Before I leave my country Japan...

[shijing]

Hi Aya --

The worst if you leave: No job.
The worst if you stay: No life.

Be strong Aya! Just tell your boss the truth, you are scared and you need a week off to see family and friends. It's not forever, hell, it might only be for a couple of weeks tops, if everything works out, you just come back, and get a new job, no harm, no foul.

As for money concerns, you can always get more money, you can't get more seconds.

I agree with this and the other feedback you've been given, and Atreides is right that it could only be a couple of weeks -- depending on your job, it may just mean taking your vacation time early, and I hope your boss will be understanding (he would be kind of crazy not to be considering this himself, I think). I have a friend whose family also lives in Chiba-ken (in Urayasu-shi), and I hope that he is considering the same thing that you are right now. The fact that you have a place to go and stay with ~fabric~ is a big plus, so safe journey and I hope that the worst doesn't happen and that you are able to return sooner rather than later.

 

[Meager1]

If I were in this situation, I would probably be thinking the same thing about wanting to leave the immediate disaster zone, especially now that it appears things are out of control.

Things are getting out of control or are "under" control everywhere.
I`m not going to suggest that you leave or stay in Japan, that needs to be your own decision, for the right reasons.
Nowhere is "safe" and it seems that even if a place with few natural disasters could be located, the man made ones would be likely anyway.

The horror of the situation is more evident every day.
You will know what to do. Be safe.

 

[Mr. Premise]

If I were in this situation, I would probably be thinking the same thing about wanting to leave the immediate disaster zone, especially now that it appears things are out of control.

Things are getting out of control or are "under" control everywhere.
I`m not going to suggest that you leave or stay in Japan, that needs to be your own decision, for the right reasons.
Nowhere is "safe" and it seems that even if a place with few natural disasters could be located, the man made ones would be likely anyway.

The horror of the situation is more evident every day.
You will know what to do. Be safe.

I disagree with this. For the next few weeks I would rather be anywhere than Japan. Even Afghanistan. Exposure to radiation will cause problems the rest of your life, mostly anmuch higher risk of nasty cancers.

 

[ScioAgapeOmnis]

Yeah on second thought, given the nuclear threat, I agree that leaving quickly is a good idea. You can always find a job - any job, just to carry you through temporarily for the time being, not to mention you have friends that could assist there. Don't forget to do POTS and keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. Good luck and remember you have friends here who care, so please keep the forum updated on your situation, whether good or bad.

 

[RyanX]

I am hoping to come back to Japan when everything is settled. I think it's an emergency so my focus is on if I should keep my life on risk or not. (stay or get out)
My job..it's important too. But right now, it's very hard for me to think about the next job...or even tomorrow. Please understand.

Aya,

I apologize. I didn't fully understand your plan when I made my first post. Like others have said, go with your gut and get out of there! Just say to your boss you need a couple weeks vacation and see where that leads you. I can only imagine what it must be like living in Japan right now, but you're on the ground and seeing things first-hand. If your gut says to leave, probably best to leave and sort out the details later.

And yes, any health issues brought to North America from the radiation will be minuscule compared to what could happen to those near the meltdown. It's not even worth worrying about compared to the situation you're in, so please disregard that part of my post.

 

[SethianSeth]

My thoughts are with you, Aya. I know we have never interacted before, but want to encourage you in the same direction as the others here.

Be strong Aya! Just tell your boss the truth, you are scared and you need a week off to see family and friends. It's not forever, hell, it might only be for a couple of weeks tops, if everything works out, you just come back, and get a new job, no harm, no foul.

I have to agree. Everyone's work environment is different, but it would be a very selfish boss who didn't take these factors into consideration with your honesty, and take you back when/if you return (providing they are able to do so).

Be well!

 

[The rabbit]

Be safe Aya!

As is said in the monopoly board game , only this is no game. Go to Canada , do not pass go , do not collect 200 dollars. My thought are with you!

 

[SolarMother]

I agree with the others, Aya. And the fact that you have somewhere to go where you have been before, and someone waiting for you feels like a big GO FOR IT, and a GOOD sign...A safe harbor for you for while. I know it's scary to leave what is familiar but perhaps it will become an adventure for you once you are on your way! My feeling is that your FRV is moving you somewhere else. keep us posted!

 

[Buddy]

I agree with the others, Aya. And the fact that you have somewhere to go where you have been before, and someone waiting for you feels like a big GO FOR IT, and a GOOD sign...A safe harbor for you for while. I know it's scary to leave what is familiar but perhaps it will become an adventure for you once you are on your way! My feeling is that your FRV is moving you somewhere else. keep us posted!

Same here, Aya!

 

[Bernhard]

So, I decided to leave here(Chiba,Japan) this weekend (the latest). I haven't bought a ticket yet.

Hey Aya,

I just wanted to encourage you as well. You're making the right decision. Sometimes you gotta leap before the net appears, have faith and let it appear. If your gut and intuition tells you so, go!

Have you gotten your ticket yet or looked for one? A friend of a friend is stuck in Japan and I just got a message from my friend telling me that the tickets to leave Japan sky-rocked, with the cheapest ticket starting at $5000. I don't know if that is entirely true, but you you may want to get on it asap, if you haven't already.

Much love and godspeed!

 

[Gawan]

Much strength for you Aya!!!!

Hopefully things in Japan turn to the better.

 

[agni]

Hi Aya

I'd say get out and tell people to do the same, especially to the ones with kids. Radiation is not cool at all !
Job won't protect you from radiation, but you can.

 

[Nawd]

Hi Aya, I'm inclined to echo what others have said about leaving.

Personally I asked advice and encouragement to leave South Alabama after the oil spill. I can only say, it was definitely the right choice. Although I had a couple of months to think about it, so I know it's difficult. But to be able to sleep at night and not constantly worry about me and my kids exposure to chemicals - was worth it. Even if it turned out to be A-Ok, now I know I was correct. We were constantly sick, and as soon as we got out of the area, about 100 miles north, our symptoms let up.

Even if it's only for a few weeks, you will know way more about the situation by then.

Good luck to you and I am so sorry that you even have to make such a choice.

 

[davey72]

Hi Aya. I am just curious as to why it took talking to yer friend on the forum to come to this decision? Has the japanese government/media not been telling the people that it is very serious?

 

[davey72]

Aya,

I can appreciate the gravity of your situation. If I were in this situation, I would probably be thinking the same thing about wanting to leave the immediate disaster zone, especially now that it appears things are out of control.

I guess if you're going to leave you should probably ask yourself some basic questions: For instance, do you have some means of temporary support when you get to Canada? You mentioned your boyfriend ~fabric~, could he help you out until you get established? How much in savings do you have and is this enough to get you by for some time without a job? (this is more a question you can answer yourself, please do not divulge financial details on here.) Also, what are the immigration policies in Canada and what are your chances of gaining citizenship or at least some sort of temporary work permit once you're there?

Also, even if there is a serious meltdown, you may have to contend with radiation fallout in Canada too. Granted it may not be as bad, but how prepared will you be for this given that you'll be in a new land with less of a support network (presumably)?

I wish you the best!

Honestly, i know from personal experience, that canada has pretty good free shelters to anyone that needs them.