I'm doing a lot these days, it seems.
Yes, the situation at the school with the other teachers and the VP was bad, very bad. I don't think it should discourage people from wanting to come to Japan though. Not all situations are like this. And it's not really something you can say, "Man, Japan sucks!" about, because there are shitty jobs and coworkers in ANY country. As much as I disliked that school, it doesn't steal away the title of "My Worst Job Ever," which was a ride operator for a Six Flags amusement park.*
But it is a situation that exists, and it's not unique to me. One of my biggest gripes with the whole English teaching in Japan thing is how they bring us in so totally and wholly unprepared. If you truly are interested in teaching English in Japan, don't read stories like this and be scared off--instead, learn from them. If I can help people come here and be at least a little better informed about what they'll be facing than I was, then I'll be glad to have been of some help.
Another thing about dealing with bad situations in Japan is, you kind of have to do it Japanesely. Raising a big stink, directly confronting the VP, or even Gaijin Smashing him not only would have made things worse, but served to reinforce the "Americans are pushy and rude" stereotype that many Japanese people have of us. It's not me losing my American-ness, but learning to adapt to a different culture. When in Rome, they say. When foreigners come to America, we expect them to play by American rules, so for us to go overseas and still expect to do things our way is hypocritical and arrogant, I feel. A baseball club visiting another team's ballpark wouldn't expect to bat in the bottom of the inning and have the fans cheer for them, would they?
Actually, when Ms. S first came to the School of Peace, it caused problems for me. She created the English Club, and wanted me to attend the meetings everyday, which meant that I'd be at work for 1-2 hours over contract. Also, while I liked the English Club kids, I also liked being able to wander around and interact with other kids in other clubs. It was fun batting around with the baseball club, or giving badminton a try, or even just talking with the track and field club girls when they were on break. I didn't like being asked to go to the English Club everyday, but I didn't say anything directly about it.
The next time I was at the Board of Education, I casually asked if I could leave work a few minutes early. My supervisor agreed, and said that I was probably entitled to it if I'd been staying late at the schools. In a "by the way" manner, I told him that I actually had been staying late at the School of Peace, as I had to go to English Club meetings everyday. I also mentioned how much I liked the English club, but that I also enjoyed visiting with other clubs as well. The supervisor gives me a nonchalant, "Ah, is that so?" and I take off early.
The next time I went to the School of Peace, I noticed Ms. S didn't ask me to go to the English club everyday. She only asked me to go once or twice a week, and usually made an effort to try and end any plans involving me by my contract hours. This was perfect--I could get my English Club time in, I could still visit the other clubs, and now I could choose if I wanted to stay late or not. As I'd never said a word of this to Ms. S, I can only assume that my supervisor at the BOE contacted her and talked about the situation with her, to which she responded appropriately. In America, going about things this way is terribly round-about, and maybe even rude. But this is just how Japan works. And in the end, it worked out well for all parties involved.
At any rate, the contracting organization knows about the VP. And judging from conversations with some of the teachers, I'm pretty sure the school itself is well aware of his ways too. If they choose to do something about it, they will. If they don't, whatever, it's not my problem anymore. I gave them the problem in a manner that lets them deal with it on their own terms, not mine.
And lastly, for the umpteenth time, why postings are ~6 months behind--Gaijin Smash went online in May/June (?) 2006. From then until February 2007, the old archives from Outpost Nine were chronologically posted. While I'm sure this was excruciating for all the old OP9 fans, it gave me a much needed break to finish my time on JET, move apartments, find new work (the second teacher job), quit it, and then find new work again.
When the archive re-post finished in February '07, I began posting about the stuff that happened from May/June 06 that nobody had read about yet. It doesn't make sense to gloss over eight months of material to keep things present. Not to mention, this system works best for me. It gives me time to plan out what I'm going to write about next, and how. Which is why I can put up two quality (?) updates on a fixed day twice a week, rather than try to scribble about something that happened yesterday or the day before and throw it up as soon as possible.
So yes, the editorial world is just now moving into December, 2006. Now, if I have to explain this again, I'm going to start killing babies. Starting with the cutest ones, and working my way down.
*If there's interest, I'll do a write-up about this job from hell....If there's interest.
What do you mean "If there's interest"? If there wasn't any interest in hearing about you suffering, this whole website wouldn't exist! If there wasn't any interest in hearing about you suffering, the world would be a much sadder place... well for us at least. Your world seem pretty sad no matter what.
Of course we are interested.
I'd like to hear something about the Six Flags ride operator, actually.
Please DO write an article on being a Six flags article! btw, you do know that it's gone now right?
Hey, I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now (at work), and finally caught up with the most recent post. I'm a little gutted now that I have to wait until YOU post something up, rather than just finding the next instalment. Oh well, c'est la vie!
I'd like to say what a pleasure it has been to read your posts, and how you have probably enlightened so many people by humorously providing an insight into the perils and pleasures of teaching English in Japan.
I also hope to head over to Japan on a similar scheme next year, and am greatly spurred on by your musings on everything Japanese. I had to laugh at the hatemail you received as well. The comments seemed so unjustified, ill-thought out, or just plain racist, and the way you handled it and responded was admirable.
Props to you Az-Gaijin! Hope to hear of more adventures soon.
Az, you made an interesting point about "saving face." I teach in South Korea, and the concept of saving face is apparent here too: don't do something that will embarrass a senior in front of them. Sometimes, we newbies at this teaching job have killed face and we didn't even notice it. The cultural barriers are too blurred to notice. I hope you are enjoying life now after this tough experience. When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.
Do a write-up of Six Flags!
You will, of course, have to explain all this again in a few months.
There's interest.
There is interest in the story of that job.
Az, breaking american stereotypes by conforming to japanese stereotypes seems a bit redundant doesnt it? and i think some situations merit an in your face attitude, or even a to your face round about sort of japanese way. maybe 2 years ago eh?
Wait...that teacher job had you doing all the work for in a position you were untrained for, while the teachers got more cash than you for doing nothing. And you STILL say 6 Flags was worse? We need to hear THIS story. Enquiring minds want to know!
Did you use to work at the six flags in Vallejo, Marine World?
(Az's Note: Yeah...)
There is definitely. interest in the Six Flags job! The Teeming Millions demand to know!
If? That's like asking if the sun is hot or if you're black! Of course there's interest!
As an old OP9 fan, for me it was totally all right to read again your old articles.
6 month gap is not a big deal also, but i think all your readers would be glad to wish you luck or give some support when shit happened.
Anyway, sometimes i check OP9 to check on non-japanese-school-teacher-editorials, and a bit disappointed to find them a bit abandoned.
Az, you're the best. Keep going.
(Az's Note: I haven't abandoned OP9. I'm still thinking about her. I should have something good for OP9 soon...)
there IS interest! =D
long time reader, first time posting. Az, you inspire me to become a JET, no matter how bad your experiences are. if i don't become a JET... well... i'll just find a way to get a job in Japan.
+1 for six flags! :-)
Keep the stories coming!
So, what occupies your time now?
...and Six Flags? hmmm....
>>>>>*If there's interest, I'll do a write up about this job from hell. ...If there's interest.
There is much interest!
I am also interested!
Hey Az, nice one making it into Asahi Weekly!! Didnt believe my eyes at first ^^ Bet you will have hordes of new visitors coming in by now hehe!
keep up the good work! youre the man!
(Az's Note: ...What'd I do?)
Do tell us about 6 flags.
Oh, you *know* there's interest!!
Maybe it could be an OP9 entry instead of one here since it doesn't have anything to do with working in Japan.
Judging from the posts above me, you can obviously see there is absolutely no interest in your silly Six Flags job. They were all obviously just being sarcastic. Write something about celery. Everyone loves celery.
Not much left to add, just tell us about Six Flags please! :p
I always figured working in an amusement park must be the most depressing work imaginable - so do tell, please!
Definitely write about the worst job ever
Is it worst than changing and cleaning McDonald's fry vats? Cuz I've done that.
As long as you don't mean interest as in "because it's been so long, the readers all have to write a percentage of what you write", I'll have some of that interest. In a sense, it's your style of writing as much as the content that makes your editorials entertaining, so anything that inspires content is worth writing about.
Even if it doesn't have eight tentacles.
You actually had to ask if we were interested? That's like asking if the sky is blue, or if the Internet is full of morons, or if ninjas are awesome.
NOOO NOT THE CUTE BABIES!...hehe six flags
Hey Az,
First of all, good or bad, I wanted to let you know that I really enjoy reading editorials like "A Straw most final". Part of what drew me to your editorials back in 2005 was the human perspective on Japan, something that really kept me grounded when I began my Japanese culture studies in college. Your's was the first account I read that was brutally honest about things YOU experienced rather than generalizing and minimalizing the negative aspects like a lot of authors tend to do in the books I've read about Japan. I think that honesty and perspective were some of the things that lead me to continue my studies, and study in Japan like I plan to do next year.
That said, I would love to read an editorial about your six flags experience, but like Mary Catherine, suggest it be an OP9 entry rather than one on here, as it isn't really related to Japan (I assume ^O^).
"*If there's interest, I'll do a write up about this job from hell. ...If there's interest."
Relevant to my interest.
are you guys kidding?
have you ever gone to amusement parks and waited on endlessly long lines at the height of summer heat, with bratty kids whining and crying out loud, disgruntled, short-tempered parents cursing you out, and having to deal with this for 8 hours straight?
and i won't even start about the line cutters!
I'd like to hear about the Six Flags job, too.
And yeah, I agree with whoever said it above me: OP9 looks and feels abandoned. Looking forward to whatever you've got coming there.
Your Six Flags experience is relevant to my interests.
Anonymous demands more*.
*I refuse to misspell "more" on moral grounds.
Hey Az, nice one making it into Asahi Weekly!! Didnt believe my eyes at first ^^ Bet you will have hordes of new visitors coming in by now hehe!
keep up the good work! youre the man!
(Az's Note: ...What'd I do?)
Did Az make it to the local newspaper?
Hey Az. I've been reading your editorials for something like two years, but this is the first time I've commented. I definitely think you should write about the Six Flags job. Being a roller coaster enthusaist, I've realized that their parks aren't exactly perfect.
When I lived in the U.S. I was right next to a Six Flags Great America and went there often. The workers seemed so happy, so carefree! Now you are saying that was all lies?
I MUST KNOW THE TRUTH!
I just love your style of writing. You could write about your laundry duties and I would read them. Yes, for the Six Flags story, please.
I'd like to hear about your worst job ever, if the memories aren't too painful for you to talk about.
I can't imagine what it would be like to be a ride operator. My only experience with them are the vagabonds I've met that work the local fairs. Most of those guys were either drunk or stoned, and considering the people they dealt with, I didn't really blame them. At least being an English teacher, you got away from the kids during part of the day, yeah? There... Eek. I'm desperate for a job, and they probably couldn't pay me enough to do that. Especially the fake cheer. *shudders*
Anyhow, yeah, that's interest. We must hear! Sometimes, I think Americans thrive on suffering (especially others') as much as Japanese people.
Thou shalt write about the misery job at Six Flags.
Seriously, please write about it. I want to compare with my Worst Job Ever (going door to door, alone, 2-10PM Monday through Friday in a summer with temperatures always in the 90s, trying to talk people into buying overpriced Sierra Club Subscriptions.)
there is definitly interest in your hellish job (^_^)
Of course we're interested, Az. And while I have no doubt that Six Flags jobs can be unconscionably shitty (my cousin still tells horror stories about her time there), I feel compelled to ask: have you ever worked as a waiter? Because I spend most of my shifts thinking of elaborate ways to quit my job while gleefully setting fire to every bridge along the way. Many of them involve Greek dressing (because that shit's like turpentine) and one of my managers. There's also one that features a Rube Goldberg device involving three giant soup ladles, the milkshake machine, our backpack-mounted vacuum, and an entire bucket of pickled beets.
...I have a far too active imagination.
ah, AZ, you should do a stint as Gaijin Talent.
significqant_interest_for_Six_Flags_story++
I'm really glad you posted this followup, as your last entry was starting to shake my interest in JET (which I've planned on doing for going on 3 years). Even if things get difficult though, was going through everything worth it?
In regards to the Six Flags story/potential write-ups. BRING THAT SH*T! : D You're cool man and I've enjoyed reading your stories thus far. Thank you for everything.
Not meaning to be repetitive, but of course there's interest! You so amazingly phrase how bad this job is. Naturally, if there is something even worse, it would bring interest. I've been a long time reader, but am a first time commenter. I have to say I'm somewhat addicted to your entries. ^__^. Never a dull sentence.
Az, you're an internet phenomenon. OF COURSE THERE'S INTEREST!