Should i keep my job in Japan?

Question:

I recently got a position as an ALT at a small private school. Im from American and have always wanted to live in Japan. Initially everything was great, but i seem to find myself having large gaps of time (5-6 hours) where i can do nothing. Meaning, i have no students to teach and no paperwork i can do. Recently, my boss offered the job to me again for a second year (although ive only worked 4 months), which would mean, i would have to make a year and a half obligation. While i can stick it out until my 1 year contract expires in July, im contemplating finding another job in Japan and not sticking with this one for a second year. There is just too much free time on my hands.

Now the question: should i stay with this job for the security or risk going out and finding another job? Because if i don't find a job i would have to go back to the states and i really dont feel like heading back for a few years. Any suggestions would help

Answer:

That sounds like an awesome job. All that free time? Believe me, it may seem boring at first, but you've got something people all over Japan can only dream of. Use it to your advantage. Study Japanese, roam the school, meditate, ...

I had a job like that for awhile. It could be difficult, but that's really all in your mind. The reality is you've got a dream job. You could even use all of that time to really discover what kind of job you'd like after you finish it, then do what you can to set yourself up for that new job.

Why would you have to go back to the States for a new job? There are jobs all over Japan. Again, use that time to study Japanese. Maybe you can get to the point where you don't just have to do English teaching jobs, and do whatever you might do in the U.S.

If you're bored studying Japanese, then switch up the way you study. Study kanji for while. When it gets boring, switch to vocab, then to example sentences, then to grammar, then back. Talk with teachers more. Once teachers know you're open to talk to, you'll start doing more fun things both in and out of school.

Anyway, whatever you do, it sounds like sticking with your job is your best option.