I’ve read a lot that in Japan there’s not many vacation (10 days?) as compared to the standard European countries where there are around 20-25 (depending on country, etc), and on top of that, the culture usually mandates to try and avoid taking much time off, overwork, etc
I wanted to know, specially from other expats living there, if it’s the same case when working for more international companies (as opposed to japanese or with JP mentality ones), or if it’s different and more laid back in those terms, working more for objectives than just staying overtime for the sake of it, etc.
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Im not ever pressured to work extra, nor am I ever denied time off. In fact, I’m encouraged to take it. I also have full flex time with no core hours. Japan also has a lot more public holidays then many countries.
I think like in any country, there are good companies and bad companies. The people you hear complaining the loudest are in the shitty ones; happy people have better things to do generally than to come post about it. Negative voices are always over sampled.
The key to doing well for yourself is the same as in any country: have good skills and don’t be desperate and take the first job that gets you to Japan.
Technically in my company we have unlimited PTO, but I try not to push my luck too much. The unspoken rule seems to be 25~30 days off every year is fine.
Not all Japanese companies are stingy with PTO though. I worked at one that gave 20 days PTO (pro-rated) right off the bat, as well as another 5 summer holidays.
I was dept head for a european company (I’m Canadian).
Most staff will still be Japanese and holiday taking culture will be much more similar to Japan than Europe.
I took a week at a time max and people were awe struck at my brazen vacation usage.