B Anderson wrote:
> > In my case there were a couple of reasons why I originally went to
> > Japan. One was very definitely fascination with the country; this was
> > in the early 90s, and back then a great deal of time and energy was
> > spent focusing on Japan, mainly Japanese business but the culture as
> > well. Books by the truckload were written on the subject. So as a young
> > college student it was natural. I also had many Japanese friends; my
> > college had a strong exchange program with some Japanese universities,
> > and I made some lifelong friends in those days. Money also factored in;
> > it was well known that you could go to Japan and make a killing
> > teaching English.
>
> My university has strong exchange programs with Japan also, but I missed
> out. I am extremly upset and bitter.
>
> Being a student is the only chance to really have fun in Japan, after
> that everyone must be a "shakaijin".

I think you're mistaken. Things have changed in the last decade or so,
but while I wouldn't recommend anyone planning on teaching eikaiwa as a
career, it's not a bad life. I taught corporate classes, so my day
typically didn't start until the afternoon. That left me a great deal
of time to ride my bike, go rock climbing, swim, visit obscure tourist
areas, study, etc. On most days I was done by 9 pm, sometimes earlier.
And even working two jobs I worked less than I have at any time since.
I had a couple of friends who were exchange students and they were
quite envious of my life, because I didn't have to worry about grades
and classes, made plenty of money, and had tons of free time (in the
day). I also had ample vacation, so I traveled quite a bit. And after
two years I'd saved up enough to pay for my Masters as well as most of
my wife's BS.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat if I didn't have all of life's other
pressures that require me to be a bit more responsible.

John W.