There are plenty of people who want a change in lifestyle, even to quit their jobs and head into the countryside to start again, but it isn't part of Japan's corporate culture to just leave in mid-car

My Jfriend a designer with a degree will resign her job and move to Yamanashi. 46 year old woman and would like to start helping the farmers while enjoying a more relaxed life. Single mother, gave the daughter the best of eduaction and now she is tired of the mad life in Tokyo. Many will follow suite when they see the importance of quality life.

Well done Mikechar.

I've done it, so I'll be happy to share what I know. I did 20 years as a successful software developer working insane hours, but getting paid pretty big bucks. I had the big house, the fancy car, the big flat screen TV, the works. I chucked it all and moved to rural Japan to teach English. I make enough money to live. My living arrangements have been described as "containing the essential elements to sustain life". I gave up all my friends, all my possessions and my family.

But when you take something away, something will always come to fill in the void. Despite "having everything" I wasn't happy with my life(style). So I left it. It was very painful. Even now, more than 2 years later, it can still be painful. But I'm happy too -- something I wasn't before.

So to those who want to start again, here is my advice: just let go. That's all you need to do. And go with all your heart towards whatever comes to fill the void.

'Got some news for you: Most of us don't know how to do it anywhere else, either.