shit creek paddle up?
Remember that meeting I told you about?
Well, that turned out to be a total waste of time. BUT, we had another one on Wednesday morning. We were told that the company had filed for bankruptcy and was being "sponsored" by the same company that picked up NOVA when they collapsed in 2007.
We had to go to a meeting in central Tokyo, where we sat in a packed out room listening to an explanation in Japanese for 45minutes, followed by a smarmy 5 minute announcement in English. Basically this is the situation:
There is some talk of the Japanese government reimbursing us for lost earnings, but it will only be about 70-80% of our losses, and will take 3-6 months to process.
I'm still in shock I think. I'm going through periods of thinking this is bloody hilarious and everything will be OK, followed by catatonic disbelief and prophesying of doom.
I am in two minds what to do. If I sign the contract, I will have somewhere to live, but be near-penniless for two months. If i don't sign, and decide to find another job, I will be homeless, penniless and jobless. It sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? Well, it's not. I've been screwed over, and I don't think I want to work for this new company. Also, as you know, I had already handed in my notice and was looking for other opportunities anyway, so I see this as an opportunity to do those a little sooner.
And it's not as bad as all that. Plenty of people have offered me beds/rooms/floors in their places while I get myself on my feet again, so things won't be that desperate. I just don't want to get kicked out of this apartment within the next week!!!
I've been looking for jobs. Found two - one of which is the British Council, who I've had my eye on for years, wanting qualified teachers to do IELTS classes (something I can teach!!) - and another with a small British English school. Not sure what's available or not, but I will be applying for more tomorrow. Have also emailed someone who I am pretty certain can offer me work, or if not, point me in the right direction.
I really need some good vibes being sent my way, everybody!! Especially (with it being 2am here) ones that encourage sleep!! Tonight is going to be a long one...
Well, that turned out to be a total waste of time. BUT, we had another one on Wednesday morning. We were told that the company had filed for bankruptcy and was being "sponsored" by the same company that picked up NOVA when they collapsed in 2007.
We had to go to a meeting in central Tokyo, where we sat in a packed out room listening to an explanation in Japanese for 45minutes, followed by a smarmy 5 minute announcement in English. Basically this is the situation:
- as of April 21st we are unemployed.
- we lose all holidays, health insurance and bonuses (mine was pretty big - about 1500US at least)
- if we go to school on Friday we can sign a new contract and work for the next 3 months
- BUT
- we will not get paid at the end of this month.
- we will get about 50 000yen next month (that's 500US I think, so not a lot)
There is some talk of the Japanese government reimbursing us for lost earnings, but it will only be about 70-80% of our losses, and will take 3-6 months to process.
I'm still in shock I think. I'm going through periods of thinking this is bloody hilarious and everything will be OK, followed by catatonic disbelief and prophesying of doom.
I am in two minds what to do. If I sign the contract, I will have somewhere to live, but be near-penniless for two months. If i don't sign, and decide to find another job, I will be homeless, penniless and jobless. It sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? Well, it's not. I've been screwed over, and I don't think I want to work for this new company. Also, as you know, I had already handed in my notice and was looking for other opportunities anyway, so I see this as an opportunity to do those a little sooner.
And it's not as bad as all that. Plenty of people have offered me beds/rooms/floors in their places while I get myself on my feet again, so things won't be that desperate. I just don't want to get kicked out of this apartment within the next week!!!
I've been looking for jobs. Found two - one of which is the British Council, who I've had my eye on for years, wanting qualified teachers to do IELTS classes (something I can teach!!) - and another with a small British English school. Not sure what's available or not, but I will be applying for more tomorrow. Have also emailed someone who I am pretty certain can offer me work, or if not, point me in the right direction.
I really need some good vibes being sent my way, everybody!! Especially (with it being 2am here) ones that encourage sleep!! Tonight is going to be a long one...