1. Be plain. we all know that people throw rocks at anyone that shines so if you want to dodge from these cruel inggeteras you need to just be obscure at about anything. I'm not saying be a manang on how you dress up or pretend to be dumb at work, you just have to be extra careful on your position. If you're a novice, act like one. I promise you, never tell a single soul about your accomplishments nor show how intellectual you are otherwise, they will forever stare at you with green, vicious eyes for that. I don't exactly know the reason why, but they seem to hate college graduates and nikkeijins.
2. Do not become so attached on people. I had a roommate whom I dearly call "Mommy" because she reminds me of my mama. Sadly, she left for an another opportunity. I was devastated. Now, I have the entire room for myself and fears that someday I might have to share this niche on someone that I might not like. It's fine to make friends and acquaint yourself with coworkers but never EVER care for them too much. Nobody stays in one place for a long time here so you might as well shield your heart from any kind of unnecessary hurt. This also applies with money, lend only to people you know for sure cannot escape without you noticing it. Meaning, if you're not living under the same roof, just forget about lending monetary help.
3. Stand strong. A lot of people will always have some mean things to say and if you have one weak heart, miseries will haunt you. I figured that practice will indeed make anything perfect. I was never the positive type, I am weak and easily hurt but if you feign courage and wisdom, people will actually believe it and so will you eventually.
4. Do not lose focus. What did you came here for? Whatever reason you have, maintain your eyes on that goal. Keep in mind that everything here is temporary, friends, job, home.... practically everything so be careful on putting security on people or things.
5. Have fun. You can be anything here because nobody really knows you. You can be single or 25 or happy if you say so. Not a lot of people will mind who you really are back home, they will only judge you on how you behave when you are at their sight. So take this opportunity to be someone you want to be.
There are still dozens of important things to keep in mind while working abroad but these pages will only bore you so I listed only 5. Besides, don't worry too much. Whatever happens here, nobody at home will know unless you post it on facebook!
