We truly are wrapping up our stay in Japan. We may have as little as six weeks left here or as much as three months. We should find out soon as John's orders are set to be released as soon as funding is approved.
I've been reflecting back on my time in Japan and considering questions that new arrivals ask either on forums or to me directly. So, I thought I'd post some tips to people coming in from the perspective of a person who is leaving Japan:
1. Don't stress about housing. Can I say it again? DON'T STRESS ABOUT HOUSING. And again? DON'T STRESS ABOUT HOUSING. In the US we're so accustomed to receiving news we're moving and taking to the computer right away to research the good areas, good homes, realtors, shopping centers, schools, etc. It's not really like that here. First, you're going to drive yourself batty trying to figure out which area you want to live in without really understanding the layout of the city of Yokosuka. Second, housing has extremely streamlined the move-in process. You're given plenty of time to research areas. Housing will help you determine how far certain areas are from base. Realtors will come pick you up and drive you to potential homes. Japan dosen't really have a robust Internet presence, so searching for things online and trying to Google map areas is just a stress you don't need. Wait until you arrive and speak with housing and go through their brief (which answers A LOT of the questions you're going to have) before letting the anxiety seep in.
2. Don't stress about finding a job. For sixteen years I've always had some sort of job, be it part time or full time. If you read the beginning of my blog, then you know that prior to moving to Japan I was a full time paralegal at a busy immigration law firm. When I suddenly didn't work in Japan I felt like I lost part of my identity. Turns out, there's TONS of military/civilian spouses here feeling the same way. The jobs spouses held before arriving in Japan range anywhere from nurse, teacher, to lawyer (I've met so many professionals who had to leave lucrative jobs to follow their spouse out here).
The professional level jobs on base are very competitive and many times positions are filled from within leaving the entry-level positions open. You can find jobs doing part-time tasks pretty easy, like working at the movie theater or bagging groceries, but honestly, why stress yourself out trying to see Japan, settle in, and work a part time job? Settle in first, develop a routine, join groups, find things you enjoy doing, find people you enjoy talking to, and don't worry about the job part. If it comes later, it comes.
3. Don't wait. Now with potentially weeks left on our tour here, I can think of at least three places I didn't get a chance to see. I would've liked to go to Hiroshima, the Tokyo Tower, and Niseko, but those things might not happen because we waited too long. Write a list of everything you want to see and do while in Japan. Try to knock off several things a year. Let's face it, you might only be here once so don't wait for the "perfect" time.
