How to Quit Your Part-Time Job in Japan | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan

How to Quit Your Part-Time Job in Japan

By Aika Kaise Aug 10, 2018

Do you have a part time job in Japan, and do you know how to quit politely?

Maybe you will not keep doing it long-term, and you will someday face a day when you decide to quit.

If you don’t know the appropriate way to quit, you can make a lot of trouble for yourself. Today I’m writing about 4 important things you need to know if you want to quit your part time job without causing trouble.

1. When Should You Tell Your Boss?

First of all, though the law requires you to tell your boss just two weeks before quitting, most companies require you to tell your boss at least one month ahead of time. If you tell your boss any later than a month in advance, it may be difficult for them to find your replacement in time. If possible, it’s best to give as much as two months advance notice.

However, the rules vary by company, so please double check before you make your decision. When you ask your boss for a meeting, you should choose a time when he or she has finished working, otherwise confirm with them when would be best.

Please do not decide the time by yourself — that’s rude. It’s important for you to let your boss choose the timing.

2. How Should You Tell Your Boss?

Though it may seem difficult to tell your boss directly, you should not use email, social media, or a phone call to quit. Doing so is extremely rude.

The use of the internet and social media has become very common, especially among young people in Japan, and an increasing number of people have started using these services to quit their part-time job. It’s becoming a big problem in Japanese society.

If your boss is really too busy to make time for you, ask for a phone-call meeting, but don’t tell him or her that you’re planning to quit. Just say you want him or her to make time to discuss something important.

3. Bad Reasons to Quit Your Part-Time Job

If you don’t give a clear reason as to why you want to quit your job, he or she may persuade you not to quit, so you need to really consider the reason. 

If you say the reason is because you are dissatisfied with the working conditions or circumstances, your boss may persuade you not to quit because he or she will try to improve them.

Some bad examples of reasons to quit your job are the following.

A. Because you’re having trouble with human relations.
Your boss may change your mind by saying that you can move to another section.

B. Because of low income.
Your boss may say, “Please keep the job — I’ll give you a raise.”
If you’re willing to keep working with higher pay, then this is no problem. However, if you really want to quit no matter what, this is a bad reason to use.

C. Lying and saying you’re going to move away.
If you tell a lie and it’s discovered, that can be big trouble.
Maybe no one will notice if you work far from home, but there’s a risk of running into a co-worker if you live nearby your workplace, and that can be uncomfortable.

D. Because the job is boring and you are tired of it.

Even if it’s true, as a member of society you shouldn’t say something so rude. If you say something like this, your boss may be very displeased, so please be careful with your phrasing.

4. Recommended Reasons to Quit Your Part-Time Job.

If you really want to quit, I recommend you make the reason related to your personal affairs. Here are my recommendations:

A. Because you want to focus on your studies.
B. Because you want to have time to study for a license.
C. Because you have to participate in an internship.
D. Because you have to start job hunting.
E. Because you want to concentrate on a club activity.
F. Because you are planning to move.
F. Because of your family affairs.

If you use reasons like the above, your boss won’t be able to persuade you to keep the job.

Choose a reason from this list, then speak to your boss in the following manner:

“I’ve asked you to make time for me today because I would like to quit at the end of next month. I don’t have enough time for my studies, and I want to apply myself to them. May we discuss which day will be my last and anything I need to do before that day?”

The best way to quit is by asking your boss to choose your final day of work rather than deciding for yourself. Additionally, I recommend asking specifically about what you need to do before you leave. If you ask in this manner, then your boss can plan a schedule and prepare to hire your replacement.

In conclusion, by doing these things you will be able to quit your part time job smoothly, and your boss will be able to understand your situation well.

Please try these suggestions so that you can quit your job without trouble or regret.

Aika Kaise / Japan

 

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