Job Discussion Forums

TRod · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 59

Hi everyone. I am considering looking for a new job while in Japan and on a visa with another company. When I send my resume out, should I mention that I am in the middle of a contract with another company--how do I get around this topic? Will it look bad for me to be applying to another company?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:55 pm Post subject:

If you are prepared to give the required notice to your current employer and explain this in your interviews to future employers it shouldn't look bad. It would look far worse if you said you were happy enough to leave your current company in the lurch as whoever employs you next don't want to see you do the same to them.

Venti · Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 171 Location: Kanto, Japan

I agree.

Bailing out on a job mid-contract will almost never be looked upon favorably. If the situation at your current job is unbearable, and you can provide a reasonable explanation to your potential next employer as to why you want to break your contract, there may be a chance of getting on with that company. If you're currently working for a well-known company, you can forget having any halfway decent company take you on as a contract-breaker.

If you're just trying to set yourself up with another company once your current contract ends, and you're worried about your current company finding out about your job search, potential employers might be willing to let you use references from previous employers while not contacting your current one. I was extended this courtesy by one of the big companies here in Japan.

TRod · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 59

So sounds like I'm screwed either way. I think it's reasonable for me to start looking for a new job. The communication with my current company is poor, I'm getting dicked around a lot, the commute is too long and I have way too many classes that I can handle. I don't know. I feel I could stick it out, but if I find something better I feel I should go for it. However I am worried that my present company will find out I am searching and then I could get canned either way. So I'm screwed....

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:22 am Post subject:

TRod · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 59

Hi

I work for an eikaiwa. Been workinig there for four months now. They haven't done anything that awful to me, but I can tell things could get worse if I don't bail out now. I don't like my schools or my schedule. Sorry if I seem like complaining a lot, but I don't feel prepared for this at all or comfortable with the job.

I can give 2 weeks notice, but they would like more notice of course, which is fine. My concern is should I mention what company I currently work and for how long I've been working there during the interview for the new job? I'm afraid they will contact the company and I could get canned before I have another job secured.

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:55 am Post subject:

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

If they fire you, they have to give you notice, or just a month's pay. Keep that in mind.

They also cannot evict you. That is something they need to do through channels.

What I found most interesting is that you are sick of the place after 4 months. That's pretty much on target for culture shock to set in with phase 2 (disillusionment). Hang in there. What exactly are the problems you feel you are facing? Perhaps they are just things you need to be aware that are normal operation here, compared to home.

TRod · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 59

Hello everyone. Lemme apologize in advance if I sound like a crybaby. This is my third time in Japan. Twice before I was a student here, but now I am working for the eikaiwa and I'm exhausted. I have at least 6 classes a day, and loads of paperwork. Now my supervisor in the head office is expecting me to do this paperwork not only exactly on time, but is threatening us with making us work (unpaid) overtime if it's not completed when he wants it!! My manager makes me feel guilty for leaving early when I don't have any classes or when I want to take a paid holiday (which I gave 5 weeks notice for). And my commute is 1.5 hours each way to to the school. They moved me from a previous school that closed without telling me this info before I arrived in Tokyo. They scheduled a two day training, and didn't tell me where the location was or what time it would begin--the training was cancelled and my supervisor didn't return my call to tell me!! In sum, communication is poor and I'm usually blamed for the problems that occur for that. If I have a problem, I am given lip service to make me feel better and nothing gets done.

I just have an overall bad feeling. It's been 4 months, but two of those months have been in my new school in which my manager cries on a weekly basis because head office is yelling at her for not making the goal for the week....so it's not really culture shock about being in Japan, it's the job...I love Japan, unfortunately I don't have much time to see it!!

Any ideas?

TRod · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 59

should i write down on my resume about the four months I was with my eikaiwa or wait to explain that at the possible interview...?

J. · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 327

Unfortunately as the one with probably the lowest status in the office you are a convenient scapegoat for whatever goes wrong. And as you said, it's easy to do that because of a lack of communication, and probably your inability to talk to the "boss" , though I doubt it would do much good. I worked in a small language school for a few years and experienced a pretty toxic work environment like you are describing. It sounds like the school is having some financial problems too if they are yelling at your boss about quotas.

You could try to "stick it out" for the year or you can try to find a new job, but if you are worried about being unfairly fired for doing so, then you should probably join the general union. I think the cost for a year's membership is about 32, 000 yen or something like that which might be a drop in the bucket if you don't get your last paycheck or something. I'm not sure but if you are in the first year of your contract, they may not need to give you a whole month's notice or pay. The rules are different, I think, from the second year, but you can check out this for sure on the General Union website.

http://www.generalunion.org/

I certainly empathize with you in your situation, don't think you are a "crybaby" at all. It can be very hard to work in a disorganized office. Good luck in your situation, hope all turns out well for you.

6810 · Joined: 16 Nov 2003 Posts: 309

Call my Dutch uncle Frank but...

If your job sucks, then leave it and get a new one. Contracted or otherwise. Give your notice and clear out.

The main things to bear in mind are:

1. Make sure you give legal notice (one month).
2. Make sure of any compensation penalties you will owe if you fly the coop before this time is up.
3. Like others said - if you think something is dodgy, call the union.
4. If they arranged your accomadation, figure out new lodgings well in advance of quitting.
5. Make sure you've budgeted enough money to survive for a month or two until you find a good job.
6. Be aware that hiring season is nearly upon us - loads of jobs out there.

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

I'm very confused.

Trod wrote that he works for an eikaiwa. Ok, but then he says,

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 3:05 am Post subject: