Job Discussion Forums

[alexcase]

If you don't mind me asking, was the possibility of raises for good performance something written down in the contract, or just improvised by the management? Also, was that a one off school or part of a chain?

[AndyH]

Alex,
The possibility of raises was not something that was written into the contract. The school was a locally owned business in a small city in Hokkaido, and the owner took it upon herself to give me a raise.

There is some truth to Brad's assertion that hard work and a good attitude won't get you anything in Japan. The fact is that it is likely that you'll just get taken advantage of. You still have to look after yourself, and not assume that the school owners will do what's ethical or in your best interests. Even the school which gave me the raise took advantage of me in other ways.

BUT...If you are lazy, unprofessional, and complain all the time, you will guarantee yourself to stay at the bottom of the pay scale.