By adbnu564 Japan: In Japan, employees struggling to resign from unsatisfying jobs are turning to specialized companies for assistance. According to the Wall Street Journal, Exit, a company founded in 2017, has carved out a niche by managing the resignation process for around 10,000 people each year. For 20,000 yen (approximately ₹11,600), Exit handles all aspects of the resignation, including informing the employer and managing logistics like returning company property.
Since Exit’s launch, similar services have emerged across Japan. Albatross, a competitor, offers similar services, contacting employers to announce resignations and provide necessary details. Another rising firm, Momuri, which translates to “I can’t do this anymore,” is also gaining traction in the Japanese market.
The demand for such services highlights the cultural and emotional challenges associated with quitting a job in Japan. Many workers face significant stress and resistance when attempting to resign, with some even experiencing harassment from employers. Exit co-founder Toshiyuki Niino explained that “Japanese are not educated to debate and express opinions,” which complicates the resignation process.
Ayumi Sekine, who works for Albatross, shared a personal experience of being unable to resign from a previous job at a gas company without extensive pleading and emotional distress. Similarly, Yuta Sakamoto paid over $200 to a quitting agency to escape a job where his boss threatened to damage his career if he left. In some cases, employees who cannot afford these services may impersonate quitting agencies to submit their resignation.
Albatross CEO Shinji Tanimoto noted that most employers are receptive to a third party managing resignations, although some insist on legal consultations. The primary reasons for seeking these services include difficult bosses, unpaid overtime, and issues with taking paid time off.
Interestingly, many Japanese companies are also beginning to contact quitting agencies for referrals for newly unemployed individuals, reflecting a shift in how resignations and job transitions are managed in the country.