Japan is devoid of logic

[lukewevers]

This is not something that I have only recently noticed, but rather something I am continually reminded of.

Apparently the phrase, "This is just the way we do it in Japan," is enough of a reason to explain even the most unbelievably stupid and illogical action.

A recent example:

"Sorry Luke Sensei, we can't let you take nenkyuu (yearly leave) for the

Comments

[averagesmartguy]

I don't know if I've been Japan-ified or what, but I was under the impression that we were allowed to take up to our given number of vacation days per our contract, that we were able to roll over however many unused up to a certain number as specified in our contracts were we to recontract, and that any we didn't use just went away without any other kind of reimbursement.

I most likely won't be able to use up the rest of my 12 or so days of nenkyuu myself either, but I am happy that I was able to keep them all the times I was told I was supposed to use them for going to the doctor and missing school when I was sick.

I think I understand why you'd be frustrated with it, but at the same time it sounds like it's another case of "check your contract" and how if it doesn't say anything about it then you're just S.O.L. Sorry to read about that though, that is a rude realization. :/

[lukewevers]

i told them that i accepted their reasoning, but they should definitely add a clause to the english contract, since it is already in the japanese version.

[homodachi]

That sucks. Japan is so strict about komuin-do you remember the story about the Hyogo teacher who was reprimanded (and possibly docked pay?) because his hobby was acting and he had made money at it, even though it totaled to about 30man over several years?

One thing you might consider is discussing the possibility of moving your start date with the new company so that your jobs don't overlap. They've already decided they want you, so they may be willing to be flexible. My company was pretty understanding in my case and in the cases of the other foreigners we hired who needed time to properly conclude their previous jobs.

[lukewevers]

I don't remember that at all, but it doesn't surprise me. The SHS teacher in my town almost got in a lot of trouble because he was teaching eikaiwa (the same eikaiwa I teach and our predecessors taught, and their predecessors taught...)

I already tried. The start date is pretty firmly fixed. They have a few new people starting on that day and therefore can' move it for one person :(