Job Discussion Forums

JRJohn · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 175

I'm asking this question because recently, I saw an ad for Aeon. They will be recruiting from my area. Their deal with housing and salary is the best I've seen so far. I've rejected the alternatives as too expensive.
In 2008, my job at Shane Language School ENDED. I don't want to say the job was stressful all the time, because in fact there were good and great times, but there were periods of stress and complaints, although I tried hard. My boss told me to leave a month before my contract ended. I was offered a release letter and reference if I left during Golden Week. Due to the huge rent in Shane's apartments, I realised I could not afford to stay in Japan any longer and since I could not afford to fly home during Golden Week, I left a week before and did a midniight run. So I got no release letter.
Would this jeopardise my chances of working in Japan again? I would go back if I didn't have to worry about key money and if rent was controlled.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Your visa is long since expired, so you don't need the release letter.

OneJoelFifty · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 463

If I were you, I'd put on your CV that you worked for Shane for the duration and a contract, enjoyed it, learned a lot, and went back to America for x good reason.

thomthom · Joined: 20 May 2011 Posts: 125

OneJoelFifty · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 463

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I have never once been asked for a letter of release by a new employer, and have changed jobs many times. I suppose some employers may require it, but if you want back to the US and your visa expired, I would say you are starting with a clean slate as far as things like that go. Just put the experience on your resume, that should be plenty.

hagiwaramai · Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 119 Location: Marines Stadium

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

JRJohn · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 175

Thanks for all the replies. As I think I mentioned, Aeon appeals to me, because they don't play the key money game, and they are fair about rents, and by no means the worst employer generally. My main concerns were that even if I did well at interview, they might turn round and ask for a reference from Shane, and make it a condition of employment. I have had a couple of employers do things like that, even though I have good recent references. I was also under the impression that a letter of release was needed to ever work in Japan again.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

A letter of release is what immigration needs to "release" you from the sponsorship of one employer. It is typically used, AFAIK, when you renew a visa and switch to a new employer.

You're not employed by that old company, and you don't even have a visa now, so it doesn't apply.

If you want a letter of reference instead, that's up to you, and you could just do what others have said about telling them the old boss is no longer there to provide it.

Where did you get your inaccurate info, by the way?

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

Under the Japanese Civil Recovery Code, Shane has the right to detain you until every yen you owe them has been paid (including interest, board, lodging and capture costs). While forced labour is technically illegal, you may find yourself with little option other than to work for them at the minimum hourly wage.

On the plus side, they'll have to pay you for your lesson preparation time, so you'll get shakai hoken. It's your decision.