I’m currently working as an ALT under JET and I renewed my contract for a 2nd year, but I was diagnosed this year with C-PTSD that gets easily triggered in school environments and have decided that I need to quit my job for my mental health.
I’ve already started the job hunting process and ideally am hoping to land one I can start this year (I have business level Japanese and am already doing interviews), but my mental health has been severely declining and I don’t know if I can take working at my current job for another few months. Financially, I won’t have any issues being unemployed for a few months, but I’m concerned about my visa and if quitting in advance is doable at all.
I’m aware that there’s a 3 month period allowed for job hunting after leaving my job, but I was wondering if this window has any chance of being extended in case I can’t land a job in time. Alternatively, my Japanese partner is happy to marry me as well, but I suspect a change to spouse visa wouldn’t go well as we’ve only been together 10 months and have near 0 photos together as we’re both strongly picture averse. If it means anything, I am a US citizen and although he’s still a student, his family is quite well off and very supportive of us.
Going back to the US even short term is something I would really like to avoid, as I have cut off my family and have little to no support.
I understand that ideally I should be staying at my job until I’ve landed another one, but it’s been rough even with therapy, and I want to get a better idea of other options out there if they exist and if they’re worth giving a shot.
Thanks in advance!
6 comments
I hope you feel better, I don’t have much to say other than: take some photos together just in case, for a potential application in the future.
If you have a diagnosis from a doctor here in Japan, you could easily go on stress/mental health leave for at least 2 months (for 60% of your normal pay).
Also, you can stay on your current status of residence until the end of your “period of stay” on your residence card. (Technically after 3 months of not engaging in the activities of your status of residence, immigration has the authority to revoke your status of residence, but that’s rarely if ever enforced and would be an extreme case.)
>I’ve already started the job hunting process and ideally am hoping to land one I can start this year (I have business level Japanese and am already doing interviews), but my mental health has been severely declining and I don’t know if I can take working at my current job for another few months. Financially, I won’t have any issues being unemployed for a few months, but I’m concerned about my visa and if quitting in advance is doable at all.
You’re going from JapanLifeEasyMode to RealJapanLife and expect this to be better on your mental health?
I would go home. If being a JET is causing you mental health issues you’re far better off there where you have a support system in place.
Immigration may contact you after three months if you aren’t engaging in your activities (working) without a valid reason, but this is not common in practice and both job hunting and medical treatment are considered valid reasons. Basically, you have nothing to worry about on that front, you’ll just need a new job by renewal time.
I do not know how wide is your trigger but could you try to ask to be sent to another school/level ? I think Jet is kind of a supportive program, so they could be accomodating.
As pointed by other, you have the option to take medical leave if need be.
Also, did you consider switching to student visa ? or cultural activities visa ? If there are some subject you think can be worth investing 1 year on your life on, it could be interesting and you will have plenty of time to find a job for when the visa end/the course is finished and/or improve your portfolio for the spouse visa, I should suggest to not just take pictures together but also pictures with the family in potential family event : birthday, christmas, new year, hanami, … perhaps at least you will be more relaxed.
As long as you’re actively engaging in your status of residency (SOR) you’re fine until the day it naturally expires.
Actively engaging in SOR means either:
1) actively working for a domiciled Japanese employer.
2) being employed by a domiciled Japanese employer, but in paid/unpaid leave (childcare leave for example)
3) Actively looking for jobs in Japan and attending interviews.
Important things to note are:
1) when you leave your ALT job you need to inform immigration within 14 days after your final day following this link: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00014.html
You will then need to enroll in (and pay) national pension, and national health insurance.
You will need to continue to pay resident tax and income tax
When/if you find a new job you will then also need to Inform immigration again within 14 days after your first day with said new job. The link you use depends one which SOR you’re on for said new job so either:
1) https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00014.html
Or
2) https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00015.html
Also based on your OP it’s unlikely you’re going to accept another ALT position, so chances are you’re going to need to change your SOR.
When/if you get a job offer you can change your SOR here: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-2.html
Also, if you don’t have a degree/experience in the field of work you’re applying for you may find employers are hesitant to consider your application. Due to worries about change in SOR and future renews in SOR. So it’s recommend to get a Certificate of Authorized Employment to include with your application. More information see here: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/guide/syuurou.html