Job Discussion Forums

[JimDunlop2]

The instinctive, knee-jerk response is to say that the OP shouldn't give the money back, presumably due to some "just world hypothesis" or other... Sticking it to "the man" is seen as a good thing -- especially when, as Quibby pointed out, you are tired of being jerked around.

If we look at it a little more rationally, however, it's no different than common, petty theft. Likewise if a bank accidentally adds 3 or 4 zeroes to your account balance, and you withdraw the money, thinking "Oh goodie! The bank made a mistake -- I'm rich!" it DOESN'T mean you won't be liable for the money when the bank realizes its error. And if you can't pony up (presumably because you already spent the money) you could be in for a nasty PMITA prison sentence.

Regardless of whether you hold to a particular system of beliefs or not, it could be said that the universally accepted "golden rule" of 'Do unto others....' applies here. If the tables were turned and you accidentally overpaid for something at a store, had PROOF that you did, but the shopkeeper just said, "Sorry... Finders keepers" you would probably stop at nothing to extract your pound of flesh. I can only think that If something is owed to you, you're pretty careful about getting it.

Whether the company in question has committed other infractions against its employees -- perpetrating theft of your own to pay back for those times where you were screwed by them before is not a viable solution. In simple English: two wrongs don't make a right.

As for the OP's dilemma, one possible solution is what others have suggested -- explain the situation honestly to the employer -- that you don't have the money, and they will somehow need to take your word on the fact that you will pay them back when you are able.

On the other hand, here's a different approach... If you want to resolve this quickly, anyway. This is an English school right? Presumably, being a place of business of this nature requires taking money and payments from customers... Therefore they SHOULD accept credit card payments, right? If they do, would it be possible to have them charge your credit card for the amount that you owe them? That would resolve the problem quickly and give you time to clear up the charge after you return home.

[Quibby84]

Jim is right...I am just bitter and tired at this moment, you should look at this situation rationally...even if bosses are screwy...
We would lose lots of money because we have to each pay 50,000 yen if we break the contract and if we just up and leave we either loose one pay check or two weeks of work...
So the money in question...is this A LOT of money? Like are you going to be broke now?

[canuck]

[J.]

Quibby, I understand how you are feeling, because I worked for a bad boss for 2 years. After awhile all the schedule changes, manoeuvering, and juggling the deductions so the employee always loses, as well as the constant mind games are draining and demoralizing and tend to sap your energy and faith that there may be something better out there. There are better jobs but maybe not at eikaiwa.

I'm not sure how the boss can make you pay 500 dollars if you leave. Maybe you are talking about some kind of a bonus? If so, I wouldn't be too sure about getting it. Often dodgy schools make up some excuse not to pay. But you are right that changing jobs costs money; probably you would need to relocate, maybe get a new apartment and go through the whole process of getting to know how a new school works. It might be worth it if you could find a good job, but there are no guarantees and it sounds like your husband works at the same place, so that would be two new jobs you'd need. I think it's possible but whether it is worth it for only one year, if that's all you intend to stay, I'm not sure.

Anyway, just to let you know I feel your pain. If you feel like venting or discussing anything you can pm me. Gambatte!

[Sour Grape]

[JimDunlop2]