Question from a reader:
I want to quit my part-time job. The company says I need to notify them two months in advance, but I want to leave as soon as possible, even though I don’t have a special reason. If I can leave as soon as possible without the company’s permission, do I still need to wait the full two
months? Also, I have 9 days of annual leave remaining. Can I use this leave during the two months before I quit? Or do I have to use up the 9 days before waiting the full two months? Thank you!

For Those Who Want to Quit Their Part-Time Job: Legal Advice

Hello! I’m a man in my early 30s, born in California and raised in Osaka. Recently, a friend consulted me, saying, “I want to quit my part-time job, but the company says I have to notify them two months in advance.” This is actually a common issue that many people face, especially part-timers and students. So today, I’d like to discuss this topic from a legal perspective.

Basic Rules for Quitting a Part-Time Job

First, what’s important when quitting a part-time job is the content of your employment contract. In many cases, part-time or temporary employment contracts specify a “notice period for resignation.” In your case, it states that you must notify them “two months in advance.” This is to give the company time to find a replacement. From a business perspective, this makes sense. In such cases, the Labor Standards Act Article 16 applies. This provision states that “workers must comply with the prescribed period when terminating their employment contract.” However, this prescribed period can vary based on the employment contract, so it’s not necessarily always two months; it depends on what is stated in the contract.

How to Quit Without a Special Reason

Now, I understand your desire to “quit as soon as possible” even without a special reason. I’ve also experienced a time when my part-time job was so busy that I was mentally and physically exhausted. At that time, I wanted to quit immediately, but I was bound by the rules of my contract. If you’re asking whether you can quit as soon as possible without the company’s permission, you generally must adhere to the contract. However, the Labor Standards Act does indicate that immediate termination is possible if there is a “justifiable reason.” This could be the case if the working conditions are significantly poor or if there is harassment. If you don’t have a special reason, it would be wise to comply with the contract.

Using Annual Leave

Next, let’s address your question about annual leave. You mentioned you have 9 days of remaining annual leave. This is a very important point. Legally, workers have the right to take annual paid leave. Therefore, to your question of whether you can use your annual leave during the two months before you quit, the answer is “yes, you can.” In fact, a friend of mine was in a similar situation and used their annual leave before quitting to refresh themselves mentally and physically. Using annual leave can often help you organize your thoughts while working and is an effective means to ensure a smooth conclusion to your job. However, when taking annual leave, you need to follow company rules and communicate with your supervisor. Be sure to discuss this in advance and decide on the dates for taking leave. This also requires smooth communication as part of business practices.

Conclusion

How was that? I hope you gained a better understanding of the rules for quitting a part-time job and how to use annual leave. Life presents various choices, and sometimes you must have the courage to make decisions. However, remember that actions based on laws and contracts can help you take the next step. I have also experienced quitting a part-time job myself. What I felt during that time was the importance of considering “what is the best choice for me.” Quitting can open new paths, so please face your feelings and find a way to resign that you are satisfied with. If you need more specific advice, please consider consulting a legal professional. I wish for your future to be even better!