Short ALT contract, how should I prepare my exit strategy?

Hi All!

First off, I've looked into this a bit trying to find an answer that helps my in my situation but everything else seemed either too vague or just didn't fit my circumstances, so I at least tried to do my homework (Rule 2).

I've received an ALT job contract to be dispatched in October and to last 6 months. This is shorter than I'd like but understandable given when I'm being dispatched there (possibly a misunderstanding on my end). With that being said, like most people in this position, I don't plan on staying long, but I was expecting longer than half a year.

Looking at online sources, according to some people finding work in Japan can take up to 6 months, so this has made me feel like I should start looking for work and housing *immediately* after arrival, but that feels a bit much to me, especially if I find a good offer early.

I wanted to ask what you all would recommend in a situation like this, or if anyone has lived out this exact scenario (again, haven't found any clear statements about this elsewhere).