I just wanted to ask your thoughts about a life decision I’m currently pondering.
I’m currently working in the tech industry here in the Philippines. I earn a 6-digit monthly salary and I’d say I’m in a pretty comfortable position — no dependents, just me and my girlfriend, and I have money to spare.
Recently, I traveled to Japan for the first time… and honestly, it felt like love at first sight. I found myself imagining what it would be like to live and work there. That thought has been stuck in my mind ever since I got back.
Here’s where it gets interesting: I’m actually half-Japanese, though I have no connection with my biological Japanese father. I’ve heard of cases where Filipino-Japanese individuals were able to reconnect with their Japanese parent and eventually gain permanent residency. I want to explore that route, although I know it may be complicated and uncertain.
At the same time, I’m doing some groundwork — planning to enroll in JLPT N5 and N4 courses, and preparing myself to work in Japan, even if it means starting in a junior or mid-level role instead of the senior position I have now.
But I’m also aware that working in Japan can be extremely demanding and exhausting, based on what I’ve read. That scares me a bit. I wonder if the trade-off is worth it — to leave a comfortable life in PH for the chance to live in a first-world country, but possibly at the cost of my work-life balance.
Would this be a wise move for someone in my position? Has anyone here made a similar decision or been in a similar situation?
Any advice or perspective would be appreciated.
by Wild-Astronaut155