Soo, I have come to the conclusion that some level of accountability might be helpful, so I will start a study log, the same way all of the cool kids do! (or did years ago, I am out of touch 
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How are my studies going?
Well, considering I started here in 2017, I guess not too good 
| Level: | 34 |
|---|---|
| Typical Level-up: | 19 days, 1 hour , 50 minutes |
| Time on Level: | 1 day , 5 hours, 45 minutes |
| Level-up In: | 17 days, 20 hours, 5 minutes |
| Start Date: | 2017-04-18 (3245 days ago) |
| Restart Date: | 2023-12-27 (801 days ago) |
Though, considering the more realistic assumption that I have only been properly studying since that restart, it’s not that bad. Back in the day I actually made it somewhere into the 30s of WK aswell, speeding along like hell, but then life came around and I did not find the time at all anymore. Several restarts and stops later, this is where we are. But, at least this run has been the most effective one yet, the first time I actually feel like I can reasonably use some of my japanese.
What do I use?
Back when I started I used the Japanese From Zero textbooks, but was not happy with their pacing. My main grammar resource has instead been Tae Kim’s Grammar guide this time around. Just yesterday, I finished working through it (the printed version, no idea if the online one is longer). Therefore, I currently don’t know what I want to do for grammar, but probably my main focus should be on solidifying this heap of grammar, which I forget about the moment I start speaking.
Otherwise I obviously do WK everyday. Last year my pace was quite slow, but maybe I can speed up a bit from now on, since I have a bit more time in my private life than I had before. I also have a self collected Anki deck, which I consistently update and practice during my commutes. And, somehow I am still stuck with the Owl, guess a streak is afterall quite the catchy mechanic. Though this is also just something I fit into some parts of my commute.
Regarding more applied content I try to listen, shadow and read everyday. I mostly listen to some learning podcasts on youtube and use those for shadowing as well (think: Bite Size Japanese Podcast, Yuyuの日本語). I do some reading aswell. My starting point was always NHK easy, but since my app broke and I kind of was growing out of it anyway, I have started touching actual lightnovels or the occasional NHK article. Also some of the なぜ？どうして？books. I might update what I am reading once I work on something a bit more consistently.
Lastly, I have recently started doing some ITalki lessons, which made painfully obvious again, the difference between active and passive capabilities. So I will try to put some more work into production type practice, if I can find some opportunities to talk to natives that would be optimal, but my schedule is still quite tight so I’ll see.
Where are we going with this?
Well, the reason I was able to motivate myself, despite the lack of available time, to study for the last two years, is that I want to try moving to Japan for my next job. I am currently contacting people and applying to opportunities, so maybe something big will happen in the not too far future.
What else is there about me?
So, I have constantly alluded to me having absolutely no time, so why is that? Well, firstly I am now finally in the last stages of my PhD, so while I have a very high level of job flexibility, I kind of need to hustle to get some stuff finally done.
Apart from that, until last year I was actively competing in ballroom dancing at national and international competitions, which meant a bunch of practice and travelling, which is not too helpful when trying to setup study routines! However, this has now come to an end, which is the reason why I have slightly more time at hand. Though, since I have been doing a bunch of sports my entire life, I still have to do something three or four times a week (currently mainly swimming), just so I don’t feel like shit. And, since this part fell under the bus the last years, I am trying to revive my social life, which means the time gain is pretty marginal, mainly in not having competition weekends, which completely disrupt everything.
Soo, that was the introduction of everything going on! I probably won’t make daily posts here, as I don’t really have interesting things to report on a daily basis, but I will try to check in more than once a week and provide something from my studies and some accountability. I’m happy about everyone joining me on this journey, so feel free to comment on whatever I drop. よろしくお願いします！。
I can definitely imagine competing at ballroom dancing at that level could definitely put a crimp in other pursuits, but fortunately the language is still here and hopefully you will have the time now to focus on it a little more. 
)
