Big Risk Career Decision - Help?

[Blondefool]

Ok, so my first thread is upon me and I decided to use it to ask advice so yay me!
Ok, here is the situation:
I am an expat working in Nepal, in a job that I sometimes enjoy and sometimes don't (like most jobs). However, there are two main problems:

1. It is not what I want do to. I took the job because it gave me the opportunity to move to Asia; it provided me good work experience (though not exactly relevant); and it paid fairly well (mostly due to low cost of living).

2. It is extremely hard to make new friends. Everyone is really nice but the sticking point is that everyone I have met so far, has very little in common with me.


So, I know I will work here for at least 6 more months to earn some money etc but here is where I need the advice. I am thinking about going and volunteering somewhere in Japan (or working if possible) and need advice on two things:

1. Can people give me some advice for Japan? I have never been but it is my dream to go and live there

2. Is it sensible to give up on a job where I earn decent money and may even have a decent career future just because it isn't what I want to do?

Thanks in advance!




*Captcha - Against the Grain. I suppose so!

 

[Blondefool]

1. Can people give me some advice for Japan? I have never been but it is my dream to go and live there

If you're planning on going there, there are programs out there that will set you up with a position teaching English. I've had some friends who have done this (albeit for Korea) and enjoyed their time working. Some programs will set you up with pay and living quarters.

As far as advice on the people, I would spend a little time, if you haven't already, getting familiar with the culture. It's fascinating really.

2. Is it sensible to give up on a job where I earn decent money and may even have a decent career future just because it isn't what I want to do?

Well, part of me says you're better off sticking with what you're doing because it's safer. However, another part of me remembers a saying, you can either spend 5 life times to get everything or you can spend 1 intense lifetime getting everything. I checked your profile and it says you're an admissions admin. Do you have any dead time during the year where you could visit Japan?

Ah thanks, I will look into teaching, that may be the better option that volunteering as I would still be able to earn money. I love the culture that I have read about, it is a huge reason for why I want to go. I actually love the various Asian cultures in general (hence why I now live in Nepal) but Japan is my favourite.

That is actually the main dilemma. As you say, I can either play it safe and keep earning or I can take the risk. I think I have time off in November and I hope to go out then to explore. Thanks for the suggestions, it is nice to bounce my thoughts of someone!

 

[Galletea]

I think you should take the opportunity to do something you want to do. Getting a decent wage is fine, but if it isn't what you want then you will always be wondering about what could have been, while you are making do with what you have. If you go for it and it doesn't work out, then at least you will know for sure, and can move forward from there.

 

[Mad Maniac with axe-firing chainsaw]

Can you explain why you want to live in Japan? As opposed to another country? It's always a good idea to be able to explain why you want to do something before you do it.