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I was in a similar situation many years ago teaching English in Japan. I didn’t really enjoy teaching English, but transitioning into a programming career just

I was in a similar situation many years ago teaching English in Japan. I didn’t really enjoy teaching English, but transitioning into a programming career just didn’t seem feasible at the time given where I was living (far from Tokyo), my lack of Japanese language ability, and my lack of experience as a programmer. So I decided to leave and move to the Bay Area. I spent a decade there building up work experience and saving money, until an opportunity came to move back to Japan. It’s worked out well, I am financially independent with a job that I mostly enjoy, and having moved away for so long and then returned I am really confident now that this is where I want to be living. I would suggest that you consider a similar path if possible. I personally found it so much easier to develop my career in my home country, surrounded by all the opportunities that SV offers programmers. I can’t really comment on how best to go about filing all the necessary paperwork for your business, but if possible I would recommend trying to do things according to the letter of the law. As you’ve no doubt already learned Japan can be fairly strict with regards to process and paperwork, and I would hate for some misstep now to come back to bite you later e.g. when applying for a visa. But this is of course all secondary to taking care of yourself right now. And that brings me to the suicide part. I’ve also been there at one point in my life, suicidal and so depressed I could hardly get out of bed for months at a time. I had this horrific tunnel vision, and the things that were stressing me out at the time made me feel hopeless even though there were plenty of opportunities to be happy staring me in the face every day. But gradually I got better, learned to cope with my problems, and I honestly think those hard times helped me to better understand myself, my limitations, and shaped me into a person who is genuinely grateful for all of the amazing things that have happened in my life since I failed at suicide. It sounds like you’ve had a pretty serious setback - but it’s only temporary. I hope you are able to get back on your feet again soon!

ownerthrowaway 8y ago
I've thought about moving back to the UK to develop my career. The two things that hold me back are the accrued residence time in Japan (I've been here 7 years, if I stay another 3 I can apply for permanent residency). I'm also not convinced I would be able to hold down a programming job, given my past performance. At least in Japan I can teach English part time and keep a roof over my head. I've been doing a couple of evenings of evening classes for the past 5 years and they give me some sort of financial safety net.
- freetime2 8y ago
  I’m curious what your reason is for not wanting to make a career out of teaching English. Is it unfulfilling? Stressful? Or does it not provide you with a path to permanent residence? The way you talk about it, it sounds like you’ve actually got a pretty good thing going. Your description above of your programming jobs on the other hand sounds pretty miserable... to the point where maybe a career in programming just isn’t for you. (Obviously I don’t know you well enough to say this with any certainty. It could just be the circumstances of those particular jobs didn’t work for you).
  - ownerthrowaway 8y ago
    In some ways I enjoy English teaching, but I don't think there is any career progression. I don't think I could ever really get paid any more really than I am now. I don't think I could ever really support a family etc.
    - deleted 8y ago
      [deleted]
    - freetime2 8y ago
      I know a few guys who have taught English now for 10+ years. They've got families and houses and are able to get by alright. They are able to supplement their income with side jobs (teaching private lessons, freelance graphic design, translation work, etc), which is a form of career progression. It's true you probably won't get rich teaching English, but it seems like it's possible to enjoy a pretty decent standard of living in Japan on a modest salary. And the fact that you were able to save 50k is proof of that. That's more than lots of people are able to manage - probably enough for a down payment on a house here, in fact. I saw in a previous comment that you said you are ashamed of being an English teacher. Don't be. You're performing a useful service that people are willing to pay for with their time and money. That's something to be proud of and I would even go so far as to argue that the benefits to society of teaching English are a lot more tangible than a LOT of programming jobs. Not really trying to steer you in any direction. As I mentioned above, teaching English was not for me - I really hated work environment at the company I was working for. And your concerns about career progression, salary, and status are definitely valid. But on the other hand, I have seen that it's a viable option if you choose to go down that route.

ownerthrowaway 8y ago

I've thought about moving back to the UK to develop my career. The two things that hold me back are the accrued residence time in Japan (I've been here 7 years, if I stay another 3 I can apply for permanent residency). I'm also not convinced I would be able to hold down a programming job, given my past performance. At least in Japan I can teach English part time and keep a roof over my head. I've been doing a couple of evenings of evening classes for the past 5 years and they give me some sort of financial safety net.

freetime2 8y ago
I’m curious what your reason is for not wanting to make a career out of teaching English. Is it unfulfilling? Stressful? Or does it not provide you with a path to permanent residence? The way you talk about it, it sounds like you’ve actually got a pretty good thing going. Your description above of your programming jobs on the other hand sounds pretty miserable... to the point where maybe a career in programming just isn’t for you. (Obviously I don’t know you well enough to say this with any certainty. It could just be the circumstances of those particular jobs didn’t work for you).
- ownerthrowaway 8y ago
  In some ways I enjoy English teaching, but I don't think there is any career progression. I don't think I could ever really get paid any more really than I am now. I don't think I could ever really support a family etc.
  - deleted 8y ago
    [deleted]
  - freetime2 8y ago
    I know a few guys who have taught English now for 10+ years. They've got families and houses and are able to get by alright. They are able to supplement their income with side jobs (teaching private lessons, freelance graphic design, translation work, etc), which is a form of career progression. It's true you probably won't get rich teaching English, but it seems like it's possible to enjoy a pretty decent standard of living in Japan on a modest salary. And the fact that you were able to save 50k is proof of that. That's more than lots of people are able to manage - probably enough for a down payment on a house here, in fact. I saw in a previous comment that you said you are ashamed of being an English teacher. Don't be. You're performing a useful service that people are willing to pay for with their time and money. That's something to be proud of and I would even go so far as to argue that the benefits to society of teaching English are a lot more tangible than a LOT of programming jobs. Not really trying to steer you in any direction. As I mentioned above, teaching English was not for me - I really hated work environment at the company I was working for. And your concerns about career progression, salary, and status are definitely valid. But on the other hand, I have seen that it's a viable option if you choose to go down that route.