Teaching English in Japan

My brother taught English in Japan and met his wife there. I may not be looking for something to change my life quite that drastically, but I am thinking about living abroad. The only way I can see making that happen is by teaching English. So, I just applied through GEOS online, and I will apply through JET later today. (JET has announced on their website that the next application will be up today!) My theory is it doesn't hurt to apply. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up teaching English in Japan for a year. I can think of much worse things to do for a year. Like sit here with nothing to show for it.

The bigger thing for me is that I am actually doing something about it. It may not be a huge step to apply online as it doesn't take much, but it's a start. I also sent out resumes for a part-time job this weekend. I even got a response, from NYPIRG, and set up an interview for this week. Unfortunately I have to cancel this interview as it conflicts with preparations for an upcoming trip I've got.

And I'm going to be honest and admit that as much as I want more money, I'm not sure a part-time job is the way to go. I have no idea WHAT the way to go is, but I know I've got to do something. I've been saying this for two and a half years now! But a part-time job will significantly reduce my socializing time, and that's so important. But part of the reason I'm broke is all that socializing, so I can't win either way. . .

I want a Life Coach. Any free Life Coaches out there?

I think I had a bit of an anxiety attack last night, trying to fall asleep. I don't know what I want out of life and that scares me a lot. I wonder if I was grinding my teeth. I shouldn't be having anxiety attacks before bed because I'm worried about my future. Or maybe it's normal. Maybe more people should. But now today, I am having trouble focusing. I am still feeling anxious. Although it is possible that this has absolutlely nothing to do with my job/career situation and everything to do with the fact that I was upset with the boyfriend this weekend, and now I'm going to meet his mother. That's not for this blog, though.

Well, the conclusion for today is no more anxiety attacks. That's step one. Step two is to look into more opportunities abroad and this ESL stuff. I need to chat with some people, see what's out there, get some advice. But in the meantime, I do need more money so maybe looking for that part-time job isn't such a horrible idea. If I have a goal insight, say paying off my debt, then there's a light at the end of the part-time job tunnel. If there's no clearly stated goal, there's no reason to do it. Hmmm . . . clearly stated goals . . . maybe it's time I make a very specific list about what I want out of a job . . .