Just an update.

I'm still NOT signed off, yet! JCAB check 11/29. Little more G/S in Dec. Couple of weeks at home. Physical (4 hours long) on 01/10. Start OBS flights (6) on the 20th. FO OJT (IOE) starts on 26th. Right seat check on the 31st. They've had 3 fail FO OJT/Check in the last 6 months. One opted to quit, the other two retrained. CA OJT starts in Feb., probably will take about a month, but I wouldn't be surprised if it goes into March.

¥/$ exchange is starting to hurt. Was ¥78/$ when I started, now ¥87/$.

It's along and grueling process. I wouldn't recommend leaving a job for this one, but if you're out of work and can handle leaving home for 4, 5 or 6 months at a time.....

I've seen a lot of individuals and some companies make this job hard, but the Japanese are masters of it.

Cooperate. Graduate. Shut up and like it!! :-D