Yet another advice thread!

[skunk3]

Greetings, everyone!

I already attempted to type up this message once before, but Chrome (my browser) decided to commit suicide just as I was about to post, so I do not know how much I want to recap, but it must be done!

I'm not sure where to begin, so I will just lay this out stream-of-consciousness style.

A little info about me:

I am a non-traditional college student in the United States. I will be 32 years old this upcoming November and I graduate next May with bachelor's degrees in history, philosophy, and religious studies. I was speaking to one of my professors about my plans after graduation when he mentioned the JET program.

Does anyone have experience with this? If so, what are the duties involved? Is it generally enjoyable? I am a patient, friendly, and inquisitive person, so I am not one to get stressed out by new challenges. My professor told me that living accommodations were provided, as well as a stipend for food. I then looked on the JET website and it appears that this is not true. It is also mentioned on the site that first-year employees receive a salary of 3.36 million yen, which is approximately $41,800 US. Is this a living wage? I've heard rumors that Japan is generally quite expensive.

Do individuals enrolling in the JET program get a choice of where they end up?

I randomly came across this forum not too long ago and signed up because I'd love to hear some opinions / feedback / stories / etc.

I've never been outside of the United States and the prospect of living in Japan for a year seems pretty amazing. Are the Japanese generally friendly and welcoming, as I've heard?

Feel free to comment on this thread or e-mail me directly!

[KansaiBen]

I am a non-traditional college student in the United States. I will be 32 years old this upcoming November and I graduate next May with bachelor's degrees in history, philosophy, and religious studies. I was speaking to one of my professors about my plans after graduation when he mentioned the JET program.

Does anyone have experience with this? If so, what are the duties involved? Is it generally enjoyable? I am a patient, friendly, and inquisitive person, so I am not one to get stressed out by new challenges. My professor told me that living accommodations were provided, as well as a stipend for food. I then looked on the JET website and it appears that this is not true. It is also mentioned on the site that first-year employees receive a salary of 3.36 million yen, which is approximately $41,800 US. Is this a living wage? I've heard rumors that Japan is generally quite expensive.

There have been JETs coming to Japan since 1987 and now there are over 50,000 alumnae of JET worldwide. JETs work as cultural ambassadors, as assistant language teachers in Japanese junior and senior high schools.

Personally I have not been on JET, for the most part its an enjoyable experience, but about 50% do not renew their contract for a second year. JETs may get accomodation provided or subsidised, normally you will take over the apartment of the person before you.
JETs get about 300,000 yen a month, out of which is taken health insurance, rent, utilities. JET salaries are sufficient to live on (if they werent you wouldnt have people apply to it) Living costs are lower in provincial or rural areas.

Do individuals enrolling in the JET program get a choice of where they end up?

You can choose where you want to go but there is no guarantee you will get your initial choice. Essentially you go where they send you and if you refuse their choice you can lose your place in line and it will go to someone else.

I've never been outside of the United States and the prospect of living in Japan for a year seems pretty amazing. Are the Japanese generally friendly and welcoming, as I've heard?

in general Japanese are friendly and hospitable, you will get the rock star treatment but coming here will require an adjustment, you will feel lonely and isolated at times, if you are in a small town or city there may not be much to do so you learn very quickly how to entertain yourself. I have found the further you get away from big cities the friendlier people tend to be. Living in Tokyo etc can be convenient and fun but its also easy to feel lost in a big city.

[skunk3]

There have been JETs coming to Japan since 1987 and now there are over 50,000 alumnae of JET worldwide. JETs work as cultural ambassadors, as assistant language teachers in Japanese junior and senior high schools.

Personally I have not been on JET, for the most part its an enjoyable experience, but about 50% do not renew their contract for a second year. JETs may get accomodation provided or subsidised, normally you will take over the apartment of the person before you.
JETs get about 300,000 yen a month, out of which is taken health insurance, rent, utilities. JET salaries are sufficient to live on (if they werent you wouldnt have people apply to it) Living costs are lower in provincial or rural areas.





You can choose where you want to go but there is no guarantee you will get your initial choice. Essentially you go where they send you and if you refuse their choice you can lose your place in line and it will go to someone else.



in general Japanese are friendly and hospitable, you will get the rock star treatment but coming here will require an adjustment, you will feel lonely and isolated at times, if you are in a small town or city there may not be much to do so you learn very quickly how to entertain yourself. I have found the further you get away from big cities the friendlier people tend to be. Living in Tokyo etc can be convenient and fun but its also easy to feel lost in a big city.

Do you think that my age would be a detriment as far as being selected for the JET program? I think that something like this would be great for me because I am unmarried, do not have children, and have no real ties to any particular location. I've moved around a lot, and I've lived in places ranging from large cities to the middle of nowhere. I currently live far out in the countryside, so I am used to being bored and lonely. As long as I have books, my computer, and my music gear (I doubt that I will be able to bring that), I am always entertained.

Unfortunately, I do not know much about various Japanese cities and provinces. I'm not really into "nightlife." I got that out of my system during my 20's. I do like to travel, take photos, experience local culture and cuisine, etc. One thing that I can mention is that I am not very fond of cold weather. I have hypothyroidism, so my body temperature runs a degree or two low. Basically, I get cold easily.

I would like to stay in an area that offers a nice balance of city and rural life. I would also like to be somewhere fairly close to the ocean, since I as of yet have never actually SEEN an ocean. Relatively inexpensive and healthy food is also a plus. Any suggestions?

[Effected After]

Jet does not give you a choice of where you live. They tell you, and you live there.

As far as English teaching jobs go, it's one of the best. It pays more money than most, with a secured position, and usually decent apartments. A lot of JET teachers have to find jobs in the private sector after their contracts are up (I worked with a bunch previously) and most of them said it is a hard adjustment.

But if you are coming to Japan, with no other qualifications than those to be a teacher, it's probably the best job you can get.

On a side note, I thought JET teachers didn't have to pay for medical.

[KansaiBen]

Do you think that my age would be a detriment as far as being selected for the JET program? I think that something like this would be great for me because I am unmarried, do not have children, and have no real ties to any particular location. I've moved around a lot, and I've lived in places ranging from large cities to the middle of nowhere. I currently live far out in the countryside, so I am used to being bored and lonely. As long as I have books, my computer, and my music gear (I doubt that I will be able to bring that), I am always entertained.

Most JETS are university graduates, in their early to mid 20's though applicants in their 30's are not unheard of. Keep in mind you will work as an ALT with a licenced qualified JTE (Japanese teacher of English) and if you are older than the teacher you work with it can be harder to place you. You are not there to steal his thunder or outshine him either.

Unfortunately, I do not know much about various Japanese cities and provinces. I'm not really into "nightlife." I got that out of my system during my 20's. I do like to travel, take photos, experience local culture and cuisine, etc. One thing that I can mention is that I am not very fond of cold weather. I have hypothyroidism, so my body temperature runs a degree or two low. Basically, I get cold easily.

Japan is quite cold in the winter, I live in Kansai, we get snow occasionally and in winter we can get zero degree temperatures. Ask to be placed in Kyushu, western Japan or Shikoku if that is a problem.

I would like to stay in an area that offers a nice balance of city and rural life. I would also like to be somewhere fairly close to the ocean, since I as of yet have never actually SEEN an ocean. Relatively inexpensive and healthy food is also a plus. Any suggestions?

Fukuoka in Kyushu seems to have a vibrant social nightlife for foreigners, nice food and people are friendly. Korea is a ferry ride away. For info on Fukuoka contact Bella Bowtruckle who lives there and can answer questions. I live in Nara which is just out side of Osaka and great if you dont like big cities but want to live close enough to the big lights. I have heard of JETs living in Nara and they live out among rice paddies and farms. All of the eastern seaboard faces onto the ocean, my personal picks would be in Wakayama, Kochi in Shikoku or southern Kyushu. Most of Japanese food is healthy and cheap though you can get most fast food if you really want it.

JETs also get their airfare paid for, put up in a nice hotel in Tokyo when they arrive and usually walk into a fully furnished apartment if they are taking over someones apartment. They also seem to have a strong alumnae association and many ex-JETs end up in lots of Japan related jobs when they go home.

[hml]

Personally I have not been on JET, for the most part its an enjoyable experience....

I've enjoyed not being on JET as well.

Seriously, tho, I have been an ALT and it was a major cush job. I taught no more than 17 hours a week, half of those were leading classes and half were spent reading the occasional sentence. Most of my time was spent interacting with students outside of class. I was at schools for about 30 to 35 hours a week including lunch time. I was paid about 3.5 million. It was fun - I'd do it again if I wasn't making a lot more now.

[Hijinx]

I've enjoyed not being on JET as well.

It was the most enjoyable experience I never had.

[KansaiBen]

I've enjoyed not being on JET as well.

Seriously, tho, I have been an ALT and it was a major cush job. I taught no more than 17 hours a week, half of those were leading classes and half were spent reading the occasional sentence. Most of my time was spent interacting with students outside of class. I was at schools for about 30 to 35 hours a week including lunch time. I was paid about 3.5 million. It was fun - I'd do it again if I wasn't making a lot more now.

JET is popular BECAUSE it is such a cushy number. Compare that to working your tail off at NOVA or GEOS, you have to finance your own apartment and key money, pay your own health insurance and airfare and the burnout factor on JET is not as high. However most local city government are now trimming the fat and finding they can not afford 6 million yen plus a year needed to host a JET teacher so they are now farming out the ALT jobs to private companies.

[skunk3]

What is NOVA / GEOS? I obviously have much to learn when it comes to the types of jobs that foreigners can typically get. I've only just heard of the JET program, and from what I have heard so far, it seems great. I am originally from an area that gets quite cold, so I am used to it... I just don't like it much. I am not entirely sure what I want to do after graduating at my current school. I was considering going to law school, but I know that my recommendations from current professors are already guaranteed, so if I end up really enjoying the JET program I may just do it for an extra year or even see if there are similar sorts of programs elsewhere in Asia. Unfortunately, having a history and philosophy background isn't going to be terribly useful in a foreign land, especially since I am not fluent in any Asian languages. The way I look at it, the worst case scenario would be me simply working there for a year, only to come back to the U.S. and pursue grad school. I am sure that the JET program would look nice on a resume. Can anyone recommend a job that would be good step up after doing JET for a year? Someone mentioned that they went on to a better job afterwards. Also, I wouldn't be attempting to outshine anyone or steal someone else's thunder... I just want to do my job well and enjoy the experience.

[skunk3]

I've enjoyed not being on JET as well.

Seriously, tho, I have been an ALT and it was a major cush job. I taught no more than 17 hours a week, half of those were leading classes and half were spent reading the occasional sentence. Most of my time was spent interacting with students outside of class. I was at schools for about 30 to 35 hours a week including lunch time. I was paid about 3.5 million. It was fun - I'd do it again if I wasn't making a lot more now.

What did you go on to do afterwards?

[hml]

What did you go on to do afterwards?

Bigger and better things.

[skunk3]

Bigger and better things.

Care to elaborate? I'm always looking for ideas.

[Shakes Spear]

...my body temperature runs a degree or two low. Basically, I get cold easily.

You already sound Japanese! You should fit in here quite nicely.

[Bella Bowtruckle]

Japan is quite cold in the winter, I live in Kansai, we get snow occasionally and in winter we can get zero degree temperatures. Ask to be placed in Kyushu, western Japan or Shikoku if that is a problem.
Fukuoka in Kyushu seems to have a vibrant social nightlife for foreigners, nice food and people are friendly. Korea is a ferry ride away. For info on Fukuoka contact Bella Bowtruckle who lives there and can answer questions.

Fukuoka is indeed a good city to live in, it's near the ocean and also near the mountains if that's what you wanted. It's a city, though the suburbs don't feel that way. You can get into the city center pretty easily. Food and restaurants are good, though the nightlife (as in clubs) is pretty poor really if you're from a big city elsewhere. I'm not, but even I got bored after a short time. There are a couple of hot springs here - functional rather than picturesque, but easy access to the nicer hot springs in other parts of Kyushu. Fukuoka has a long history but isn't historical. It was almost completely razed to the ground during the wars. There is a so called 'ancient shrine town' nearby, but that's a daytrip if you want to see things once and then move on. However, I used to go to one particular temple garden there about once a month for a while because I found it calming, and then I'd go to a hot spring afterwards. If you want the essence of ancient Japan Fukuoka is not the place to be.

As for the climate. It's said to be mild but we still get snow. Like the OP I hate cold weather, and the thing that really p*sses me off about Fukuoka is that the housing is so poor. Really. I'm absolutely freezing inside my home in winter. It's horrible. When I talk to Japanese people about it they say 'Oh but Fukuoka is so hot in summer, so houses are built for summer'. Frankly, bulls*t. I'm hotter inside here in summer and colder inside here in winter, construction is just sub-standard and shoddy. Now if you really really hate cold weather then you might be better off in Hokkaido. It may sound really stupid, but the folks from Fukuoka I know who go there are always amazed at how warm they felt there - how the Hokkaido people have really adapted to the cold and how warm and comfortable their homes are. Yes it sucks to have to go to work in snowdrifts - but at least when you get home it's toasty and warm and you can sleep OK and not dread needing to go to the toilet at night - running along the corridor as your breath forms a fog in front of you. If you feel the cold you might be better off in as place that accommodates people who feel the cold?

[Effected After]

You are right about Hokkaido - they actually use insulation there (or at least in the places I've visited), so houses are actually warm. I found Canadian winters to be warmer than Japanese winters, even though the actual temperature where I lived in Canada is about 10-20 degrees colder in Canada than where I live in Japan.

[hml]

Care to elaborate? I'm always looking for ideas.

I was headhunted by an IT company. Not very much help, I'm sure. Sorry.

[skunk3]

Fukuoka is indeed a good city to live in, it's near the ocean and also near the mountains if that's what you wanted. It's a city, though the suburbs don't feel that way. You can get into the city center pretty easily. Food and restaurants are good, though the nightlife (as in clubs) is pretty poor really if you're from a big city elsewhere. I'm not, but even I got bored after a short time. There are a couple of hot springs here - functional rather than picturesque, but easy access to the nicer hot springs in other parts of Kyushu. Fukuoka has a long history but isn't historical. It was almost completely razed to the ground during the wars. There is a so called 'ancient shrine town' nearby, but that's a daytrip if you want to see things once and then move on. However, I used to go to one particular temple garden there about once a month for a while because I found it calming, and then I'd go to a hot spring afterwards. If you want the essence of ancient Japan Fukuoka is not the place to be.

As for the climate. It's said to be mild but we still get snow. Like the OP I hate cold weather, and the thing that really p*sses me off about Fukuoka is that the housing is so poor. Really. I'm absolutely freezing inside my home in winter. It's horrible. When I talk to Japanese people about it they say 'Oh but Fukuoka is so hot in summer, so houses are built for summer'. Frankly, bulls*t. I'm hotter inside here in summer and colder inside here in winter, construction is just sub-standard and shoddy. Now if you really really hate cold weather then you might be better off in Hokkaido. It may sound really stupid, but the folks from Fukuoka I know who go there are always amazed at how warm they felt there - how the Hokkaido people have really adapted to the cold and how warm and comfortable their homes are. Yes it sucks to have to go to work in snowdrifts - but at least when you get home it's toasty and warm and you can sleep OK and not dread needing to go to the toilet at night - running along the corridor as your breath forms a fog in front of you. If you feel the cold you might be better off in as place that accommodates people who feel the cold?

Why are Japanese dwellings so poorly insulated? Do they just enjoy being cold?

I do not have an aversion to nightlife, but it is not the end-all, be-all that it tends to be for many. What I ultimately care about is overall fun factor. This, I assume, would come from a great mix of cultural/nature-based things to do combined with a sufficient amount of city life and the conveniences and experiences that tends to offer. I like thrift stores, arcades, weird shops of all kinds, used music and video stores, etc.

I'd like to be able to soak up a decent understanding of modern and historic Japan during my time there. Both are equally important to me, and like I intimated earlier on, I currently live in a very boring area, so I am sure that being bored over there isn't very likely. I'm good at keeping myself occupied / entertained.

Those who have experience with the JET program -- how far away are living accommodations from where I would be teaching, on average? Does this just vary, or do they tend to be fairly close? Also, do JET participants receive a stipend for food expenses? Do apartments tend to have showers or bath tubs? What are some of the normal, daily amenities that tend to be the most overpriced or hard-to-find? (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)

Conversely, what tends to be very reasonably priced and easy to find? In other words, what are the awesome deals to be had in Japan?

[Glenski]

Does anyone have experience with this (Jet program)? If so, what are the duties involved? Is it generally enjoyable?

Thousands are hired every year, although the number has been declining since 2002.

Some JET ALTs are treated well, while others are relegated to being human tape recorders. The experience is summed up by the JET ALT motto ESID (every situation is different).

My professor told me that living accommodations were provided, as well as a stipend for food.

He is wrong. In some cases ALTs get reduced or free rent, but by and large they pay for everything by themselves. Perhaps your prof was one of the lucky ones years ago?

I then looked on the JET website and it appears that this is not true. It is also mentioned on the site that first-year employees receive a salary of 3.36 million yen, which is approximately $41,800 US. Is this a living wage? I've heard rumors that Japan is generally quite expensive.

JET pays a very good wage for people who are just starting out in TEFL. Better than most places. Since you will likely be posted in a rural area, your expenses will be less than usual. JET also is one of the few places that pays airfare.

Do individuals enrolling in the JET program get a choice of where they end up?

They are allowed to make requests for 2-3 places, but in the end you go where they tell you. The boards of education (BOE) decide what type of person they want, so they might choose by age or nationality or gender, etc.

Are the Japanese generally friendly and welcoming, as I've heard?

Depends on what you have heard. In general they are very nice people.[/QUOTE]

Japan is quite cold in the winter

Cold is relative, KB. Depends on where you are in Japan and what you are used to. I find the northern reaches of Hokkaido to have rather mild winters, while some people complain about freezing their arses off. Insulation is not always used as one might expect up here, by the way, so it also depends on what kind of housing one has. There is no central heating, though, just a typical space heater.

Do you think that my age would be a detriment as far as being selected for the JET program?

No, they typically hire uni graduates and on up to about age 40,and even after that there are exceptions.

One thing that I can mention is that I am not very fond of cold weather. I have hypothyroidism, so my body temperature runs a degree or two low. Basically, I get cold easily.

Then you'd better hope for posting in a warmer area. As for being posted near a beach, same thought holds as mentioned above. Request what you want, but realize that beach areas, bigger cities and Hokkaido/Okinawa are among the more popular requested places.

What is NOVA / GEOS?

Those are 2 of the biggest 4 conversation schools (eikaiwa) in Japan. Both went bankrupt, but for different reasons, a few years ago. Their names still stand on signs because the company that took them over wanted customers to feel as if they were still taking classes from the same place.

I was considering going to law school, ... I am sure that the JET program would look nice on a resume.

Uh, no. Not for law school.

Can anyone recommend a job that would be good step up after doing JET for a year?

You graduated college, right? What do you want to do with that degree and your life? JET and any other sort of international teaching gives someone a chance to experience life and work abroad, little else, unless you really really apply yourself to the local language and business.

Want into on the JET program from people on it? Go to www.bigdaikon.com and ask away.

[KansaiBen]

Those who have experience with the JET program -- how far away are living accommodations from where I would be teaching, on average?

ESID, you are looking at one hour maximum commuting time (by train/bus). In some areas you may need to drive a car or buy a motor scooter as bus services are not that reliable.

Also, do JET participants receive a stipend for food expenses?

In general no, BOEs do not pay for everything you use, sometimes you may get a daily allowance, case by case.

Do apartments tend to have showers or bath tubs?

Newer apartments generally have a unit bath which is a bath tub and a toilet in the same room. Japanese shower outside the bath using a shower hose and soak afterwards in the tub. If you dont have a bath tub you go to a "sento" or a public bath house.

What are some of the normal, daily amenities that tend to be the most overpriced or hard-to-find? (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)

I dont know why you think these would be overpriced or hard to find, there are shopping malls and supermarkets all over the place, or go to a pharmacy. Sometimes they even have sales. If you are looking for Mars Bars or Vegemite or your favorite brand of peanut butter you might have problems. If you are fussy about floride in toothpaste you may have to shop around.

Conversely, what tends to be very reasonably priced and easy to find? In other words, what are the awesome deals to be had in Japan?

You can pick up stuff cheap or free at sayonara sales, Yahoo auctions, there are recycling shops where you can buy second hand furniture. You can get some good deals on electronics, laptops and computers You can also eat cheaply on Japanese food once you know what to look for and learn how to cook at home. You can pick up second hand cars and motorbikes cheaply also.

[skunk3]

Cold is relative, KB. Depends on where you are in Japan and what you are used to. I find the northern reaches of Hokkaido to have rather mild winters, while some people complain about freezing their arses off. Insulation is not always used as one might expect up here, by the way, so it also depends on what kind of housing one has. There is no central heating, though, just a typical space heater.

No, they typically hire uni graduates and on up to about age 40,and even after that there are exceptions.

Then you'd better hope for posting in a warmer area. As for being posted near a beach, same thought holds as mentioned above. Request what you want, but realize that beach areas, bigger cities and Hokkaido/Okinawa are among the more popular requested places.

Those are 2 of the biggest 4 conversation schools (eikaiwa) in Japan. Both went bankrupt, but for different reasons, a few years ago. Their names still stand on signs because the company that took them over wanted customers to feel as if they were still taking classes from the same place.

Uh, no. Not for law school.

You graduated college, right? What do you want to do with that degree and your life? JET and any other sort of international teaching gives someone a chance to experience life and work abroad, little else, unless you really really apply yourself to the local language and business.

Want into on the JET program from people on it? Go to www.bigdaikon.com and ask away.

I went to the website you specified, but it seems really out of date. I read the stories posted, but everything else is pretty much out of order. The links on the links page seem to be about 10 years old as well, if they work at all.

[skunk3]

ESID, you are looking at one hour maximum commuting time (by train/bus). In some areas you may need to drive a car or buy a motor scooter as bus services are not that reliable.



In general no, BOEs do not pay for everything you use, sometimes you may get a daily allowance, case by case.



Newer apartments generally have a unit bath which is a bath tub and a toilet in the same room. Japanese shower outside the bath using a shower hose and soak afterwards in the tub. If you dont have a bath tub you go to a "sento" or a public bath house.






I dont know why you think these would be overpriced or hard to find, there are shopping malls and supermarkets all over the place, or go to a pharmacy. Sometimes they even have sales. If you are looking for Mars Bars or Vegemite or your favorite brand of peanut butter you might have problems. If you are fussy about floride in toothpaste you may have to shop around.




You can pick up stuff cheap or free at sayonara sales, Yahoo auctions, there are recycling shops where you can buy second hand furniture. You can get some good deals on electronics, laptops and computers You can also eat cheaply on Japanese food once you know what to look for and learn how to cook at home. You can pick up second hand cars and motorbikes cheaply also.

I have been reading some of the stories on www.bigdaikon.com tonight and I have to admit that I am a bit shocked by what I've read. Is the housing really as awful as the stories posted on that site, and are Japanese students always so quiet and uninvolved in classes? From what I can gather, individuals in the JET program aren't really taught to teach at all, and in many cases are expected to do 100% of the supposedly SHARED work. I also now know to do nothing that could potentially get me arrested, or even accused of doing something worthy of arrest.

[Glenski]

are Japanese students always so quiet and uninvolved in classes?

Having taught in HS attached to a JHS, and currently teaching in a university...I can safely say that students are pretty much uninvolved / disinterested in English most of the time. They are "quiet" because that is the nature of their culture in a classroom: respect the elders/teachers and listen to them lecture on and on and on and on...

From what I can gather, individuals in the JET program aren't really taught to teach at all, and in many cases are expected to do 100% of the supposedly SHARED work.

ESID: every situation is different in JET. Some do nothing but human tape recorder work, others share equally, and others practically command the class -- like it or not.

As for bigdaikon, I have not been there in years, literally. Can't even get into the site tonight. Que sera sera. Go here and see what former JETs had to say on their JET journals. It's the official site anyway.
http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/current/pubs/journal.html

Housing can be a dump or something relatively decent. You're dealing with the government here, and you will almost always have secondhand housing with secondhand furnishings. Rural apartments tend to be less attractive than urban ones, too. Deal with it.

[Effected After]

I have been reading some of the stories on www.bigdaikon.com tonight and I have to admit that I am a bit shocked by what I've read. Is the housing really as awful as the stories posted on that site

Take everything with a grain of salt. The majority of JET teachers are fresh out of university with little perspective on life, and a sense of entitlement bigger than sunnyday's vagina. On top of this, people who are happy don't generally proclaim it on the internet. Usually it's the people with problems, whether real or not, that make all the noise on the net.

I used to work for an English company when I first came to Japan, and it was a pretty crappy one. Most of the young teachers complained non-stop about it. We got a teacher who was mid-50s, and he never complained. When I asked him about it one time, he said 'I've been out in the real world. This job is awesome. These guys just don't have the perspective to be able to understand that'.