I’ve just moved to Japan yesterday with a visa that allows me to work and stay long term, have registered my address and received a residence card, etc. I seek advice on finding a consistent daily opportunity that can help support myself at the same time it naturally improves my Japanese listening and confidence with speaking.
For context, I’d studied the language for 5 years through self study, texting with language partners, tutoring, and language school, as well as immersion in native material. I worked in two Japanese environments in my home country and had a job where I taught immigrants from Japan about art in Japanese.
That being said, while my reading are writing are probably around N2 level, I lack confidence speaking and experience with listening — even after having listened to podcasts for years, my listening proficiency drops in and out from being able to understand what others are saying to not understanding at all. I experienced this at city hall as well as various stores and services. In addition, I find that my nerves impact my ability to speak Japanese or pronounce it properly. I had full blown conversations for hours with tutors and other Japanese friends, but while here in the country, I find myself awkwardly pronouncing basic words due to feeling intimidated.
While I’m currently working freelance in animation, I feel that I need to have some type of daily experience with pressure to improve my listening and confidence with speaking.
I’m wondering if I should be looking into a restaurant job or something more focused around physical labor, where someone might be expected to be around N3 level and there is a continual experience of being around spoken Japanese.
by 2erris-human