So, I'm sure you're wondering what the life of an unemployed ex-language teacher is like. Let me tell you folks, it's not all it's cracked up to be. However, there is a light on the horizon.
Let's start at the beginning (you know how I love to do that.) Two and a half months ago I arrived bak in the States after my company went bankrupt, failed to pay me or my rent, and I was unable to find immediate employment in Japan. After a week or two of jet-lag mixed with general sitting on my posterior. I started to look for employment locally. (A special thanks to those who offered assistance in the form of places to look.) I was totally blown out on the idea of ever returning abroad. Having made this decision I was ready to settle down and find a career for myself. After almost a month of looking nothing was coming up. Mostly due to the holiday season, no one replied to any of the applications I turned in or the resumes I submitted. During this time I even thought about signing up for the Navy (talked to a recruiter and filled out about half of the paper work.) But then...
Over the Christmas holiday I had a drastic change of heart when I decided that I REALLY did like teaching in Japan. I loved my student's enthusiasm, the friends I made, the fact that it more-or-less uses my degree for something!
Whereas at the end of last year where I heard from no one, I heard back from every company I applied to within 24 hours (it's nice to be wanted). I ended up attending 3 interviews with major companies that are involved with teaching English in Japan. The first interview has me driving to Cleveland, OH at the crack of dawn for a 9am-5pm interview. The second and third interviews were in Toronto, Canada. I took this opportunity to visit one of my roommates from Japan who also returned home. The Toronto interviews where also all day affairs. After hearing what was to be said and weighing my options I have made a decision on which company I will be working for.
Originally I was to enter Japan on my old NOVA visa, allowing me to leave almost immediately. Unfortunately the company was uncertain as to wether or not I would be allowed into the country with a visa sponsored by a failed company. It was going to be easy enough to apply for a new visa... except to get a visa your passport needs to be valid for at least a year... mine was short be two weeks. SO, after expediting renewal of my passport I sent a copy in today and should be back on track.
The target date for my departure is some time in May. I should find out which half of Japan I'm headed to in March, with a specific address some time in April.
In the mean-time I'm fortunate that my old employer (previous to my Japan job) was kind enough to offer me my old position back.
A quick note on my last job, for those who are curious. I have yet to receive one yen for the time I worked. In fact I haven't even gotten word of eventual payment of said yen. Hopefully something will start to move in the new year and I'll get at least some of what I'm owed.
I'll try to keep this page updated as I find out more information and things progress.
They say the third time's the charm, so here's to my third trip to Japan.
Jaa Mata Ne.
