Happy Birthday! 31 Yes it hits you around 28-32or33 I’d say but it quickly goes away. We are probably all socialized to think of moving from our 20s to our 30s as a really big life change but it’s really not. After a few years you get accustomed to just feeling comfortable being in your 30s and feeling like it’s really just an extension of your 20s but even better! :) I encourage you to just think of it as YOUR 20s PART 2 40s and 50s are just like 30s part 1 and 2 . :) I remember having my birthday in Japan when I was turning 26 and it just seemed really odd to be getting older while in Japan but trust me on this one......Japan keeps you young! :) Well time to put the clothes in the dryer! I miss hanging them in Japan TODAY I MISS JAPAN SOOO MUCH !
Thank you so much for sharing! 30 is actually right around the corner from me, so I can definitely relate! I've actually lived in Japan for 4 years during my early 20's and it was the best time of my young adult life. In recent years nostalgia has been lingering and has made me contemplate about moving back. Now that 30 is knockin on my door I've made the decision to make it my goal to move back, one way or another! Thank you for sharing your experience and hope your 30's are just as fun, adventurous and fulling as in your 20s!
I can relate, for sure! I'll be turning 31 in October and, until fairly recently, I had been feeling like I hadn't been living up to the standards and expectations I had set for myself. Back in early 2020, I was in the middle of applying to graduate programs in Japan when the Japanese gov't decided to close their borders, which put an abrupt and undefined end to my opportunity to attend graduate school in Japan. The news was devastating. Given my age at the time (28/29) and how hard I had worked for an opportunity to pursue graduate school in Japan, I was heartbroken and felt my opportunity was gone. My trajectory was significantly altered. One life event after another happened and I felt I was getting further and further from my dreams. Then, BAM, 30's knocking at the door! So, I had a heart-to-heart with myself and decided not matter how old or behind I felt, living and studying in Japan wasn't going to be a "what if" for me. Coincidentally, Japan opened its borders shortly after my birthday. I was thinking of applying for an English teaching position but, around December, I came across a video of yours talking about language school! Given my intention to pursue graduate school in Japan, going to language school sounded like a better option than teaching English. So, thank you for sharing your experiences in Japan! I'm currently working to meet the requirements for a student visa and am hoping to start language school in Japan in July of next year. Happy belated birthday and congratulations on the growth of your channel! Keep working hard!
Ahh I’m happy to hear you haven’t given up on your dreams! I think we’re the same age. I find a lot of expats here are in their 30’s so you’ll be in good company. I was surprised when I joined language school that most other students were around my age. Thanks so much for watching and best of luck!!~ ^^
Well, I turned 62 recently and regret discovering Japan so late in life. I had opportunities to study Japanese in high school but didn’t take it. Now, it’s very hard for me to learn a new language but I’m struggling on. What I’m saying is you’re way ahead of many in terms of being where you want to be and doing what you like. Keep going, you’re on track, imho. Happy birthday!
Everything is chaos and all we can do is hold on and be kind. I turned 33 a few months ago and I definitely do not feel like I am where I thought I was "supposed to be by now" when I think of my past expectations. Happy Birthday and try to just enjoy each day as it comes and try not to worry about your own internal ideas about where you "should" be or what you think you should have done by now etc. Thanks for still making videos and sharing your experiences with us. Really enjoy seeing the perspective.
Happy Birthday 31 Amber-san! :-) From my perspective, you have really moved quickly and I'm so happy for you. I remember when I first found your channel, Japan was new and shiny, you loved it but were unsure (leaving NYC), Shikoku, teaching, Covid, but you overcame all obstacles and it seemed like every step you took was a step in the right direction. You moved to a place that is more social, your language school (good call), your new job ... where you can use some of your culinary skills and meet people, enjoy tea, and that will set you up for better things in the future. It looks like SUPER progress to me! Plenty of time for a family. Enjoy being in Japan, and remember that if you want to stay there long term you need to have a plan.
Happy birthday! I think it's completely normal and valid to have mixed feelings about our expectations back then versus our reality today. Our world has really changed so much in a short time and we occupy new roles and seek out adventures that make more sense to us in this time. I believe as time goes on it will become less isolating, I know that part isn't so great. But the tea shops, new apartments, festivals, living in Japan, learning the language, seeing rural areas (and absolutely yes I would love to see that!), you need to put into context that you are in fact living someone's (my) dream! I can speak forever about the measly two weeks I was in Japan, and it just seems like there's so much more to see. Rather than letting your 'existential' goals consume you this next year, know that you are capable of planning for it, and know there doesn't have to be a 'normal' timeline. I hope intuitively knowing you're the master of your destiny gives you calm. You may have not had the chance to grow, explore, and learn in the ways you've had if you've done something different up to this point. Don't forget to take a few moments each day to breathe deeply and appreciate the beauty around you, the results of your determination. You have a unique journey and you are where you need to be for now, and you're not alone in your experience. I know you will have the best 31st year to come!
Ahh this is true… It is so hard to see sometimes, but yeah there are so many parts of my life that I’m living that others dream of and that even I’ve dreamed about for so long (i.e living in Japan/Kyoto). Thanks so much for the birthday wishes and encouragement!~ ^^
I definitely understand that feeling. I just turned 28 and I’ve been here for a year without making a huge amount of progress in anything! It’s definitely true that moving abroad is a step back so thank you for reminding me of that. We also have to remember that covid has affected us for the last 3 years too. I think we have to just keep working towards our goals and keep looking forward instead of looking back too much. From an outsider perspective, I think you’re doing great! I started following you when you first started and you’ve been to so many places and made a lot of huge life changes in that time. I know that what you post isn’t the whole picture but it’s really inspiring to see your videos, hard work and passions. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in the future!
Thanks so much for this comment! It’s reassuring to hear that I’m not alone in the “feeling behind” thing. I have to remind myself that moving to a new country is such a huge thing that takes a large amount of energy to adjust too. Maybe now that we’re a bit more settled in we can refocus our energy on other goals. Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by, and feel free to send me a DM if you’re ever in Kyoto and want to hang!~
I totally understand your feeling that when you move abroad in your late 20s, you’re taking a ‘step back’, sometimes I feel the same way and it makes me feel discouraged. But I think when you feel that way, you’re still falling in the trap of comparing your career trajectory to others who have always stayed in one place. The truth is that you’re growing in ways that others never could by always staying in one place, the things that you’re gaining by going to Japan aren’t things that can be easily listed on a resume, but they’re still incredibly valuable things nonetheless. Sometimes I need to remind myself of these things too!
I think it depends where you move abroad Moving to Korea Pushed my life forward But again teaching in Korea comes with millions of incentives I became wealthy here 😊 But I plan to move to Japan next...where i may become poor 😅 Enjoy your time in Japan and don't compare yourself to where you thought you would be 😊
Ahh that’s so awesome, Korea does sound like the better deal for English teaching. I think it really depends on your goals though. Personally I felt moving to a new country took a large amount of energy. But now that I’m settled in I can refocus that energy back to my goals (hopefully 🤞🏻) But anyway, thanks so much as always for the comment and I hope you have a smooth transition to Japan!! ^^
There is a place you should visit you wash the money in the water in the snake cave! You do this on year of the snake ESPECIALLY! We can wash paper bills there . I’m a Snake Zodiac and I did it in 2013 on the year of the snake . It’s coming up 2025. Remember after Chinese New Year is best maybe in 2025 and also it can be visited too on any year. Like this year and next year. Too. :) Ohhh and it is near Kamakura. That’s in Kanagawa. One of my most most favorite favorite prefectures to visit because it has Yokohama and the giant Buddha. Washing paper money bills like 10,000 yen bills at the snake cave is said to bring wealth. I think few people know about it. Really special almost magical place. It was a bit hard to get to from Kamakura I think I had to take a taxi it was a bit hard to find BUT very well worth it !!! :) I’m a Snake Zodiac so I really liked that place.
tl/dr: I feel the same. I came across your Instagram post and wanted to message you, but I wasn't sure if you would see it. I can relate to how you're feeling - I'm 32 and still trying to break into the industry I want to work in, despite already being in a related field (I work in the games industry but want to be a games artist). It's not so much feeling behind my friends, but more about the pressure of getting older and feeling like time is slipping away. If I were to get the job role I want, I would have to start as a Junior, but I worry that I'm too old to be in a low-paying job. One of my colleagues went to university and became a concept artist where we work. After four years, he got bored and decided to go travelling. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to get my foot in the door. I've always dreamed of living in Japan, just like you are doing now. But I worry that if I were to do so, I would be away from my career, single, and having to start over when I return - all while getting older. I regret not doing it when I was younger. It's fascinating that you are in a place where I want to be, yet you feel the same way I do. You've done something really amazing, and many people our age with families and careers wish they were living your life but that door is completely closed to them. I hope you just continue to enjoy the adventure and don't put so much pressure on yourself.
Yess it’s exactly that, the “getting older and time slipping away” thing… But video game industry sounds very cool too. Thanks for sharing, hoping this will be the year we both see progress!~
Expectations are just insistence. Insistence is invalidating all options other than what you insist, must happen. You are resisting all other options including the ones that are more in alignment with your happiness than what you can imagine. You are limiting yourself. Certainly, you are only doing it because you don't really trust that you are worthy and deserving, that is the fundamental belief that i suggest you address. Knowing that you don't believe anything to be true that you don't believe benefits you, why would you chose to believe those things? I can suggest a spiritual teacher that can help you, if you wish. Just search for Bashar channeling with an open heart and mind an focus on the message, not so much on the messenger. I'd like to see more winter content. Thank you for sharing.
@@AmberJapanTravels All of it is depending on our beliefs. You can always give to things the meaning that you prefer, the meaning that will serve you best. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Birthday! 31 Yes it hits you around 28-32or33 I’d say but it quickly goes away. We are probably all socialized to think of moving from our 20s to our 30s as a really big life change but it’s really not. After a few years you get accustomed to just feeling comfortable being in your 30s and feeling like it’s really just an extension of your 20s but even better! :) I encourage you to just think of it as YOUR 20s PART 2 40s and 50s are just like 30s part 1 and 2 . :) I remember having my birthday in Japan when I was turning 26 and it just seemed really odd to be getting older while in Japan but trust me on this one......Japan keeps you young! :)
Well time to put the clothes in the dryer! I miss hanging them in Japan TODAY I MISS JAPAN SOOO MUCH !
Thank you so much for sharing! 30 is actually right around the corner from me, so I can definitely relate! I've actually lived in Japan for 4 years during my early 20's and it was the best time of my young adult life. In recent years nostalgia has been lingering and has made me contemplate about moving back. Now that 30 is knockin on my door I've made the decision to make it my goal to move back, one way or another! Thank you for sharing your experience and hope your 30's are just as fun, adventurous and fulling as in your 20s!
Omgosh that’s so awesome that you’re going to move back!! Thanks for watching and best of luck~ ^^
I can relate, for sure! I'll be turning 31 in October and, until fairly recently, I had been feeling like I hadn't been living up to the standards and expectations I had set for myself. Back in early 2020, I was in the middle of applying to graduate programs in Japan when the Japanese gov't decided to close their borders, which put an abrupt and undefined end to my opportunity to attend graduate school in Japan. The news was devastating. Given my age at the time (28/29) and how hard I had worked for an opportunity to pursue graduate school in Japan, I was heartbroken and felt my opportunity was gone. My trajectory was significantly altered. One life event after another happened and I felt I was getting further and further from my dreams. Then, BAM, 30's knocking at the door! So, I had a heart-to-heart with myself and decided not matter how old or behind I felt, living and studying in Japan wasn't going to be a "what if" for me. Coincidentally, Japan opened its borders shortly after my birthday. I was thinking of applying for an English teaching position but, around December, I came across a video of yours talking about language school! Given my intention to pursue graduate school in Japan, going to language school sounded like a better option than teaching English. So, thank you for sharing your experiences in Japan! I'm currently working to meet the requirements for a student visa and am hoping to start language school in Japan in July of next year. Happy belated birthday and congratulations on the growth of your channel! Keep working hard!
Ahh I’m happy to hear you haven’t given up on your dreams! I think we’re the same age. I find a lot of expats here are in their 30’s so you’ll be in good company. I was surprised when I joined language school that most other students were around my age. Thanks so much for watching and best of luck!!~ ^^
Well, I turned 62 recently and regret discovering Japan so late in life. I had opportunities to study Japanese in high school but didn’t take it. Now, it’s very hard for me to learn a new language but I’m struggling on. What I’m saying is you’re way ahead of many in terms of being where you want to be and doing what you like. Keep going, you’re on track, imho. Happy birthday!
Ahh yes I def find it hard to not wish I got here sooner….Anyway, let’s がんばれ in Japanese!
Thanks so much for the kind words and birthday wishes~ ^^
Everything is chaos and all we can do is hold on and be kind. I turned 33 a few months ago and I definitely do not feel like I am where I thought I was "supposed to be by now" when I think of my past expectations. Happy Birthday and try to just enjoy each day as it comes and try not to worry about your own internal ideas about where you "should" be or what you think you should have done by now etc. Thanks for still making videos and sharing your experiences with us. Really enjoy seeing the perspective.
Thanks so much for the encouraging words! It really is helpful to know I’m not alone in these feelings. Trying to see the positives~ ^^
Happy Birthday 31 Amber-san! :-) From my perspective, you have really moved quickly and I'm so happy for you. I remember when I first found your channel, Japan was new and shiny, you loved it but were unsure (leaving NYC), Shikoku, teaching, Covid, but you overcame all obstacles and it seemed like every step you took was a step in the right direction. You moved to a place that is more social, your language school (good call), your new job ... where you can use some of your culinary skills and meet people, enjoy tea, and that will set you up for better things in the future. It looks like SUPER progress to me! Plenty of time for a family. Enjoy being in Japan, and remember that if you want to stay there long term you need to have a plan.
This comment cheered me up a lot. It’s way too easy to focus on the negative sometimes, especially when looking at my own life. Thanks so much 😭😭😭
Such an authentic video! A breath of fresh air.
Thanks for stopping by~ ^^
Happy birthday! I think it's completely normal and valid to have mixed feelings about our expectations back then versus our reality today. Our world has really changed so much in a short time and we occupy new roles and seek out adventures that make more sense to us in this time. I believe as time goes on it will become less isolating, I know that part isn't so great. But the tea shops, new apartments, festivals, living in Japan, learning the language, seeing rural areas (and absolutely yes I would love to see that!), you need to put into context that you are in fact living someone's (my) dream! I can speak forever about the measly two weeks I was in Japan, and it just seems like there's so much more to see. Rather than letting your 'existential' goals consume you this next year, know that you are capable of planning for it, and know there doesn't have to be a 'normal' timeline. I hope intuitively knowing you're the master of your destiny gives you calm. You may have not had the chance to grow, explore, and learn in the ways you've had if you've done something different up to this point. Don't forget to take a few moments each day to breathe deeply and appreciate the beauty around you, the results of your determination. You have a unique journey and you are where you need to be for now, and you're not alone in your experience. I know you will have the best 31st year to come!
Ahh this is true… It is so hard to see sometimes, but yeah there are so many parts of my life that I’m living that others dream of and that even I’ve dreamed about for so long (i.e living in Japan/Kyoto). Thanks so much for the birthday wishes and encouragement!~ ^^
Thanks for sharing your continued adventures in Japan!
Thank you for stopping by here!~ ^^
I definitely understand that feeling. I just turned 28 and I’ve been here for a year without making a huge amount of progress in anything! It’s definitely true that moving abroad is a step back so thank you for reminding me of that. We also have to remember that covid has affected us for the last 3 years too. I think we have to just keep working towards our goals and keep looking forward instead of looking back too much.
From an outsider perspective, I think you’re doing great! I started following you when you first started and you’ve been to so many places and made a lot of huge life changes in that time. I know that what you post isn’t the whole picture but it’s really inspiring to see your videos, hard work and passions. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in the future!
Thanks so much for this comment! It’s reassuring to hear that I’m not alone in the “feeling behind” thing. I have to remind myself that moving to a new country is such a huge thing that takes a large amount of energy to adjust too.
Maybe now that we’re a bit more settled in we can refocus our energy on other goals. Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by, and feel free to send me a DM if you’re ever in Kyoto and want to hang!~
It’s all about perspective because you live in Japan which is my life goal 😂so you’ve already achieved everything I want to!
Ahhh haha, that is true!! Hope you can make it here!~
Catching up on your videos and I love this one. I'm so proud of you, Amber
Love and miss you so muchhhh
I totally understand your feeling that when you move abroad in your late 20s, you’re taking a ‘step back’, sometimes I feel the same way and it makes me feel discouraged. But I think when you feel that way, you’re still falling in the trap of comparing your career trajectory to others who have always stayed in one place. The truth is that you’re growing in ways that others never could by always staying in one place, the things that you’re gaining by going to Japan aren’t things that can be easily listed on a resume, but they’re still incredibly valuable things nonetheless. Sometimes I need to remind myself of these things too!
Ahh yes, I do believe the growth that comes with moving abroad on your own is invaluable! Thanks so much for the insight!^^
Forever impressed by you
Love youu
I think it depends where you move abroad
Moving to Korea
Pushed my life forward
But again teaching in Korea comes with millions of incentives
I became wealthy here 😊
But I plan to move to Japan next...where i may become poor 😅
Enjoy your time in Japan and don't compare yourself to where you thought you would be 😊
Ahh that’s so awesome, Korea does sound like the better deal for English teaching. I think it really depends on your goals though. Personally I felt moving to a new country took a large amount of energy. But now that I’m settled in I can refocus that energy back to my goals (hopefully 🤞🏻) But anyway, thanks so much as always for the comment and I hope you have a smooth transition to Japan!! ^^
There is a place you should visit you wash the money in the water in the snake cave!
You do this on year of the snake ESPECIALLY!
We can wash paper bills there .
I’m a Snake Zodiac and I did it in 2013 on the year of the snake .
It’s coming up 2025.
Remember after Chinese New Year is best maybe in 2025 and also it can be visited too on any year.
Like this year and next year. Too. :)
Ohhh and it is near Kamakura.
That’s in Kanagawa. One of my most most favorite favorite prefectures to visit because it has Yokohama and the giant Buddha.
Washing paper money bills like 10,000 yen bills at the snake cave is said to bring wealth.
I think few people know about it. Really special almost magical place. It was a bit hard to get to from Kamakura I think I had to take a taxi it was a bit hard to find BUT very well worth it !!! :)
I’m a Snake Zodiac so I really liked that place.
tl/dr: I feel the same.
I came across your Instagram post and wanted to message you, but I wasn't sure if you would see it. I can relate to how you're feeling - I'm 32 and still trying to break into the industry I want to work in, despite already being in a related field (I work in the games industry but want to be a games artist). It's not so much feeling behind my friends, but more about the pressure of getting older and feeling like time is slipping away. If I were to get the job role I want, I would have to start as a Junior, but I worry that I'm too old to be in a low-paying job.
One of my colleagues went to university and became a concept artist where we work. After four years, he got bored and decided to go travelling. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to get my foot in the door. I've always dreamed of living in Japan, just like you are doing now. But I worry that if I were to do so, I would be away from my career, single, and having to start over when I return - all while getting older. I regret not doing it when I was younger.
It's fascinating that you are in a place where I want to be, yet you feel the same way I do. You've done something really amazing, and many people our age with families and careers wish they were living your life but that door is completely closed to them. I hope you just continue to enjoy the adventure and don't put so much pressure on yourself.
Yess it’s exactly that, the “getting older and time slipping away” thing…
But video game industry sounds very cool too. Thanks for sharing, hoping this will be the year we both see progress!~
Expectations are just insistence. Insistence is invalidating all options other than what you insist, must happen. You are resisting all other options including the ones that are more in alignment with your happiness than what you can imagine. You are limiting yourself. Certainly, you are only doing it because you don't really trust that you are worthy and deserving, that is the fundamental belief that i suggest you address. Knowing that you don't believe anything to be true that you don't believe benefits you, why would you chose to believe those things?
I can suggest a spiritual teacher that can help you, if you wish. Just search for Bashar channeling with an open heart and mind an focus on the message, not so much on the messenger.
I'd like to see more winter content.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the advice~ I do think a lot of this stuff comes from within. I’m working on it ^^
@@AmberJapanTravels All of it is depending on our beliefs. You can always give to things the meaning that you prefer, the meaning that will serve you best. Thank you for sharing.