Job Discussion Forums

[nawlinsgurl]

Ok I need to vent.
I have worked for a year at a company that lied to me from the get go. They said bonus when in reality it turned out to be a raise. Then they said we didn't have to teach kids, when we found out that we were required to. I stay on, when others left-mostly out of fear for a new job and the urge to push myself in a commitment I had made.

Today my Area Manager came down and said my contract would not be renewed for another year because I had six absences and three times being late. Three absences other absences were supposed to be excused (one late train w/ proof and two days I was mentally incompentent when my husband was injured abroad while with the US Marines) Anyways, I understand it was a bit much, but then I inquired about two other employees who had more absences than myself. One had 17 in a calendar year (he has another job) and another guy who holds the record in or area for the most in one year (but he also has the highest sales record)

I have never had a student complaint and have worked overtime everytime I have been asked, in addition to taking on responsibilities I didn't want (but were pushed on me) and teaching kids classes when no one else would.

To all this the Manager replied, "That's them, this is you."
I said ok, when I saw that the conversation was going nowhere.

Oh and I tried to quit three months , when eight teachers left our school and the company had a national scandal. Things were getting really crappy, but the manager convinced me to stay.

So I also have 10 days paid vacation, which I have to use before my visa runs out (Nov.4), so technically they have given me less than 2 full weeks to finish working at my school.

After all this, the manager said, "You can still stay in the country, your husband is in the military."
Which really pissed me off.

I'm really not asking for any sympathy, but I just needed to vent. Thanks for being there!

[Gordon]

That's really too bad. You have my sympathy even though you didn't want it.

I suspect there is something more to it than your absences. If they wanted you to stay, the absences would mean nothing. I think there is a personal issue here and he doesn't have the guts to say it. That really is a lame reason not to re-hire someone.

[madeira]

Don't repress anything, girlfriend. Come on over to my place and try out my new chainsaw! (Should be delivered Thursday.) I've got other toys, like jigsaws and skilsaws, but nothing should be better at blowing off steam than a chainsaw.

PM me if interested. I'm in Oppama. Actually, you should contact me just because we're in the same area... and might be able to help each other.

Otherwise, just go out and get a new job. A much better one. Then laugh at the assholes.

[nawlinsgurl]

Thanks a bunch for the kind words. Tonight the hubby took me out for some drinks, which helped! I'm on the hunt...for something bigger and better!

[Sweetsee]

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
You'll find a great job.


Good luck,
s

[fox1]

[JimDunlop2]

When I have days like that, I put on my T-shirt that has the Latin saying, Illegitimi non carborundum... Or, roughly translated, "Don't let the ba$tards grind you down. Then I go to the bar.

To echo those who have already said this, you haven't lost too much here. You'll have a better job in no time.

Good luck!

[ronin]

Yeah that does suck, but people should never assume that they will not have to teach kids when they come to Japan because that�s what every single person that comes to teach here does not want to do and that�s teach children. I know being lied to sucks but you have to be realistic, because if you come to Japan expecting a great job where you only have to teach well mannered housewives you are lying to yourself. I don't mean to be harsh but hey reality sucks so does Bush and being injured in a war that was based on lies, deceit and oil. I hope your husband is ok and that he gets out of Bush's disaster called Iraq.

[nawlinsgurl]

Thanks to everyone for letting me vent!

Just to let you know: My husband is fine, but when I first came to Japan, I came alone. As someone you may remember, I was miserable. But now he's here and all is ok. I like teaching kids, actually. (More than businessmen)

My Japanese manager said she is petitioning the company to rehire me because so many students have complained. (I didn't know I was so well liked) Her gesture is nice, but I don't know if that will help any.

I'm not even sure I'd want the job back. I love the kids, students, staff, and teachers---but the company is a load of poopoo. I know that there is burearcracy (sp?) with every job, but I truly think that if you do a good job and treat others as you want to be treated- you will be rewarded. I guess that sounds really idealistic.

Anyways, thanks for the support. I'm looking elsewhere for a new job, even though my visa expires next month. Does anyone (Paulh, Gordon???) know how much time and employer has to apply for a new visa for an employee? Also can you work in Japan as a teacher without a visa? (By this, I mean with a military id?)

Thanks a bunch again!

[yamanote senbei]

Nawlinsgurl, have you thought about going to the labor standards office to make a complaint? If your contract says bonus, you should receive it, right? If your school is a chain that has a labor union, you might think about joining it if only to find out what your rights are.