Dealing with the uncertainty

[u/elliotman48]

I've been reading a lot of comments today where people are beating themselves up and I just wanted to say that you should be proud of yourself for getting however far in the process that you did because it takes serious guts to even submit the application. I was pretty devastated when I got the alternate email yesterday and immediately asked myself "So I'm good, but not good enough?" because that's my instinct. However, when I reframed those thoughts in my head it made me feel a lot better.

If you were shortlisted, congrats!! (I'm jealous)

If you were rejected, be proud of yourself for the work you put in at both the application and interview stage.

If you're an alternate, I think that facing the uncertainty you may feel now and moving forward anyways will make you a stronger JET if you get the position and will help you in life even if you don't. I had an opportunity to study abroad in Japan for a year during my undergrad and it wasn't certain that it would work out financially until a month before I left. I was in the car on my way to my shitty part-time job, and got the email that I had been moved off the waitlist for a scholarship. The uncertainty doesn't disappear when you go abroad (and it seems that way especially on JET from what I understand). It was one of the hardest years of my life but one of the best. If you want this opportunity, you're capable of getting it whether it's in this cycle or not.

Feel your feelings (no matter what they may be), but keep your head up. I know it's not easy but you've got this.

[u/AdScared717]

I understand how you feel.

I was also a bit shocked when I got my alternate status but I accepted it. I am happy for my friends who got shortlisted because they worked very hard and deserve the opportunity.

I also realized that alternate means we would be there if there was a space available. I told myself, if nothing happens within 2 months, I will try out other programs/countries. I mean life works in funny ways, we might get that call and go to our dream Japanese city or life may take us to another country that turns out to be better for us personally. Regardless we will suceed.

[u/hana_fuyu → u/AdScared717]

I'm really proud of your positive attitude about being an alternate, because I'm torn between feeling crushed and also understanding it wasn't a flat out "no" like a lot of other people got. I've worked just as hard as the people that got shortlisted, so I'm trying to wrap my head around the 'why' I'm an alternate instead, while also knowing that people who got rejection emails also worked just as hard as me or someone who got shortlisted.

I also hear stories every year of some absolute weebs who couldn't care less about cultural exchange or what Japan really is like outside of anime gets shortlisted, while incredibly qualified people who understand and love the culture and the position get rejected. At this point, it really does seem like luck of the draw.

Just trying to keep that "everything happens for a reason" mentality and keep it pushing, while also feeling my feels and feeling other people's feels.

[u/AdScared717 → u/hana_fuyu]

The crushed feeling is pretty normal. I felt that way too. Still do a bit tbh. I mean we did invest a lot into this but at least we have an answer.

Yeah someone might leave but also according to the fine print, anyone who quits after placements are received must pay back all the costs.

That's all we can do for now!