I moved to Japan a few months ago and began work with an Eikaiwa. Without going into too much detail, I need to quit for my mental health. The work hours are too much and commuting to three different locations a week is exhausting.
I want to quit and need advice. I’m still in my probationary period of my contract and I live in company provided housing. In terms of putting in my notice, has anyone else done something similar and do you have any advice on how to handle this? How did you manage the work after putting in your notice, like did the environment change or was it about the same?
Also, I plan on moving back to the U.S. since I don’t have the desire to stay in Japan for work. Is there anything I should know regarding immigration as I return back and what affairs I need to get in order before then? I only just feel like I’ve figured out my Japan residency needs and now I have to figure out how to backtrack on all of that.
This is all very overwhelming so I just would appreciate some feedback and advice because I’m struggling.
Thank you!!
4 comments
You’re not the first or the last person to be in this position. IMO you are wise to have identified that this is just how the industry is and staying in Japan for another 10 years while rotating between various eikaiwa/ALT gigs won’t change that.
Honestly just go. They can’t stop you from getting on the next plane to your hometown and leaving without notice. While your employer may kick a stink (and you’re in a fragile state), just be prepared to be steadfast about it.
I’d just say something like ‘sorry to do this to you but I’ve been struggling with personal challenges and need to go home. Happy to stay for a few more weeks while you find a replacement but really I’ve gotta return to my family / support structures ASAP as I’m struggling. Thanks for your understanding’.
If they’re arseholes about it then just walk away from the conversation, book your tickets for your next day off, hop on a plane, leave your apartment keys under their door in an envelope and leave without notice. This won’t go against your name in any way… it’s not a crime, it’s a personal grievance with your current employer.
Oh and while you’re entitled to your final paycheque, I wouldn’t personally get too hung-up on it. If you’ve gotta go then go. Try to be nice and if they make it difficult for you then fuck ’em!!!
Id settle your affairs at the tax office and city hall and tell immigration when you are planning on flying back home.
Also try to look up some possible back up hotels or Airbnb’s or monthly mansions before you tell your company you’re quitting in case they’re a**holes and try to boot you out.
Also are you in an apartment your company owns or did they just help you find one? If it’s company owned then you can probably leave without doing anything but if it’s an apartment in your name usually you’d need to pay a cleaning fee, do a final inspection with the landlord’s agent, call your utilities and tell them when you plan to leave and give them an address to send your last bill. Finally you may want to let the post office know as well you’re leaving and give them a forwarding address.
Lastly if you can afford it, take some time off to go see the sights! Plan a few weeks to go travel. You can maybe find some online lessons to get a bit of extra cash after you quit. Sorry for the stress OP.
Quit now before you go insane!
Update:
I put in my notice! Unsurprisingly my boss was not very happy but they took it well at least. Thank you everyone for all your help! If you have any other info on what needs to be done before I leave Japan in terms of insurance, taxes, residency, etc. let me know!