Question for all those who were ever unsure about recontracting

[lydilia]

I`m getting asked for my recontracting decision earlier than expected, and I`m just not sure. I`ve seen lots of posts on various boards from JETs who were uncertain about whether or not to recontract, but not much from those JETs after their decisions were made and they lived with the consequences

Comments

[rainy_day]

I was really uncertain last year... for reasons too numerous to list here! I ended up gambling that a craptastic coworker would get moved in April, and bit the bullet and decided to recontract. Things fell out nicely and I barely deal with her now. I am very glad I stayed, though. I've been way more involved with the JET community my second year, I've traveled to three more countries, and now that my cultural adjustment is over I've found it easier to focus on the goals I set for myself when I came to Japan.

Plus, this year I know with complete certainty that I am ready to go! Not because Japan is bad, but because it's become normal and easy, and I want to keep challenging myself. Also, I don't want to overstay ... better to go out while I'm still enjoying Japan than leave despising it. It's nice to feel so confident about recontracting when last year I waited until the last possible minute to make my decision.

[osmocote]

I stayed on for my third year, this year.
And while I don't regret it, I haven't enjoyed it as much as the previous two.
I'm very happy I didn't leave at the end of my first year, however.

[averagesmartguy]

Word.

I also heard from others that "Two years isn't quite enough, but three years is a bit too many." I'm presently a third-year, and agree with the quote.

[riceyboy]

I pretty much agree with everyone as well. I'm on my second year. I'm SO glad I chose to stay for this second year, but I know for sure that I could not do a 3rd year. Not that people haven't and that it would be bad, or anything... but I'd definitely be interested in experiencing someplace new and different (even within Japan!).

It also took me up to the very last minute last year (with some major pep-talking from a fellow ALT) to make the final decision. It was very difficult.

[sonofthor]

We're glad to still have you here! :-)

[shigeruhiko]

It's my third year, and I know I want to stay a fourth year in Japan, possibly here. Because I have teachers that I like, kids that I adore and Elementary (where I do the most good), and I like what I am doing a lot.

Still unsure. I know I could move, and am debating, but I don't want to screw some of my schools over if I can get another job, elsewhere. . . .

It's hard. Won't know until the end, I suppose.

[tabletopphantom]

This is my second year and I know I am ready to go home. I think that two years is the best for most people on JET, unless you have pressing matters at home like career opportunities or grad school waiting for you.

The whole first year is spent acclimating yourself to life in Japan and your second year you become the sempai, you settle into your routine, and you will find yourself getting more comfortable at your school and with your students. I think you make a much more positive and lasting impression with your school by staying that second year, simply because of the comfort and control you will gain from experience.

Also I think that in most cases someone would regret leaving early before they would regret staying an extra year. Once JET is over, it’s over. If I had a choice I would pack up and leave Japan tomorrow, but even with that feeling I’m glad I decided to stay two years-seven months isn’t much and well worth the time and experience to get my graduate school applications in, travel, and save some money.