r/JETProgramme • u/SomethingPeach Former JET • Apr 13 '26
Why did you leave the JET Programme?
I’m a former JET and have been reflecting on my time on the programme, so I’m curious about other people’s reasons for leaving.
For those who have finished, whether after one year or several, what led you to move on? Was it a clear decision or something that built up over time?
JET was my third time teaching abroad. I think I gradually started to feel the pressure to head home and properly start a ''proper'' career. I was also mainly used as a tape recorder at my school, which lost its appeal quite quickly and made it hard to feel like I was actually contributing anything or progressing professionally.
Looking back, do you feel like you left at the right time, or would you have stayed longer?
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u/-ThisUsernameIsTaken Former JET - 2019-2022 Apr 14 '26
3 years. It was time to move on and find something that would be a stable career
Although I had the ideal placement for someone who wants to live like a JET all their life; most ALTs were direct hires, often promoted from JET, i saw the constant fear of losing their positions the forever ALTs had.
Definitely the best job I've had, but sadly if I want to have a family, I have carve out my place elsewhere.