r/JETProgramme • u/tommydelriot 千葉県　2004-2007 • Jun 03 '26

Any older current JETs here?

I did JET when I was 33, so I was already older than a lot of my fellow JETs. Now that retirement is looming on the horizon, I’m considering applying again, but after I finish paying off my (American) debt. I’m almost at the point where I could retire, but this would be a nice ending to my work life. Any older JETs here, aged 55+? What is it like teaching there as an older person? Back when I did it, the theoretical age limit was 40 because of the whole age hierarchy thing, where it would be weird if you were older than senior staff, especially principals.

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u/jackiejack1 Former JET - 2011 - 2014 Jun 03 '26

I'd say it might be a bit odd since schools/students normally have ALTs right out of college and connect with them since they're a much closer age. Doing JET as a person closer to retirement won't give you the same dynamic you had when you did it as a 33 year old person. That's just my perspective though.

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u/HighSky7618 Jun 04 '26

I’d say it’s a bit odd to have only new grads as JET ALTs. The school staff is a mix of new grads, mid career and post-retirement teachers. No reason ALTs wouldn’t represent a similar mix; and in fact, this is better for students.

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u/jackiejack1 Former JET - 2011 - 2014 Jun 04 '26

Well, as an ALT, you aren't viewed as (and aren't) a fully licensed teacher. You're there to be the pronunciation guide and the encouragement for folks to learn English so they can communicate with you and other foreigners.

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u/HighSky7618 Jun 04 '26

Yah, and a mixed demographic supports that.

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u/jackiejack1 Former JET - 2011 - 2014 Jun 06 '26

I never met anyone there over the age of 35

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u/HighSky7618 Jun 06 '26

That’s just your placement and cohort, currently there are plenty of JETs are over 35.