In Japan, where the work culture is deeply rooted in loyalty and dedication, resigning from a job can be a daunting task. Many employees face immense stress, opposition, and even harassment from their bosses when trying to leave. To tackle this issue, an unexpected industry has emerged—companies that help workers quit their jobs.
For a fee of 20,000 yen (approximately ₹11,600), businesses like *Exit* take on the responsibility of notifying employers about an employee’s resignation. Launched in 2017, Exit has overseen the resignations of around 10,000 people annually, offering everything from informing employers about the last working day to coordinating the return of company-issued equipment. Exit’s popularity has led to similar services popping up across Japan. Competitors like *Albatross* and *Momuri* (which means “I can’t do this anymore”) are also gaining traction, catering to workers desperate to leave their jobs with minimal confrontation.
The Need for Quitting Agencies
Why would someone pay to quit a job? The answer lies in Japan’s rigid work culture. Many employees face hostility from their bosses when attempting to resign. Some supervisors have been known to tear up resignation letters or threaten employees with career ruin if they leave. The deeply ingrained cultural aversion to confrontation makes it even harder for workers to voice their dissatisfaction and quit on their own.
Toshiyuki Niino, co-founder of Exit, explains, “Japanese are not educated to debate and express opinions,” highlighting the struggle many face in standing up for themselves at work. This cultural hesitancy, combined with a fear of backlash, makes quitting a deeply stressful experience for many employees.
Real Stories of Struggle
Ayumi Sekine, an employee at Albatross, shared his own experience of trying to resign from a previous job. When he attempted to quit his position at a gas company, his boss refused to acknowledge his resignation. Sekine had to plead with his supervisor, breaking down in tears, before finally being allowed to leave. This emotional ordeal is a reality for many in Japan, leading some to seek the help of quitting agencies to handle the situation for them.
Another employee, Yuta Sakamoto, paid over $200 to a quitting agency after his boss warned him that leaving would destroy his career. This level of intimidation is not uncommon, pushing workers to hire intermediaries to avoid the stress and confrontations.
For those who can’t afford these services, some have resorted to pretending they are from a quitting agency when submitting their resignation, showing just how difficult the process can be.
A New Industry on the Rise
Interestingly, while many bosses are fine with third-party services notifying them of an employee’s resignation, some demand legal negotiations involving lawyers. This highlights the complexity of Japan’s work culture and the tension between employees and employers when it comes to leaving a job.
In response to this growing trend, some Japanese companies have begun reaching out to quitting agencies for referrals, recognizing the opportunity to hire from the pool of newly unemployed workers. This unique shift reflects the changing dynamics of employment in Japan, where quitting, once seen as a personal and direct affair, is now becoming a professional service.
Why Workers Are Quitting
The reasons for leaving a job in Japan are often tied to poor working conditions, such as difficult bosses, unpaid overtime, and the inability to use paid time off. For many employees, these challenges become unbearable, forcing them to seek outside help to resign.
As this industry continues to grow, it sheds light on a significant issue within Japan’s labor market—one where quitting is not just an individual decision but a complex, often stressful process that requires external intervention. While these quitting agencies offer relief for those struggling to leave, they also highlight the need for broader changes in Japan’s workplace culture.
