I first experienced Japan in Summer 2008 and have always wanted to return since. Somehow, as a graduate in 2011, I was offered an amazing contract to live and work in Tokyo for two years. My love of Japan has never faded since my return but in my mind 'two years" was firmly stamped. A new contract had to be signed in November, I politely said no.
Since then I have been planning my departure from Japan. I know - months and months in advance but moving oneself from Japan is a long process. I began advertising my belongings, selling furniture, cancelling trips, applying for jobs, thinking about life with no more Japan.
All was going well, or so it seemed. I have had moments of severe doubt for the past three months. Was I doing the right thing? What do I want from life? Where do I want to work/ live? But I quashed them, desperately trying to see beyond the life I had created for myself in Japan. Then miraculously life threw a curveball at me, or rather my boss did. Without going into too much detail, besides admitting I believe that things happen for a reason, I am staying in Japan. Thats right, I am going nowhere and neither is Japan As I Find It.
 |
| Be yourself. |
So there you have it, the secret I have had to hide for some time is finally out. Am I happy? Yes I truly am.
Has life ever thrown you a curveball? What did you do?
For all your luster and bluster about Japan, you're leaving? Typical gaijin in this era - come into 日本 through the usual otaku interests, then figure out the country isn't quite the weird-assed anime Finland you imagined.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. However, you're actually wrong, my post is about the sadness I felt about leaving Japan and as a result I have decided to stay much, much longer. Thanks to a great opportunity I was given. Ciara
ReplyDeleteHi! I want to say that your blog post comes at a perfect time for me. I'd been facing a similar dilemma for the past two or three months.
ReplyDeleteWithout going into too much detail, I had planned to stay in my current job in Japan for maybe one more year. Then, by some crazy luck, I got an amazing job offer about two hours away that would force me to move from an area I had grown to love. I was really torn -- do I stay in a job and area I love or take a chance and move to a new area with a similarly amazing sounding job? I know, either option would've probably worked out, but I was still very stressed.
However, it soon became apparent that the job I'm currently in will not be available for a few months of the year because of Japanese law, so effectively, my decision was made for me. I had already decided to move, but this announcement helped me realize, like you, that it's best to think that "everything happens for a reason."
Best of luck to you and congrats on your decision to stay.