkey · Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 188 Location: Meguro-Ku Tokyo

I'm staying until there is "regime change" in my home country (The U.S.). There is most certainly "WMD" there.

callmesim · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 279 Location: London, UK

I came here with the plan of staying for 2-4 years but after 6 months, I've decided I'll see out my contract then I'm heading elsewhere.

It's a great experience and I'm glad I'm doing it but I don't have a passion for ESL and just came here for the experience and sadly ESL is one of the only ways of getting into Japan.

Eikawa work suits some people for the long time but for me, I just feel like I'm wasting time in fantasy land (seeing as I have no plans in settling down here or getting a proper job) and I'm itching to get back home and get into some projects I have lined up.

Plus, the language barrier frustrates the hell out of me. And being a person with a theatrical background, there's just not the creatively stimulation here... due to the language barrier and the understandable lack of interest in English language theatre. Smile

It's interesting, a lot of the friends I've made here kind of feel the same way. Those who came looking for "an experience" but with no passion for ESL are planning on leaving after a year but those who came looking for sex and party times and have no passion for ESL are happy to hang around. Then there are those who HAVE a passion for ESL and, hats off to them, I say!

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Indefinitely! Finally a thread I know something about, maybe.
Dreaming to have a guest-house somewhere, so inside ten years and hopefully five. Never know though.
Tough nut to crack Japan, but like everything else sweet on the inside!
How long have you been and what area H?

Enjoy,
s

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

I'm from Saitama and have been here for approx one and a half years. I'm just curious as to what other people's plans are. I can't see myself staying forever but I'm in a pretty serious relationship here and I don't know what's going to happen with that. I can't imagine my girlfriend wanting to leave Japan. Confused

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

We are neighbors H, wonder how close? Tennis?

Sherri · Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 5:48 am Post subject:

I spent over 10 years in Japan. I left two years ago with my husband (Japanese) and two children both born in Japan. I enjoyed my time, but I really did not want to grow old in Japan or retire there! I also did not want my kids to attend Japanese schools.

In my opinion, if you do want to leave, you shouldn't leave it too late. It is hard to re-start your life when you are in your mid 40s or 50s with a family. It is easy to get lulled into a cycle of "just one more year", I know that is what happened to me. When I first arrived, I had only planned to stay one year...

But there is (a very good) life to be found after leaving. I do not regret it, ever--the time I spent in Japan and the fact that I left before I got stuck there.

Regards
Sherri

bec_irvine2002 · Joined: 16 May 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Japan

I will be here for a total of 3-4 years max. I like living in Japan, but I could not see myself growing old here!

I will get married soon and we both want kids. I really do not want to raise a Brazilian-Australian child in the Japanese Education System.

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Sweetse I live in Niiza close to Hoya.

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

I hope I don't die Shocked

Pull your cheeks really wide and say "till death do us part". The result is well funny! Laughing

Like a Rolling Stone · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 872

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

So Hoser we are closer neighbors than I imagined. Not sure where Hoya is but we are in Niiza near Shiki.
We love it here!