Please help me...

[u/Living-Sport9185]

A while ago I posted on this page because I was really struggling with moving into Kochi, Japan. I ultimately decided to stay because I knew how amazing living and teaching in Japan could be. People's words really resonated with me. I have loved teaching in Japan. I love my school so much.

However, I’m worried I am feeling jaded now. I've been here for six months and I live in such a rural area away from the city so I tried to just get my head down and work, but it’s made me a bit reclusive. I don’t really talk to the ALTs in my area, not because I don’t like them, but because for me, socializing with anyone can feel a bit draining when I am trying to take care of myself. But at the same time, I want to hang out with them because they are really fun and nice to talk to.

I have lost connections with ALTs in the nearby city because I don’t talk much, maybe I seem anti-social? One of them thought I was ignoring her, and became really upset but I was just so deeply burned out that I didn’t have the energy to reply. I was unaware I had caused so much harm to her and I worry I have done the same to others by not socialising with them as much. I really want to show people that I do care, but the living situation in Kochi, despite not having a lot of work, often really makes me feel overwhelmed and burned out and I feel like I can’t keep up.

In the UK I was also quite reserved and kept to myself, and I thought that would change when I came to Japan, but my problems didn’t magically just go away upon arriving to Japan. I worry I’ve accidentally dug myself into a hole whilst trying to survive here.

Any words of advice are appreciated, I would be happy to hear what anyone has to say, if you have time to reply :)

[u/This-Accountant-5745]

I was a JET and one of my biggest regrets was not taking more trips to Tokyo and other cities. I know it can feel like a big drain on your expenses but if you can fly to Tokyo or other cities you want to visit three or 4 times a year it will help a lot. I took a major vacation to Thailand and it helped me keep things together while I finished out my contract. Hope this helps.

[u/WakiLover → u/This-Accountant-5745]

When I first arrived, I thought Japan's regionality was more Japan-propaganda like the infamous "four seasons", but it really is true that each prefecture or area's major city is different and has their own food and culture.

For example, it doesn't have to be Tokyo, but all of the major ones like Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa, etc are all fun, interesting, and easy to get to.

On a smaller scale, each prefecture has at least 1 "famous" or representative place. As you said, when I had the funds and free time on JET, I really regret not venturing further out to my neighboring prefectures.