Friday 8 March 2013

The Izu Life: So You're Leaving Japan?

Having attended the After JET Conference in Yokohama last week, I learnt some great tips about preparing to leave Japan and looking for work after a tenure on the JET Programme. I'd like to share some of this information with you...

The first members of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers leaving Japan from Haneda Airport (Photo: JICA)
"The first JETs to leave Japan were closely watched by security to ensure they really left the country"
Image Source

May...

Start thinking about what items in your apartment you want to keep and what you want to give/throw away. Make sure you have a plan for the disposal of larger items (bed, couch, car) that you don't want and can't sell. Ship any winter clothing, etc. home that you want to keep. 

June...

Contact your successor and answer any questions they have. Arrange to sell them any items in your apartment. Start shipping the bulk of your belongings home. Confirm with your employer what steps need to be taken to finalize your employment. You may need to give your landlord one month notice that you are moving out. Start organizing bill payments and pension refund forms for your proxy's reference. Adjust your Status of Residence (if necessary) at immigration. 

July...

Write thank you notes and say goodbye. Write your farewell speech. Make sure your bills, taxes, bank account, and pension refund are sorted before you leave. Take advantage of any opportunity to meet up with your successor. Have a plan of action for after your return to your home country (are you going to hit the ground running or relax before starting your job hunt? How many resumes will you send out every day? By which point will you have confirmed permanent or temporary employment?). Be aware of the customs procedures of your respective home country. Remember to keep in touch with your school after you leave. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, prepare yourself emotionally for the roller-coaster like experience of leaving Japan. You are most likely going to miss it terribly and experience reverse-culture shock. These feelings are normal and it is important to remember that they are temporary. 

Stay tuned for more on the topic of job hunting! Any questions? Post them below!

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