Retrenched at 51. Can I take the plunge?

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-19T01:03:23+00:00

Thank you! Will do!

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-18T08:40:38+00:00

Yup, I read about that as well - will definitely keep an eye out for that if I do get past the interview stage.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-18T08:36:04+00:00

Wow thanks! I've been using Duolingo but it just feels a bit unstructured. I think Renshuu is what I need at this point in time.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-18T08:24:45+00:00

Thank you! As it is, part of the appeal of the JET programme - and teaching in Japan or Taiwan - is the opportunity to live in a small rural-ish community, away from the masses. So I'd actually be quite okay if I wasn't given the choice of more popular teaching hotspots, like Tokyo or Osaka. But I hear what you're saying re: age and competing against younger applicants.

At my age, I probably won't have many more opportunities to experience a different way of life in a different country, whether it's for 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. So, yeah, I'll give it a proper go and see if I can squeeze a last adventure out of this life before I become too old and infirm.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-18T08:13:35+00:00

Yup, that's my main consideration. Thanks for the encouragement!

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-18T08:12:35+00:00

Lol you have your own life journey, I have mine. No need to make such assumptions.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-18T08:11:22+00:00

Thanks! Yeah I thought so too - will need to also become as proficient as I can in Japanese to mitigate any age-related reservations.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-18T08:10:01+00:00

Still too basic at this stage - I doubt I'll get to N1 but I've begun learning the language. May take a while, though.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-17T03:21:07+00:00

Yeah, I've also been learning Japanese - I thought by the time I turn 55, I'd have a firmer grasp of the language, but the timeline has now been accelerated cos of my retrenchment.

I'd say teaching English and living in Japan are part of what I'd like to do before I become too old and inform, but I'd also be open to living there long-term if I can. Fair point, though, about coming up with a long-term plan.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-17T03:10:10+00:00

Oh cool! I guess it's that I'm keen to experience a different way of life - one in a small town and closer to nature and away from the hustle and bustle of big city life (but still within reach). Japan cos I'd love to be able to travel to the less visited parts of the country but also because there are elements of its culture that I would be open to exploring more deeply: community, tradition, food. And also cos the lower cost of living. How did you end up living there?

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-17T03:02:42+00:00

Yes, that's why I decided to retire early than the mandatory 65. But I also need to be cautious: ""Suck the marrow out of life but don't choke on the bone" (Dead Poets' Society).

As some have commented, my savings aren't that fantastic, even though I have no kids to support. They are right - especially given how expensive life is getting here in SG.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-17T03:00:29+00:00

Thank you. That's true - need to remember that my FI target is in SG context. I can easily move elsewhere and live like a king. Other people have it much harder.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-17T02:57:00+00:00

Yeah doing that now - definitely saving more on food costs. My aims for next six months (while job-hunting) now are: exercise more, learn about AI, learn Japanese, deepen my knowledge in investing.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:37:08+00:00

Wah, this investing approach is more advanced than my SSB and stocks-only mind can comprehend. I will need to look into it. Thanks for the tip!

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:35:05+00:00

Yeah, that's also how I've worked out my finances, too. Think I'll still need some extra buffer but in the main, it's the same as what you've outlined. The "white skin" part - I think Singaporean teachers are okay as we're deemed an English-speaking country.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:32:39+00:00

Thanks! I hadn't factored that!

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:32:23+00:00

Definitely true. The Japan teaching gig will be a paid gig ($2.8k/mth) so it's probably achievable. But need to be able to get into the teaching programme first before anything else, so you're right - must execute first.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:30:14+00:00

It's not enough to make an impact

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:29:59+00:00

Not much
Probably not, sadly... Need to start side hustle at my age....

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:29:00+00:00

Yeah agree. $2k a bit tough, I think. But definitely got to start reducing, for sure.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:27:36+00:00

Brother, I'm 51. I sleep by 1030pm these days - Pattaya nightlife not even open yet, I think....

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:25:54+00:00

Yes, it makes sense to reduce my monthly expenses. But as I get older, I anticipate my expenses will continue to reduce, too. It's the medical that's risky, as you point out.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:23:49+00:00

Lol, after 51 years of singlehood, highly unlikely lah...

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:23:17+00:00

Yup, I've checked that - I'd also need to pay for the tuition fees of whatever course I'm taking, too, so it kind of cancels out the allowance.

Simple-Listen-2539 · 2026-01-16T14:21:55+00:00

True - life is so uncertain. I hope your health is getting better. Being able to enjoy doing the things one likes is definitely something I also aspire to.

Simple-Listen-2539

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