I’ve never been someone who followed the “safe path.” Even in college, where I studied business administration and management, I avoided internships that would lead to a 9-to-5 corporate career. Deep down, I knew I wanted more freedom than that.
But freedom is expensive in America. I was working four jobs after graduation — as a full time visual merchandiser at Lululemon, owner of a small sticker business, real estate sign manager, and organizational manager at a lacrosse club. I felt weighed down by the financial pressure of just existing. It felt impossible to be able to afford rent, health care, and other basics without getting a corporate job.
So when I stumbled across an ad in June 2024 about teaching English in Japan with an Eikaiwa, or conversation school, I applied on a whim. I went through an all-day interview process and got the job. I didn’t hesitate. Although they were supportive, everyone around me thought I was crazy for leaving behind a seemingly stable life in California. Why wouldn’t I want to be close to family and a long-term boyfriend? But Japan had been calling me for years, and this felt like my chance.
Six months of paperwork, packing, and goodbyes later, I was on my way. Although they were supportive, everyone around me thought I was crazy for leaving behind a seemingly stable life in California. Why wouldn’t I want to be close to family and a long-term boyfriend? But Japan had been calling me for years, and this felt like my chance.
Six months of paperwork, packing, and goodbyes later, I was on my way. 
Although they were supportive, everyone around me thought I was crazy for leaving behind a seemingly stable life in California. Why wouldn’t I want to be close to family and a long-term boyfriend? But Japan had been calling me for years, and this felt like my chance.
Six months of paperwork, packing, and goodbyes later, I was on my way.
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