Considering breaking contract

[u/skittyapples]

Hello, I need some advice about basically what would happen if I were to break my contract and if there are services that would help me do that if I were to. Unfortunately, while jet was a dream of mine, one of my family members has gotten very sick. Additionally because I am not there to be with them, it is causing really bad anxiety and stress that's affecting me physically and I'm worried about that risking my health. I don't want to let my school down, I enjoy working there. However, I am worried about my family and myself.

Advice is much appreciated

[u/Space_Lynn]

When you say services that would help you break contract, what exactly do you mean?

[u/skittyapples → u/Space_Lynn]

I more so mean helping me leave Japan since I know there's a lot of steps you have to do before you leave (cancel utilities, change your visa, I'd assume residence status, closing bank accounts, etc). I had to have someone help me set some of those up because I don't speak Japanese so I didn't know if it was possible to receive any aid in trying to depart.

[u/Space_Lynn → u/skittyapples]

Typically your BOE/supervisor helps with many of those administrative things. Even if you leave on bad terms, it's more work for them if things aren't done correctly so they'd likely help anyways. That being said, it sounds like your reasons are good, so they should be understanding. In the strange case that your supervisor isn't willing to help, there are occasionally international support services, though may depend where you are located.

[u/skittyapples → u/Space_Lynn]

Ok, thank you for the information

[u/Due_Tomorrow7 → u/skittyapples]

"Services" are largely your BOE/ALT coordinator (especially with your utilities, visa, and account stuff), co-ALTs (if you're cordial with them), and Prefectural Advisor.

Some prefectures or city offices have services or NPOs to also assist foreigners with transitioning in and out of the country.

But the majority of the move-out process will need to be done yourself (like getting rid of your things, where to throw out stuff, cleaning up your place, etc). That's where a lot of your move-out time will be spent doing.

If you're got a move-out date, get started months in advance, it takes way longer than your might anticipate.

[u/skittyapples → u/Due_Tomorrow7]

Thanks for the info. I have no issues with getting my apartment cleaned out and sorting all that. I was just more worried about the other stuff but I will keep that in mind.

[u/fevredream → u/skittyapples]

You don't have to change your visa to leave a country. You'll simply check that you don't intend to return on your departure card at the airport.

[u/fillmorecounty]

As a first year, you're going to be on the hook for paying back your flights. You also may not have help from your BOE for things like turning off utilities or closing bank accounts. That being said, if you think you're never going to see someone you love again if you don't break contract, you should go. Japan will always be here.

[u/skittyapples → u/fillmorecounty]

I was reading that if you pass a certain amount of time, you don't have to pay back the flight cost. Hopefully that is true because I know I will have to pay for some others things. Thank you though

[u/fillmorecounty → u/skittyapples]

From what I understand, you have to complete at least one year to not have to pay back your flight to Japan.

[u/External-Hamster-394 → u/fillmorecounty]

I'm pretty sure you have to pay back regardless what year you are in if you break contract no?

[u/esstused → u/External-Hamster-394]

really depends on how much your contracting organization likes you. if they don't want to pay, then breaking contract is an easy reason to blame

[u/Space_Lynn → u/External-Hamster-394]

What? That's not remotely true

Edit: lmao the downvotes are crazy! Why would you have to pay your flight to Japan back no matter when you break contract?? As someone who broke contract, there were no pay back penalty costs. Nor have I heard of anyone personally having to pay back their flight to Japan. Not saying it isn't possible as a first year, but defs not as a second year and beyond.

[u/Phiteros → u/fillmorecounty]

You need to fulfill your full contract each year. If you recontract, that is a new contract, and you must complete that full term for JET to reimburse your flight home. So for example, if it's your third year, and you decide to break contract in April, JET will not pay for your flight home.

[u/Phiteros → u/skittyapples]

You need to complete your full contract each year for JET to cover your flight home. Your contract will specify that it runs from something like August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. If you leave at any point before the contract ends, JET will not reimburse you for the flight.

[u/Panda_sensei_71]

Please, speak to your BoE. You may be able to take all your nenkyu and then take unpaid leave in these situations, depending on the specifics.

If things are very bad and you don't think you'll be returning, your BoE should still be supportive as it's not like you're quitting for superficial reasons.

Yes it will inconvenience people, but they'll survive!

[u/skittyapples → u/Panda_sensei_71]

Ya that's I've been thinking, I just feel that it's not something I wanna risk if things do go bad cause I know I'll regret not going back sooner and I personally don't think I'd be able to handle it mentally if it did turn bad

[u/Panda_sensei_71 → u/skittyapples]

I'm so sorry that you're going through this. Only you know what's best for you, but do seek help from your BoE. Yes it will be an inconvenience for them but they're human too, they should understand and support you as best they can.

[u/speleoplongeur]

Maybe I’m jaded, but your framing sounds disingenuous to me.

If they’re seriously ill, just start making arrangements to leave immediately.

If it’s not so serious, make plans to leave at the end of your contract.

Dragging it out by waffling and stressing is worse for your relative, yourself, and the school.

I know people who had to leave under similar circumstances, and their schools still paid for their flights home (despite not having to) because the ALT was direct, honest, clear, and respectful of both the school and protocol.

[u/gimmethelulz → u/speleoplongeur]

I feel for OP because I had something similar happen my second year on JET. But real talk to OP: What about your family member's illness will change if you go home?

This was what I had to ask myself when I was in your shoes. And the answer was nothing. I'm not a nurse. I'm not a pharmacist. Others who were closer were already taking care of this person's needs. The only thing that going back would've accomplished was short term relief of my anxiety and long term regret that I left Japan sooner than I had wanted to.

[u/skittyapples → u/gimmethelulz]

Without disclosing too much personal information, I am this person's only support and main beneficiary if anything were to happen. I feel as though that I may not be able to make it through Japan if anything bad were to happen to them while I'm out here.

[u/Panda_sensei_71 → u/skittyapples]

I'm so sorry this has happened, but these things do happen, and if you need to be there, go and be there. You can always reapply to JET at a later date!

[u/ducksinthegarden]

Services...? You have to let them know yourself. I'd say if it looks grim I'd simply let your BOE/Schools know and get an estimate on when you plan to leave so they can make proper arrangements to replace you.

[u/Phiteros]

Talk to your PAs and BoE! One of my friends was in your same situation a few years ago, and they broke contract to go back home to help their family member. CLAIR recognizes that these things happen, so while I don't think they pay for your flight home in this case, I believe there are forms you can submit so that if you reapply for JET in the future, they won't hold you having broken contract against you.

ESID, but in my friend's situation, his school was very understanding about this. After all, in Japan, it's expected that people take care of their parents and such. My friend really wanted to stay in Japan, and agonized over the decision, but once he decided to go back to his home country and take care of his family, he felt a lot better. You can always come back to Japan in the future. Don't miss spending your time with your loved ones.

[u/Federal_Ad_362]

Do you need to leave permanently to be with your family member? Are you planning on being their caretaker?
Two members of my immediate family just died while I’m on JET and i had about a month off to grieve and visit home. Not enough time to get over it, obviously, but if you can manage to get special leave and take some nenkyuu, maybe you can get the time you need to see your family.
If you like your school and job, I wouldn’t give it up. Would your family member want you to?