Job Discussion Forums

[Gordon]

Paul, I completely agree with you. Japan is not for everyone. There really is an impenetrable barrier between us and them. If it wasn't for my family, I probably would go insane with frustration. I have stopped asking the "Why" questions because frankly, many things do not make sense about Japan and if they did, then that means I would have been here too long.
Let us know how your resignation goes tomorrow. It is never an easy task.

[worlddiva]

Hey nawlinsgurl,

I'm glad to hear that your situation improved and that your hubby is with you. Must be nice!

I'll still be here for another 7 weeks, so I'll still be posting. Thanks for the good wishes.

[worlddiva]

I will Gordon. Hopefully, it won't be too painful! LOL

[Vince]

[denise]

worlddiva,

Good luck to you. I am sorry that things didn't go better for you.

You're right--having some sort of move-in assistance is hugely important, for both practical and social aspects. I got lucky by moving into an area that was super-friendly. The Japanese staff and foreign friends (yes, there was still that distinction...) really went out of their way to help, so even though Japan never really appealed to me, I was happy more often than not.

d

[Akula the shark]

Sounds like you are at a smaller school. Fact is they probably will need to have a body in front of the class, and can't easily find relief teachers which is why they insist on having a three month period, and why they won't fire you if you give them a shorter period than that. All going well though, seven weeks should be enough to find a replacement. You may encounter some unpleasantness from the boss, but remember that it's only temporary.

[johanne]

Worlddiva,

Good luck. Hopefully things will work out for you. In any case have fun with your house. I have to agree with others that it is very hard to make true Japanese friends. The only one I was successful with was my husband, who I first met when I worked at NOVA and mentionned during a Voice Room session that getting a phone was really expensive, at which point he offered to help me rent one. So, it's true that we all need help, although sometimes you get more than you bargained for. I should also say that his family has always been very natural with me and the difference between their behaviour towards me and other Japanese I met in my daily life was striking. I mean, they would even have family squabbles when I was in the room. In discussions they have also straight out disagreed with something I've said, which was a nice contrast to the usual well, if that's what you think, blah, blah, blah. After the disagreement there was no tension or akwardness, either, just another round of the sake bottle. I've heard others have had some difficulties with their inlaws, so I feel quite grateful to have mine. It's quite fun sometimes when my mother-in-law and I exchange stories of the things that drive us each crazy about my husband - there is a lot of overlap!

Anyway, enjoy Canada. Are you heading back to Quebec or somewhere else?

[worlddiva]

Denise,

Thanks for the good wishes. I hope you have a blast in Chile. Time for new adventures. I hope you will keep us posted once in while with your new adventures. If not, all the best.

Akula,

It is a smaller school and although that's what I asked for, I kinda wish I was in a bigger location. Its pretty hard when there is only one other foreign teacher there and you don't like him.

Johanne,

Thanks. And, yes I am heading back to Montreal. Vive le Quebec! It was nice to hear that you do have such a good relationship with your husband's family. I have made some wonderful Japanese friends here and I'm grateful for that.

So, the moment you have all been waiting for: I did it! I handed in my resignation today. You have no idea how relieved I am that it's over. It went a lot better than i expected it it to.

I sat down with my manager and basically told her that I was sorry to have to tell her this but that I have decided to leave the company. Then, I handed her my letter of resignation. I stressed to her that it had nothing to do with the school or the students and that this experience was simply not for me. I started to cry cause I felt bad for leaving her in such a predicament as she is very kind and very sweet. She asked me why I was leaving so I told her the truth: that I have my boyfriend back home of 7 years and that we are building a house and that i really want to be home for that. She took one look at me and said: " You know, if i were you, I would be doing the same thing. I totally understand." Then, she started to cry and said that everyone at the school really loved me and that she was really happy to have me here as a teacher but understood my decision.

Prior to this I had asked her for overtime pay that she owed me and she said she would add it to my next paycheck and even confirmed that after I told her I was leaving. Even threw in the possibility of them still paying for my flight home. I couldn't believe it!

All in all, I was glad that I told her when I did and wether or not her reaction was heartfelt, I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. (ps: I really doubt they will pay for my flight though...that's just wishfull thinking)

So that's it, there it is. We shall see how things will evolve from here and how the rest of the staff will treat me when they find out about it. I don't know when she will tell them.

I'll keep you posted of my saga.

[Senshixena]

I'm sorry to hear that your experience wasn't everything you thought it could be. Please let us know how things work out for you in the upcoming weeks!