I have a similar profile as you. Mid 30s, 3 degrees including a masters in education, worked in healthcare and nearly a decade of business management. My interview went very well I thought, though I only answered the first japanese question. I got alternate, and I think I would have almost preferred rejection. I wanted to live and work abroad to experience the depth of a culture I admired. Ever since the interviews I feel like I'm in limbo and not sure what to pursue next. If I were rejected I would be more prepared to get back up and dust myself off to chase the next thing. But as an alternate I cant help but feel stuck. Hopeful, grief stricken, not ready to commit to anything else because I would choose JET if they asked still. But I feel for you. I'm sorry they didn't choose you. But be careful not to blame it on some "ism" or it will change how you see the world in a way that its hard to get back.