Need a bit of encouragement just now.....

[OSS542]

Greetings All.....

I guess I need just a bit of encouragement or something right about now.  I originally come from an area in the US with a severely depressed economy (factories all closed about 30 years ago, and now has a 70% poverty rate).  I couldn't afford college.   To make a long story short, I worked my tail off educating myself to get out of there, and landed (using my Amy of all things) a decent research job in Japan.  That was 10 years or so ago...I've since settled down, married a good wife, coauthored a book, done university lectures and conferences, made the NY Times science page once, been interviewed nationwide on NHK for a Nova-like science program, and generally made up for lost time.

I've just learned that the research company I work for here will probably lose it's funding as the government and big corporations cut funds for basic research.  I may have to leave Japan and go back.  I'm nearing 50 now, and a bit out of touch with conditions in the US as I hadn't much left to go back to.  I'm probably worrying more than I ought.  I just don't want to end up back where I was.

I guess I could just use a bit of encouragement if it's not too much to ask.

Regards All
 

Hey guy,

I know how you mean, being in a similar situation in my life.    I'm also feeling a bit odd about the recent changes in the US.  I feel in many, many ways that the freedoms we all grew up with have fallen prey to "big brother" or simply eliminated altogether.  If I had no committments, I might even consider moving to Canada these days.

Wayne

[Cyberus]

Not sure if I know enough about your situation to comment, but you seem like an intelligent, strong minded guy. Any employer would love to have someone like you working for them, its just convincing them of the fact (I'm having this problem myself :-().
Also, don't underestimate the worth of being able to speak a little Japanese, definitely make a point of mentioning that in your CV (resume in US?).

All the best from England....

Come to England mate.  I hear the US ain't what it used to be! :-)

Good luck.

[Speelgoedmannetje]

You seem to be flexible enough to work anywhere, I wouldn't worry if I were you, but stay sharp. :-)

[cecilia]

have you looked at Australia and New Zealand?

they are closer, and don't seem to be suffering from the same american political/economic mudbath.

I too am trying to figure out what the heck i'm going to do "now".
I jokingly tell people i'm "semi-retired" - which is just another way to say I'm too damn tired to do anything. :-(

[adz]

Yeah, come to Australia, we're a friendly bunch downunder :-)

adz wrote:
Yeah, come to Australia, we're a friendly bunch downunder :-)

They have guns too! :lol:

[bloodline]

OSS542 wrote:
Greetings All.....

I guess I need just a bit of encouragement or something right about now.  I originally come from an area in the US with a severely depressed economy (factories all closed about 30 years ago, and now has a 70% poverty rate).  I couldn't afford college.   To make a long story short, I worked my tail off educating myself to get out of there, and landed (using my Amy of all things) a decent research job in Japan.  That was 10 years or so ago...I've since settled down, married a good wife, coauthored a book, done university lectures and conferences, made the NY Times science page once, been interviewed nationwide on NHK for a Nova-like science program, and generally made up for lost time.

I've just learned that the research company I work for here will probably lose it's funding as the government and big corporations cut funds for basic research.  I may have to leave Japan and go back.  I'm nearing 50 now, and a bit out of touch with conditions in the US as I hadn't much left to go back to.  I'm probably worrying more than I ought.  I just don't want to end up back where I was.

I guess I could just use a bit of encouragement if it's not too much to ask.

Regards All
 

Could be worse... you could be moving to London... ooooh, topical!!! :lol:

[adz]

mdma wrote:

adz wrote:
Yeah, come to Australia, we're a friendly bunch downunder :-)

They have guns too! :lol:

Guns, there ain't no guns down here, you can't even own an air rifle without a license :-? :-? :-?

[Methuselas]

adz wrote:

Guns, there ain't no guns down here, you can't even own an air rifle without a license :-? :-? :-?

Hmmmm.....well that's no fun. That makes me think of simpler times.

Ah.....the bb gun wars in my youth.  :lol: I remember many a welp on my @$$ after our 'commander' gave the order 'run away! run away!'

 :lol: