Question from a reader:
I may have embezzled money at my part-time job. I’m a university student and I regret doing it on a whim. I haven’t touched the money (35,000 yen), but I’m scared to report it honestly to my manager. I plan to report it to my manager tomorrow and return the money. I understand that this could be
considered theft, but I’m worried about whether I would need to pay damages if I return the money. How much would that be? If anyone has detailed knowledge, please let me know. This is my first time dealing with something like this.
Detailed Response to the Reader’s Question
In responding to the reader’s question, it is essential to first deepen the understanding of the situation and conduct a comprehensive analysis that integrates legal, psychological, and ethical perspectives. To consider the impact of your actions and how to address the situation, I will explain the following points.
Legal Background
This case pertains to embezzlement of money at a part-time job. Under Japanese law, embezzlement falls under Article 252 of the Penal Code, which refers to the illegal possession of someone else’s property. Specifically, if you intentionally take money that you do not own, it could constitute theft. However, it is important to note that you have not actually touched the money and are determined to return it. Since theft involves infringing on “possession,” if the act was attempted but not completed, the legal assessment may differ. In other words, by acting honestly, you might be able to mitigate legal risks.
Psychological Aspects
It is also important to consider the psychology behind your actions. Even if the embezzlement was done on a whim, it likely comes with a certain level of guilt and stress. Such feelings of regret can become a psychological burden and affect your daily life. First, it is crucial to understand the psychological impact of your actions and reassess your self-evaluation. Often, people have the opportunity to internally question whether their actions are ethically right. This self-inquiry will strongly influence your future behavior.
Ethical Considerations
Ethically, it is expected to respect the property of others. The breakdown of trust at your part-time job can have negative effects not only on you but also on the entire workplace. By reporting the incident, you can reaffirm your own ethical standards and contribute to improving the work environment. In situations requiring ethical judgment, it can be helpful to refer to ethical theories such as Aristotle’s “virtue of moderation” or Kant’s “deontological ethics.” Ethical behavior is fundamental to establishing your own values and building good relationships with others.
Industry Regulations and Contract Law
In the entertainment industry, embezzlement and misconduct are considered very serious issues. Particularly, the principle of good faith based on contract law may apply, meaning that if you do not report the incident, it could be seen as a breach of contract. This increases the risk of dismissal from your job or claims for damages. By reporting the incident, you gain the opportunity to rebuild trust with your workplace. Depending on the situation, you might receive understanding from your manager or the company. Conversely, failing to report could result in a loss of trust, which would be a significant negative for your future career.
Privacy Rights and Social Responsibility
The incident at your part-time job is not just your problem. It affects other employees and management as well. From the perspective of privacy rights, if you try to hide this issue, it could negatively impact the trust of others. To fulfill your social responsibility, it is important to report honestly. Moreover, acknowledging the facts and taking action may encourage those around you to behave similarly. This attitude can lead to positive influences on others.
Practical Advice
1. Prepare for Reporting: It is important to organize what you want to convey for tomorrow’s report. Specifically, clarify what happened, what you are thinking, and how you intend to return the money. 2. Organize Your Emotions: Understand the fear and anxiety associated with reporting honestly, and take time to sort out your feelings. This will increase the likelihood of handling the situation calmly. 3. Seek Support: Consulting trusted friends or family for support can also be effective. Hearing others’ opinions can broaden your perspective and help you make better decisions. 4. Communicate with Management: When reporting, it is important to sincerely acknowledge your mistake and express your apologies. This may help the management understand your sincerity and respond flexibly.
Conclusion
Through this response to the question, I have discussed legal perspectives, psychological aspects, ethical considerations, industry regulations, and social responsibilities. Ultimately, the psychology and ethics behind your actions will undoubtedly have a significant impact on your future life and career. In dealing with the issue of embezzlement, reporting honestly and responding with sincerity is the best course of action. This will not only reduce legal risks but also contribute to your personal growth. You should be able to move in a better direction through this experience. If you have further thoughts on this issue or want to share other experiences, please feel free to leave a comment. Your voice will surely be valuable to others.
