I’ve been rather reluctant to report on this topic if anything because like many of my co-workers, we figured it would blow over.
Well, so far, the feeling is that it’s not…
The company I work for has been having major legal and financial problems since May. There have been reports of false advertising and lawsuits which has resulted in some interesting schedules (for the better part of the past three months free periods have been liberally littered on our schedules) and rumors.
Here is an article in English from The Japan Times detailing some of the troubles.
From our point of view, or rather, my point of view, I am indifferent. If the ship goes down, then those of us who have stayed on to drown at least have unemployment coming our way. If it stays afloat, well then go team. Many instructors and office staff workers are still leaving the company. Some of the rumors are true; not just the office staff, but also regular instructors from various parts of the country have not been paid, nor the titled instructors (green tags) as of this morning. In fact, this one Aussie chick I know (Bec to those of you in the know) is one of the only TI’s at her branch to be going into work. Apparently all the others have called-in due to the lack of payment. As for the folk who have just been hired…well, I’m not sure what they’re being told. Most of us have been honest with them: find a new job or go home. Another Aussie worker I know has just returned from Australia and he said that this is big enough news for them (since so many Aussies work for the company) that the newspapers predict an influx of ex-pats returning down under within the next two months. I guess these next two months will be the deciding point of whether we even make it to the new year.
There is general discontent at the moment, on the teaching floors and the offices (LS and 19). I went out with Gunthar Rob last night after my swap and he gives it another two weeks before we’re all unemployed. This is a minor problem for the people who are still reliant on Nova housing.
I can’t say I’m optimistic, but if it goes down then so be it. I have enough money saved to continue playing about here until Christmas. I would like to find another job in Japan, but I know that is unlikely if anything because of family pressure to come home.
Too bad I never learned how to swim. At least I have a life jacket.
I had heard similar things and read related stuff on facebook. So are you planning on working for ECC officially then? I mean, if NOVA goes down. I wonder what was the false advertising that the article was referring to? All in all, if you come back before spring, I will see you in the states. If after that, then I will see you in Japan. Hope everyone gets paid soon!
Would you be doing the same type of work, for a different company, if you stayed, then? Elaborate. Elucidate. Edumacate.
As a former Nova instructor, I feel for you and your friends there. I still have some friends here who are working there and even though I don’t see them all that often now, of course I’m hoping things work out for the best.
Whatever that may be! I think your attitude is a pretty good one, and you’ll be all right. I understand the family pressure to come home but there are jobs available all over the place in Japan if you decide to stay.
Good luck in whatever happens!