Job Discussion Forums

renniewolf

I am considering leaving my position with GEOS and I would like to know how much GEOS really charges when a teacher quits early. Please give me some idea of what to actually expect if you can!!
This is a concern since this is the one way they seem to scare teachers into staying for the entire contracted time!

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

Nobody can "charge you" for quitting. The most they can do is withhold the year-end bonus that they promised, and that amounts to your airfare costs.

Timuli · Joined: 10 Jan 2004 Posts: 51 Location: Saitama

Read your employment contract! It's all in there.

senorwaq · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 24

Obviously they don't want you to leave so they say four months notice, because they promise the students that they'll have the same teacher for at least six months. But Japanese law is one month's notice (possibly less, I'm not one hundred per cent, but certainly not four months). You lose the bonus and a reference I guess.

What's your reason for leaving- homesick, horrible place?

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

As has already been mentioned, you can't be charged for quitting a job. You will lose any bonus that contract completion would have assured you (most likely 100,000-120,000 Yen), and you will tarnish a perfect record if you are looking for another job in Japan.

I'd like to hear your reasons for leaving.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

They cannot legallly charge you, whatever the contract says. Nor can they charge you for your apartment once you have moved out. you have to give two weeks notice. One month will stop arguments.

Don't worry about 'a perfect record in Japan'. Mostof th esmall schools live off of teacherswho came over with, and got sponsered by, Geos, Aeon, Nov or Berlitz and who decided they would ratherwork for a smaller, more 'human' outfir. Just tell any prospective employer that you didn't like big companies, shared apartments or the City that you were in.

Joining the Union wouldn't be a bad idea either, just in case Geos try to bullshit you out of any of your rights.

renniewolf · Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 2:08 am Post subject: Thanks

Thanks for all your info... no I am not leaving bc I am homesick or think this is a horrible place.... I LOVE it in Japan!!!

So I plan to stay but among many personal issues with GEOS that I will not go over bc they are all over this site from others it seems... also teaching is not for me I don't think especially kids and I want to be closer to a big city... so I am applying for non-teaching positions mostly and hoping within the 2 months notice I gave them I can find something here and not have to go home!