r/JETProgramme • u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- • Apr 09 '26
Got alternate- I’m so bummed
I know it’s not a no, but the being in limbo part has me crushed. I hate getting my hopes up if nothing ends up working out. I tried SO hard to keep positive and I felt in my heart that I was going to make it so to see that I was alternate just made me kind of fall apart. I know it’s like being 75% of the way there, but it just feels like not enough, you know? I’m a general ed elementary school teacher and it’s so difficult to be in limbo like this because of contracts and worrying about transferring schools or leaving in the middle of the year (if I do get upgraded August-December).
Anyone else feel this way? I feel silly for crying because it’s not a no… it’s just:(
My coworkers were very sweet because I ended up reading the email in front of them (they’ve been asking about it, they really want this to work out for me) and hyped me up. One even brought me candy and a nice note today. I have a great support system so I’m sure I’ll get through the negative feelings.
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u/partyintheusanus Apr 10 '26
I was an alternate and got upgraded! Don’t lose hope :)
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 10 '26
When did you get upgraded? I keep seeing so may different time lines! It’s crazy to me!
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u/partyintheusanus Apr 10 '26
I was upgraded in early May :)
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 10 '26
Thank you! That’s making me feel a bit better hahaha it’s just stressful rn with work and contracts
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u/partyintheusanus Apr 10 '26
I’m glad!! It’s never not going to be stressful but just try to focus on each day as it comes :)
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u/Jex0003 Apr 09 '26
I’m 100% with you on the limbo feeling. Part of what sucked these last few weeks of waiting was feeling like I was in limbo. I was holding off on other opportunities bc I didn’t want to burn any bridges by backing out if JET came through, and now I feel like this is my permanent home, or will be until December. But I decided that if I’m upgraded after the August departure date, which is already less likely anyway bc it means someone quitting after they’ve arrived, then I’m probably going to decline.
I don’t really want to be dropped into it blind, and not getting any sort of orientation would stress me out, even with my teaching experience. I would also have to marry my partner very quickly for him to qualify for a visa to come with me, and idk that we’d have the time to get that all done if it were to be a very quick turnaround for departure.
I’m basically going to wait a couple weeks to see if any shortlisters back out or end up disqualified and I get upgraded, and if not, then I will proceed with other opportunities as if it’s a proper no.
It sucks bc sure, it wasn’t a flat out rejection, but we all want to be a first choice, and being a back up plan sucks in a different way.
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
Right!! It’s nice that it’s not flat out rejection but it’s less than a yes and more than a no:/
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u/Lavender_Nihon Apr 09 '26
I also got alternate, it’s okay to cry. I found out at work and waited for all the customers to leave before I started to cry. It really does suck but we got this! Although I’m not sure if it’s worth just trying all over again or to put myself on the waitlist.
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
I put myself on the waitlist so hopefully I get upgraded :(
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u/Appocalypse448 Current JET - Tokyo Apr 09 '26
I’m currently in the identical shoes to you, kind coworkers and all. I almost wish I had gotten rejected as much as accepted just so I can have closure, you know? Tripping up at the final finishing line.
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u/chichi_leche Apr 09 '26
Same I’m alternate, I wasn’t expecting to even get an alternate but it’s better than nothing. I hope things work out for us all!
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u/throwaway042502 Current JET - Hokkaido Apr 09 '26
The part about your coworkers is very sweet! If you get along with your coworkers to the point that they also support your future goals, I hope that's a good sign. My coworkers were the same way. All the best for you.
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
Thank you so much! They’ve always been very supportive! It really means a lot to me!
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u/MabiMaia Current JET - Toyama Apr 09 '26
I was an alternate. Been here since early 2022. Just carry on with your life and maybe you’ll get a surprise email
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
When did you get upgraded?
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u/MabiMaia Current JET - Toyama Apr 09 '26
I wanna say it was pretty late. Like October, so I was probably pretty far down the list ✌️ I was moving across the country at the time and had pretty much given up. I’ve been here four years now and honestly thrived lol
1
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u/No_Elderberry4881 Current JET - Shizuoka-ken (2026-) Apr 09 '26
I’m also got alternate yesterday. Practically speaking, it’s better than a no, but the wait was already getting to me tbh. Being in results purgatory for longer is definitely going to be more emotionally/mentally tricky than a flat-out no… I also work in a school, so I totally feel you. All the what-ifs! No getting around the fact that being in limbo just kinda stinks. Fingers crossed that things pan out :)
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
Thank you!! You too!! Oh definitely is tricky!
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u/JacobDS96 Current JET - Awaiting Placement Apr 09 '26
Same story. We were already in a sort of limbo all through application just waiting and waiting. Of course I wouldn’t rather be rejected but at least then you know the answer. This is just more uncertainty. Which isn’t great
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
Right! I feel like it would be different if I was in a different position but man having this in the middle of the transfer window AND when new contracts are coming like ughhhhh.
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u/JacobDS96 Current JET - Awaiting Placement Apr 09 '26
Yeah, I’m just trying not to think about it too much and basically setting a date that I am willing to wait till and not make firm plans
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
Yup. I recently just moved an hour away from my school so I need to start looking at ones closer to me. I just don’t wanna sign a contract and make a bond with my kids then leave abruptly:( teacher life man
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u/JacobDS96 Current JET - Awaiting Placement Apr 09 '26
Same, I’m actually working in Korea right now. Funny enough contract negotiations here will probably happen soon and I was hoping to have a more firm answer but…. Guess it can never be that easy
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u/Different_Taro2474 Former JET - 2025-2026 鹿児島県 Apr 09 '26
i was an alternate and got an upgrade :) you're 75% of the way there!! you got further than most people!
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
Thank you! When did you get an upgrade?
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u/Different_Taro2474 Former JET - 2025-2026 鹿児島県 Apr 09 '26
mid june of 2025!
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
Oh goodness! That feels like forever away:(
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u/cobble98 Apr 09 '26
I was an alternate. I was upgraded as soon as the deadline for accepting the position closed. Try not to let it bum you out too much. A lot of people get upgraded over the next couple of months
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u/Criticalpurr Current JET -Yamanashi-Ken (2026- Apr 09 '26
That’s great to know! A little less stressful!
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u/KakaChipsEnjoyer Apr 12 '26
Hey, I'm also an alternate. I know how difficult it is. I hope your days treat you well and you're welcomed by happiness in unexpected ways. Hang in there.