A couple of days ago I received the bad news that my contract in Kiso-machi will not be renewed again. Apparently I had too many sick days off so the BOE were worried about me. I wish I had known that my getting sick would have had a negative impact on my chances of another job in the same area. I just can't believe that that was the only reason I can't work here again.
When you go overseas you are bound to pick up bugs and illnesses you have never had before. Like I said, if I had known this earlier I would have gone to school feeling terrible. I thought that I was doing the right thing and now spreading the cold around.
As I was driving to Kaida today (for the last time), I started crying. Thinking about all the lovely kids and the things they have said to me in the past week. The kindy kids asking me to come back and play soon, the kids at Ueda who have to move to Fukushima Elementary this coming school year. Those kids said they were scared about moving to a whole new school with new students, but happy that I would be there too. A familiar face can make all the difference. The teachers at Ueda when turn by turn, telling me how my lessons had impressed them, that I was really organised and that I made it really fun for the kids. When I think of all their faces when the teachers told them that I would be there I just start crying again.
I was never given the chance to say goodbye properly to three of my five schools. I'm really not happy about that. I really would have appreciated it. Maybe I am more upset about that, rather than having to find a new job.
That being said, the company are going to do their best to find me another contract. Like always, nothing is set in stone. I just worked so hard at all five of my schools!!!!! I already had next year's lessons planned out, now that I feel like I know what I am doing. Now that I finally had figured out the kid's levels and all that...seeing as the teachers didn't. (Elementary...Junior High were all sorted)
The life of an ALT. It is an uncertain one.
And the rent!! I have been able to save a substantial amount of money considering I only have to pay 13,000 yen per month. If I go into a proper apartment-style place, it is likely I will be paying the normal 50,000 per month. There goes my savings :(
I don't want to leave. I had thought about going to a bigger place because I do get bored here a lot. But I love this place, I really do. I just know I'm going to cry for a long time, when the day I have to leave comes.
Which brings me to the point...my last day of school is next Friday, after that...will I have a place to live? I don't know.
When you go overseas you are bound to pick up bugs and illnesses you have never had before. Like I said, if I had known this earlier I would have gone to school feeling terrible. I thought that I was doing the right thing and now spreading the cold around.
As I was driving to Kaida today (for the last time), I started crying. Thinking about all the lovely kids and the things they have said to me in the past week. The kindy kids asking me to come back and play soon, the kids at Ueda who have to move to Fukushima Elementary this coming school year. Those kids said they were scared about moving to a whole new school with new students, but happy that I would be there too. A familiar face can make all the difference. The teachers at Ueda when turn by turn, telling me how my lessons had impressed them, that I was really organised and that I made it really fun for the kids. When I think of all their faces when the teachers told them that I would be there I just start crying again.
I was never given the chance to say goodbye properly to three of my five schools. I'm really not happy about that. I really would have appreciated it. Maybe I am more upset about that, rather than having to find a new job.
That being said, the company are going to do their best to find me another contract. Like always, nothing is set in stone. I just worked so hard at all five of my schools!!!!! I already had next year's lessons planned out, now that I feel like I know what I am doing. Now that I finally had figured out the kid's levels and all that...seeing as the teachers didn't. (Elementary...Junior High were all sorted)
The life of an ALT. It is an uncertain one.
And the rent!! I have been able to save a substantial amount of money considering I only have to pay 13,000 yen per month. If I go into a proper apartment-style place, it is likely I will be paying the normal 50,000 per month. There goes my savings :(
I don't want to leave. I had thought about going to a bigger place because I do get bored here a lot. But I love this place, I really do. I just know I'm going to cry for a long time, when the day I have to leave comes.
Which brings me to the point...my last day of school is next Friday, after that...will I have a place to live? I don't know.
This sounds harsh especially as the doctor ordered you to take the time off. How many days did you have off over the year?
ReplyDeleteI had 11 days off, but this was for a period of about 6 and a half months. It's not as if I'm not healthy though, I eat a lot of vegetables and thanks to the winter season snowboarding has been my exercise. In terms of illness I just think I was unlucky, but I still don't see it as a reason not to hire me for this position again. Ah well, it's the company's decision and there's not much I can do about it now.
ReplyDeleteHi again. Yes, unfortunately, that constitutes a lot of days off in corporate Japan. The Japanese are not human when it comes to work. Drive past one of your schools at about 9 p.m. and the staffroom lights will still be on. People are there working. There are teachers who come in at 6:30 a.m. and leave at 11 p.m. just to show how dedicated they are. What are they doing in there all that time?
ReplyDeleteDispatch companies bow to the wishes of the boards of education, so if the board says no, that's pretty much it, in spite of how much the schools like you. It's a shame because you seem really nice and dedicated to your schools.
I hope your company comes through and offers you a new position. They have positions available according to their website. But they are cutting it close as the new term starts in April. On the other hand, you do have somewhere to stay (with your boyfriend) and you can be on hand when jobs come up. Some jobs with ALT companies do materialise after April, so don't lose heart.
However, be careful which company you go with. Altia is the best. I have not heard of any other company that doesn't screw you over in some way, so do your research online. The complaints are out there.
Finally, as you suspected, you will be paying a LOT more for an apartment elsewhere (you got a great deal there in Kiso by the way) and you will also have to furnish it, which means more money. Alternatively you might be offered a Leo Palace or Sakura apartment which is furnished but they are a lot more pricey. Add to that your city tax payments will kick in in your second year, so wave bye bye to those trips to Hakuba!
I hope your company offers you something. It's a shame to have to leave a place you enjoy with schools you love.