Eric Takabayashi wrote:
> Kevin Gowen wrote:
>
>>>> That's true, but if you apply that reasoning to John's
>>>> hypothetical,
>>>> you are describing a wholesale change of career.
>>>
>>> Sure. That is precisely what I would do if I lost my job or did not
>>> like my job. If I stay in Japan, I'd like to be a cook or farmer.
>>
>> Why don't you become one now?
>
> Because I love my job, and not because my job is so great. I also
> already get enough money.

It's good that you love your job. May I ask what sort of work you do? I've
always wondered.

>> Or, have you not yet decided whether or not to
>> stay in Japan?
>
> That too. Interest rates could begin rising in Japan soon, as the
> economy and stock market are on the upturn, if I need a loan on a
> house.

Interest rates in the US are at the lowest they've been in decades, which is
a delight for those of us who will be refinancing student loans next spring.

> I also still need a permanent resident visa. I need to make a
> decision while at home this month.

I guess I had always assumed

>>> If
>>> I go home, I'd study to be a nurse. None of those would cost an
>>> outrageous amount.
>>>
>>>> A construction worker who has been
>>>> out of work for six months doesn't decide to go to nursing school.
>>>
>>> They sure can if they have savings or some means of support.
>>
>> I didn't say they couldn't.
>
> Then why would an unemployed construction worker not decide to go to
> nursing school, if nursing is a career they'd consider?

Chances are it would be cost prohibitive.

>>> Luckily
>>> John and I are not unemployed construction workers.
>>
>> Don't fight the hypothetical. You're not even unemployed.
>
> And even if I were unemployed for over a year again, I'd study,

Instead of study, it would be better to pound the pavement.

> because I wouldn't expect my situation to get better, nor do I want
> to go to some available full time job with benefits in Fukuyama like
> factory worker applying non stick coating to pans 12 hours a day.

You could do that while searching for your next job.

>> I be interested to know about that program.
>
> http://www.ntv.co.jp/document/
>
> I can't give you the details on that particular show, but some topics
> or shows are quite awesome.

Thank you.

>>>> It is not
>>>> particularly wise for a person who has been unemployed for six
>>>> months to incur the cost of education,
>>>
>>> But it was a real good idea for me to save my money while I enjoy a
>>> surplus for me to pay for education and living expenses for a family
>>> of four, for at least two years.
>>
>> It's hard to think of how that could be a bad idea.
>
> Which is I am not very concerned about losing my job or quitting my
> job to study for a better job, even with a wife and two children.
>
> Once I received a rather large amount of money. One of my immediate
> thoughts was, I could dump my Honda and buy a new Harley or Buell.
>
> I am glad I did not buy the Harley, as I am no longer interested in
> motorcycling. Now I am looking for a yellow Mustang GT convertible,
> among other things. My wife says I can purchase an "interesting" car
> if it does not cost "too much".

Get her to define "too much" in writing.

>> You attach letters of reference to your resume?
>
> No, I but I brought them to interview.

I see. I think that is probably not the norm, though. I have a one page
resume and one page references sheet.

-- 
Kevin Gowen
"The US economy accounts for about one-third of global GDP-greater than
the next four countries combined (Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom
and France)."
- "Advancing the National Interest: Australia's Foreign and Trade
Policy White Paper", Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade