I wrote most of this as a comment to a story posted by Derek (from スミス英会話塚口), but I think I should share it with all of you too!
We are very excited to be having a baby in Japan. Japan is a place I can feel safe every day, at any time of day or night. It was an easy decision to stay here when we found out we were having a child, and that was definitely because we are 英会話 school owners and fellow franchisees in the Smith’s system.
My husband and I have been here (in あざみ野）a total of 8 years, in various capacities (as an AET with the JET Programme, as a student, as part-time English teachers commuting to various schools). By chance, I came across Smith’s on the net, and opened our school 4 years ago. I truly believe if we were here simply as “English teachers”, and not franchisees with Smith’s, we would have left long ago. If not then, then certainly when we found out we were having a baby. Not that there is anything wrong with Japan, but family support is extremely important when having a baby, commuting in Japan is difficult, and communication can be challenging.
We have found that owning our own franchise has provided us with secondary and tertiary families. It is a completely different experience from when we were simply teaching English for someone else.
Our students give us incredible support, perhaps more than we would receive back in our home country, even from family. We truly love them! And the franchise system, with head office support taking care of so many details for us, and the other franchisees to stay in contact with and share positive energy…well, there is nothing like that back “home” for us. “Home” is here now.
As a Smith’s franchisee, we have freedom to design our schedules and work environment. We live a stone’s throw away from the school, by choice, which is not only super-convenient, it is going to allow my husband to be a big part of our baby’s life, even during working hours. I can’t think of anything we could be doing for a living in Canada that would allow us that kind of freedom. It is priceless.
Working for yourself is hard work. But it is hard work that pays great dividends in so many ways. For some, the payoff is simply the ability to control their working environment. For others, such as Derek ,owner of the Tsukaguchi school, the payoff is realizing thier dreams of investing in real estate. For us, our Smith’s franchise has allowed us to achieve our lifestyle goals and, and point ourselves in a positive direction for our futures (that we choose for ourselves).
We get all this while doing something we love (teaching English)!
Couldn’t be any better!
Smith’s School of English Azamino
スミス英会話 あざみ野
Hi Deana,
I really enjoyed reading your story!
We share a common background in how we came into the Smiths School of English system.
I also was an AET on the JET Program for 2 years and I really enjoyed my experience in Japan.
I remember searching around online for what other opportunities there were in Japan when by chance I stumbled upon Smiths School of English. I came to Osaka from Chicago to meet Mark and soon after that I decided to open my first franchise, Smiths School of English in Horie.
We both opened our schools around the same time, 4 years ago!
Actually, on a side note, I have recently gotten involved with JET again here in Osaka, but not as teacher.
I am currently serving as Treasurer for Western Japan JET Alumni Association.
http://wj.jetalumni.org/officers.html
The JET Program was very good to me and were it not for the JET Program, I may never have come to Japan.
Joining the JET Program was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I hope now to be able to give something back in my capacity as Treasurer.
It has always been my heartfelt conviction that Smiths School of English provides an excellent opportunity for those on the JET Program who are interested in staying in Japan longer and taking control of their financial futures.
Your story ratifies that conviction.
Best of luck to you and your husband there in Azamino!
Great post Deanna. Just would like you and Mike to know that you are the ones that convinced me that Mark Smith was the way to go….Thank you…And God Bless that little Baby!
jim
Hi Alex!
Great to hear from you! It’s wonderful that we can be in touch through the soapbox, despite the fact that you are in Osaka, and we are in Yokohama.
You have taken a different (and more ambitious) route than us, owning multiple schools. I admire your dedication and tenacity, not to mention your success with them. Keep it up! We’re all cheering for you!
Deana
Hi Jim!
Lovely words to hear! Thank you so much!
Honestly, though, your continued hard work and dedication has been an inspiration to us. We are so glad you joined the franchise group! Wish we could see more of you!
Deana