Are you worried about quitting your current job?

Many people may want to quit their current job and change careers due to workplace issues or life conflicts. Though, to avoid problems with the company or your boss, it is important to know how to quit properly.

In this article, we will discuss how to quit your job in Japan.

What to Know Beforehand

Harassment

In the event of a compelling emergency, such as harassment, you may legally quit your job at any time during the term of your contract. Even if it is before the agreed upon contract period, it is perfectly acceptable to resign. So don't think that just because the contract period has not ended that you cannot get out of an unfair contract.

This law is designed to prevent workers from being exploited. For example, if the work is completely different from what was agreed upon in the contract, the contract can be terminated. Thus, legally speaking, if you feel that you are being exploited/violated, you can decide not to come to work and it will be considered okay.

Personal Reasons

When resigning for your personal reasons, it is important to avoid inconveniencing your employer as much as possible.

It is best to communicate your intention to resign at least one and a half months before the desired date of resignation. It is always important to first communicate to your "immediate supervisor" in a courteous manner, showing your gratitude.

Contract Period

The contract period is not actually intended to prevent already established workers from quitting, but to protect newly hired workers. It guarantees work during that period and prevents the employer from firing without cause.

The duration of the contract is also intended to keep track of the worker. For example, some have a policy of reviewing wage increases every year (in the case of one-year contracts). Therefore, when the contract ends and a new contract begins, the hourly wage may be increased.

Leaving during the training period

Employers generally do not want to waste effort and money training someone who will not work for them for a long time. Therefore, the sooner you tell them you want to quit as soon as possible, the more likely they are to do so.

According to online experiences, it is more difficult for a person to quit after he or she becomes "available" (can do it alone) to the company. So don't hesitate during the training period to avoid a difficult situation.

How to resign?

Submit Resignation Letter

Once you have successfully negotiated your resignation (approximately one month prior to resignation), submit your resignation letter to your immediate supervisor.

At this time, be sure to check the employment regulations and check how many months prior to the desired date of resignation you must submit the application.

After submit a "resignation letter" by agreement, then, submit a "notice of resignation" at least two weeks prior to your resignation date.You can find some templates online for the resignation letter format if there is no specific letter your company asks you to submit. You can find some templates and examples like the one below from My Navi Job.

If your Employer Refuses your Resignation…

Sometimes, the employer will not accept your resignation and beg you to stay. For example, they may tell you that they are short-staffed and desperately need you, or they may make you feel guilty by telling you that your training expenses have been wasted.

Keep in mind, however, that you have no binding power over their loss and it is not up to the employer to decide whether or not to let you resign (as long as you give them proper notice).

Note that in more extreme cases, if your employer threatens to sue you for compensation (despite prior notice), this is totally invalid. You are not responsible for compensating them for their losses! If you are being harassed regarding your resignation, we recommend that you contact your local Labor Department.

Are you familiar with Japanese retirement rules?

It is natural to feel awkward about quitting our jobs. However, working in pain and suffering will not bring good results for either you or the company. As we mentioned, you need to inform the company of your intention to resign some time early to avoid inconveniencing the company by quitting as much as possible.

We also recommend that you decide in advance what your next job will be when you leave your current job. Let’s find your next job with Guidable!