Hello, I created a throwaway just to keep some anonymity.
I am first year private school JET and had the fortunate opportunity to apply to a private school for an actual teaching position not related to English. This resulted in an invitation to an interview. Did not get the job yet, and I am aware of that, just preparing for a future if I do.
However, if it works out, the new job would start in April. I am not enjoying the ALT workstyle and would much rather go back to actual teaching which is what my degree is in. I see this new job as an amazing potential future.
I pay my own rent and my own utilities. I hold the lease on my apartment. I receive no subsidies from my school.
Besides missing out on a return plane ticket, are there any other financial punishments a JET needs to deal with when leaving in April as opposed to July?.
Thank you!
7 comments
Nope, once you have an offer and accept it in writing, I would give your school at least 2 weeks notice, 1 month if you’re feeling friendly. Be polite and courteous. Take all remaining paid leave (don’t think they will be paid out if unused) to make sure to close your apartment and handle other business if moving.
Good thing for the school is March is spring break and many teachers are moving around so it’s not bad timing exactly. Just be prepared it might be hectic in terms of optics since everyone moves around in March/April, like everyone not just talking about schools or JETs or teachers.
If you like your school, bring in a box of Mister Donut or other sweets as a thank you for the good times.
Cost associated with moving if your new job is in another area.
The only financial punishment that I’m aware of would be the ticket back. (I’ve also heard some people mention the flight over but that’d be it) Regarding your housing, and such — you know better than we would since ESID (you’re also a private school JET, soI have no idea how different your situation is). You wouldn’t be fined or anything.
People break contract all the time for any number of reasons.
Anyways, given your reasoning, I feel like you should give as much time to your school as possible. Having an ALT is really important for the students, since it eases test anxiety due to low exposure to foreigners (or so I hear), and from my understanding, an abrupt exit is much worse than an early cancellation.
If you give the school as much heads up as possible, it’d be easier for them to get an early arrival in, the school wouldn’t be left without an ALT as long, and it’d be really good for the JET programme’s foreign exchange part. There’s a lot of paper work that involves the JET programme, and the people who handle that would probably be your school, and coordinator.
If it were me, I’d start working on it the moment I signed my offer letter and had an onboarding date, but your circumstances will be specific to you. You mentioned the job starts in April, so there’s plenty of time to figure out how you want to proceed.
ESID, but as far as I’m aware there are no fines for leaving early outside of the ticket and possible leasing stuff, which you covered weren’t going to affect you. Let everyone know ASAP, and help with the break off.
Sorry if this was long winded LMAO
I broke contract – aside from losing the return ticket, there was no financial penalty.
NB: This was 10 years ago, so double-check the T&Cs of your contract for today.
Broke contract last October for a tech job. Had been with the school for over 3 years and gave them two weeks notice. Dont worry about it too much. It is a job at the end of the day.
I hope you get the job!
It will be fine, you are a foriegner in Japan that speaks Enlgish. No worries. If you will be needing help with an extended Visa, your future employees will def help out.