Edit: The answer seems like resounding "no". I suppose my Japanese and foreign friends that still live there are saying it's "completely possible" because they would really like for me to move back, but maybe they are not considering the health factor enough. At this point it probably does not make a lot of sense for me to keep my second job or continue improving my Japanese if moving back to Japan is that unrealistic.
I'm 33F and originally from the US. I lived in Japan for two and a half years where I taught conversational English. I moved back to the US in 2018 for a job opportunity that did not work out, partly because of chronic medical issues but also because the job in question was in healthcare which is a special kind of hell in this country. A year and a half ago, I started a second job working part time for a Japanese teaching company because I enjoy teaching and wanted to keep up with it. I teach English remotely through Zoom. My full time job is an on site office job that is pretty understanding of my chronic issues which is great. The problem is the United States is a total nightmare in general now and I am absolutely drowning in medical debt and struggling to afford care, an issue I of course did not have while living in Japan. In addition to my medical bills, the cost of living in the US is very high and I just cannot get ahead or save money. Living in Japan was much more affordable and I was able to build up a savings. I also miss my friends and living there in general.
I am considering filing for bankruptcy to get rid of the medical debt and then moving back to Japan in 2027 to continue teaching with the long-term goal of obtaining permanent residency. I do have chronic, lifelong health issues that were not as bad when I lived in Japan, and I've heard that many companies are not understanding of medical issues at all. My biggest fear is moving back and my health worsening and jeopardizing my job which would be tied to my visa/the ability to continue living in Japan. I am somewhat worried about the growing anti-forienger that seems to be growing there as well.
What are your thoughts?
I am specifically looking for advice from people who also have experience living and working in Japan.
by Cream-Cheeser