Should I just leave???

[beavereater]

This is a long story...just like out of a soap opera. Here goes (Remember, I said it was long...but...give it a read):
Many of you know that I live in Japan. Some of you know that I am a teacher, and perhaps a few of you know that I "own" these schools. The reason I put quotation marks around that means I have to start from the begining.

About April 2003, I quit my old school (Not mine) and moved on to a better school. When I quit, I made sure that my students knew why, that I really liked them but unfortunately the owner is too much of tight ass and did a lot of "not so good" stuff (He paid me late, and sometimes not even all at once but in installments etc etc.) I didn't want them thinking I was just gonna disappear. Anyway, after leaving and working at my new job, a get a phone call from a student. This student, at the time, in my eyes was a great business man. He owned 3 companies one of them being a famous restaurant (Although I had never heard of it) He asked to meet me. We went out for some drinks and then he ask "How about you and I start our own school. Make it the way it should be. You could manage it and in the end students would get a better education and you could make much more money than you are now" I was excited...this rich guy basically throwing this chance at me, so I agreed. I left my other job and started setting things up.

NOW...to make things short, this is how it was suppose to work. I was in charge of the academics, he was in charge of the business. Since I could speak Japanese, dealing with people in person was not a problem, but when it came to getting things on paper, there was a problem since I can't write perfectly. He asked that my GIRLFRIEND translate it. OK...small price to pay if things work out.

Over the course of about a year, I worked 12 hour shifts, put all my time into everything from designing, research, sales, TEACHING, along with some other services we offered in English. Of all the students we now have (About 65) I got 64 of them...he go 1 and she quit 3 months later. Even with that many students, there were bills, and things that needed to be bought. My salary was 0 yen since the begining. I knew it was gonna be tough, living of my girls salary...but I had high hopes. AND, since he did too he gave me 100,000 yen (About 900 dollars American) each month, if I asked. He said "When you start to make a better salary then you can pay me back."

Over the course of a year, HE popped his head in every couple of days asked what was happening and stayed no more than 20 or 30 minutes at the school. He did nothing as far as design help, or work...the only thing he really did was come up with 2 ideas (Which didn't work out) and show up at our school events. HE DID pay for everything (The capital to start things out) The office space, however, was free...since he bought it a long time ago, and it was shared with one of his smaller companies.

NOW...here is where the things get wierd. When he was my student he told me he was a happily married man (with 2 girlfriends on the side) and had no children. I find out, the manager of the other company is his daughter. LATER, I find out that there relationship was ruined because HE beat the crap out of his wife (Her mother)...and insister they get divorced. He didn't want one because he knew it would cost him.

Second...since opening the new school, in another part of town to get more students, he slowly slipped his other business into the same office basically making life even more difficult for me. He asked that I not come to the office until lesson times and that if I needed to do any work to do it at the other office.

Here's where it gets even worse. He fired my secretary, who was VERY useful. She did so much work, and got so much done that things really started to speed up. WHY, did he fire her...well...like I said, he slipped his other company into what was suppose to be OUR new office. He FIRED his daughter as the manager, and hired a new girl. We find out later ITS HIS GIRLFRIEND!!! And the girl said a lot of shit about my secretary to him and others (the others is where I heard it from) and that's what got her canned!!

Anyway, the daughter, and my girlfriend know each other from work (My girl started working for my business partners temporary staff agency a long time ago.) She called my girlfriend and asked to meet in person. At this meeting is where we heard

They are family. He beat the crap out of his wife. His other companies have little or no money. He uses people, throws them out, and then when he needs them again tries to lure them back. AND...most importantly...the school is a GHOST company for him to hide money in so that he doesn't have to pay taxes. ILLEGAL!!

Anyway, the daughter, son and mother all spoke with my girl and said "Tell the beave to get out...and when he leaves, to take the computer and printer and as much stuff as he can because he earned it, while the BOSS didn't"

My dilemma is...do I or CAN I really leave. I have no contract with him, nothing that really proves that I owe him any money. They all say he would never take me to court anyway, because I would win AND he doesn't want to bring any attention to his business since there are some THINGS happening. Or...do I just call it quits and set something up to pay him back minus everything that I already paid for??? I said this would be long...and I am sure I left some stuff out. Not many people to talk to about this here in Japan...hope someone out there reads this.

[Tommyknocker]

What do you feel you owe him monetarily? How much has he paid you over the years? Can you prove his illegal activities as far as your school actually being a ghost company?

Right now it seems you should be the one suing, since he had no intention of honoring your initial agreement to let you run your school.

[ViRaL1]

I wouldn't leave. I'd make it known what it is I expect (which is more than what you're getting). From the way you explain it, there is no business without you (correct me if I'm wrong). You have him over a barrel so to speak. From a moral standpoint I can understand why you'd want to leave. If you choose to do so, you have to look at a number of things. Are you legally responsible for any part of the business and if so is there any documentation to that effect? Can you afford to move on to something different? If you leave, how will it affect your ability to do business with others? Nothing says that you have to like your boss, there are always other opportunities. But when you're talking about a business partnership, it's important that you can at least get along and agree on some of the basics of how things should be done. I don't see that happening. I'd advise talking to an attorney if there's anything legally binding, otherwise I say walk.

[Forum Troll]

"As your leader, I encourage you from time to time, and always in a respectful manner, to question my logic. If you're unconvinced that a particular plan of action I've decided is the wisest, tell me so, but allow me to convince you and I promise you right here and now, no subject will ever be taboo."

[lordsmurf]

Learn to ride the lightning.
If that's not possible, then retreat to safety.
Either way, only worry about yourself. Screw other people.

[mrtristan]

I deal with Japanese Business men from time to time and my advice is to get out now. Like America, some guys are good and some guys are bad. What you experienced is not uncommon and it won't ever get better. The guy is using you, because he can. Take what you think you deserve and leave. If you tell him you're going to quit, I can guarantee that he will try to talk you into staying, with bullshit promises.

I usually don't give advice, but I have experience with people like your "partner" and they are nothing but trouble.

[mrtristan]

P.S. Shit. There goes my chance to come and work for you.

[glockjs]

as lordsmurficous says, you are your own keeper. worry about yours and yours alone. whats important to me is my friends and my family. thats who i owe in life. this man doesnt sound to be your friend in the least.

if it's profitable for you to stay than stay. but, if you are going to stay make sure and write up an agreement to wipe out these grey areas in the future. remember this is your profession, it's business so do what is going to benefit you the most. as far as paying him back...take a good look for how much you have done for this business versus what you have got paid for so far. does it equal out or are you stareing at the short end of the stick? remember he's a business man so of course he's done what was going to profit him the most. and the mixing personal with business on his part is a very bad business move so to speak(firing secretary and hiring his girlfriend)

if your going to leave make sure you have enough head way to get yourself a good start. maybe start looking for good business partners to start up your new school under your total control. and put it in writing this time.

if it was me, and this is what i usually do when i have a tough decision to make....sit down and make a list of ALL the pro's and con's, tally each up and see what comes out ahead.

well good luck beave, i hope everything turns out for the best.

[mrtristan]

I'm not trying to buck what other people have said, but agreements, contracts, promises mean nothing to people like your partner. Let's say you sign a contract and get everything you want in it. He's going to short change you on something. Maybe it will be bonuses. Maybe something with profit sharing. Possibly paid vacation time. Are you willing to take him to court in Japan, because he missed a few paydays? No, because it will cost you too much time and money. He knows this and hopes that you don't know this, when you sign the contract.

Again, my advice is to get out of there. Things will only get worse, to the point where you are forced to leave.

You don't owe him shit and you shouldn't feel obligated to pay him back anything. You were working for free, while he was collecting all of the money from the school. Since you are disconnected from the business side, he's always going to tell you that the school is barely making it. Meanwhile, he's got his girlfriend working for him and probably a few other girlfriends on the side. How does he upkeep all of them? Some income comes from what he's not paying you. I would bet money on it. I can't say enough about how disgusting people like him are. He perfectly fits the mold of the typical dishonest Japanese business man.

He won't take you to court and he won't do jack shit, if you're worried about the yakuza. Both will cost him too much money. At most, he will try to intimidate you, but like every other thing out of his mouth, it will be bullshit.

If you do decide to leave, I would suggest lining up work for you and your girlfriend first. If you leave, he will most likely fire your girlfriend soon after. It's the only way he can get back at you.

I talk like I know him, because these guys all follow the same pattern.

[glockjs]

I talk like I know him, because these guys all follow the same pattern.

aint that the truth

[thecoalman]

You need to be smart and cover your ass as much as possible. First take what you can without being noticed, I'm not talking about computers but files or anything you can get your hands related to the business. Copy everything.

Go and demand, don't ask, that you be given a contract with a signifigant pay increase or whatever else you feel you are entitled too. Threaten to leave immediately if your demands are not met. If your a vital part of this business then most likely he'll meet your demands. If he gives you some line of bull about not making anything then tell him to show you the books right then and there. You may want to sit down and figure out what he's making and his expenses first. If there's one thing a business man understands is when his profit margin is threatened.

If he rejects your demands then leave. Lick your wounds and move on. Lesson learned.....

[DereX888]

can i have some summary of this thread's main post? It seems like kinda alot of reading for friday morning...

[beavereater]

First, thanks for the info. Sorry I didn't get back sooner. Anyway, here is a summary (As short as I can make it) and maybe some things to clarify.

I went into business with this man. Everything was suppose to be 50/50. Since I wasn't prepared to go into business financially, he knew he had to pay the capital. The idea was, when the schools started to make money, it was all 50/50. HOWEVER, no contracts were made, and it's all under his main companies name (This I didn't find out until later). Although the money was going to be 50/50 the capital was also suppose to be paid back to him (50 percent). This however was never written down, and there was only a verbal agreement. We used an office space he already owned, but wasn't using completely. He had his temp staff agency in there too, but they took up a small part. The rest was suppose to be the school. Anyway, I got 99 percent of our business, I taught my lessons and took care of EVERYTHING. He did nothing. In our verbal agreement, he and I are business partners, not employer and employee. However, it felt pretty much that way since I did everything.

Documents that prove that I borrowed money from him are only a bank book (our schools) from which each month 100,000 yen was taken out and I signed my name next to it. Advice that I have been given here is to play stupid if he ever took me to court and say "I thought it was my salary." Many people also said for the money that I owe him, compared to the work I have done for him, he should be paying ME as I leave. However, all these agreements are verbal.

As for firing my secretary and hiring his girlfriend, it was illegal, and although this is a company I've helped to build (Although we are still in the red) I told her to sue the company. She may take action.

Last night I had dinner with his daughter, who has been telling me about family history and the real person he is. His world revolves around keeping his girlfriend and impressing her. When our 2nd school opend, I said "We need a hot-water pot to make instant coffee and tea for potential students when they sign up (A Japanese way of showing good care for new students). He said "Nope. Just go downstairs to the vending machine and buy something." BUT his girlfriend mentione SHE needed hotwater for coffee...then next he was in there making a whole in the wall to get an extension cord to the other room for hot-water pot.

Anyway, I could go on and on about the shit that I've been through, but I guess you now know the more important details. Still...I'm not 100 percent sure about HOW to quit. I know I WILL...it's just the matter of HOW...

[northcat_8]

What's to know?

"**** YOU, I quit!!!" <has always been one of my favorites >

[Tommyknocker]

I say sue and take over management, buy his sorry but out, ask his girlfriend does she want to stay on at half her salary but only as the cleaning woman, hire his ex-wife as supervisor in charge of employment, and his daughter senior vice president in charge of employee relations.

[beavereater]

What's to know?

"**** YOU, I quit!!!" <has always been one of my favorites >

Yeah that would be the way to do it...but if I do I am just worried that the money he "lent" will have to be paid back (Even though people say I worked for it and deserved it). I guess you can say that morally, I should pay it back BUT I DON'T WANT TO because of the shit he's pulled. His own daughter doubts he would sue me...but anyway, when I do quit, I will have my nice little voice recorder hidden away to make sure I get it all...and perhaps share it with my fellow people here at videohelp.com

[ZAPPER]

Here are some harsh words that I think that you NEED to hear! YOUR STUPID! Now get out and get away and take your girlfreind with you! You don't know this guy, you can never know what is going on in someones head. From what you have posted it sounds like this guy is a predator and you are prey and you and your girlfreind will be victoms. If you don't get hacked up into little parts then surely you will be without money in the end! By posting here it shows that you know that you are in trouble. Get away from the Jerry Springer crowd and start dealing with upstanding people or at least people that can keep their closet doors closed!

There is no shame in not knowing business. But if you want to go into business read up on the subject and learn some first. You can find Government help or professional help with fair contracts and fees. Develope a business plan and borrow money from a bank. If your business looks sound enough on paper you will have no trouble getting professional money. Make and keep the business your own and you be the one responsible for its success or failure. Partnerships almost always are a bad idea. if you think that you need help incorporate, but you keep control.

I say again that you are STUPID and will wind up broke or worse if you don't get away. If you don't get away maybe I"ll take a crack at your girlfreind!

[mrtristan]

If he wants you to pay him back, demand to see the books. Even if you don't know how to make sense of them, he doesn't know that. I bet you he won't have them handy, though. Then, threaten to sue. Use the same tactics that he would use on you, but strike first.

That is, if you don't see any way to part amicably. I'm guessing that you don't.

I'd also be careful about not divulging too much information to his daughter. She may not like him, but she's still his daughter. Families talk.

I don't know how the burden of proof rests in Japanese court, but I know it will still cost time and money. I'm guessing that you haven't "borrowed" enough to make it profitable for him to sue you.

None the less, it's still good to gather as much documentation as you can, before you tell him that you're going to leave. I doubt that he would sue you for what you borrowed from your own damn company, but it's always good to have some kind of documentation in times of a dispute.

[northcat_8]

Zapper offers some sound advice but I disagree on one point...

LEAVE THE GIRLFRIEND THERE TOO!! She's seems to more hassle than value from some of your previous posts.

Sometimes the best thing to do is to clean the slate and start over.


On the job note. Since everything was a verbal agreement, then it seems to me that he is the one SOL, not you. If he tries to sue you, and your lawyer thinks he has grounds, screw it, move back stateside...you have to be about sick of fish and rice by now anyway

[SLICK RICK]

Leave the guy, don't pay him back (you deserve that money) and come on back home.

[beavereater]

Zapper offers some sound advice but I disagree on one point...

LEAVE THE GIRLFRIEND THERE TOO!! She's seems to more hassle than value from some of your previous posts.

Sometimes the best thing to do is to clean the slate and start over.


On the job note. Since everything was a verbal agreement, then it seems to me that he is the one SOL, not you. If he tries to sue you, and your lawyer thinks he has grounds, screw it, move back stateside...you have to be about sick of fish and rice by now anyway

Why do I always quote Northcat most!??? Anyway, I am a little inebriated at the moment, so I apologize for sloppy spelling. Anyway, @Northcat, although I have complained about my gf many times here, the reason is beacause if I complain in the real world of people (Among friends living in Japan) it would eventually come around to her, which I don't want. She is a good girl and over the last year I have lived off her salary for everything.

As far as moving back home...too many responsibilities to keep me here. Otherwise I might!! After watching a couple movies today, I was wondering, since everyone likes movies on this forum, what way "hollywood wise" would you end things...some GRAND speech perhaps, something keeping him thinking. Although the Northcat "**** you I quit." approach would go down well, and be fun and fast, I think doing something more on the soft side would be advantagious for me (I just thought of that word "advantagious", not sure if that's the right word in this context!!)

Anyway, just thought if I did something EMOTIONAL and got it on tape, it would play well. Like I said, I would like this to be something I could share here on videohelp.

[ZAPPER]

Tell him that you want $250,000.00 US or your gone! If he pays then take the money and run! If he doesn't pay, laugh and walk away. In all I suspect that the sooner that you get away the better off you will be. You are to weak to be in this position! I also agree that you should take copies of everything that you would need for a new school(PC files and such) and anything that you paid for out of your own pocket. Any physical property that he paid for, is his, and the law can come after you for taking it. Get out of this mess now and live off your ole lady for some more if you have to.
This has become the "Dear Abby" post.
None of this advice is any good if you don't follow it!

[Capmaster]

Sounds like he played you for a sucker Beav. He got you for all that time for almost free, and you single-handedly (practically) built up his school.

Get a lawyer ...now, and sue for your share of the assets.

[Tommyknocker]

I still think you should sue, and if you get a settlement, start your own school and do things the way you think they should be done.

[beavereater]

Well, I am an idiot for putting too much faith in the kindness of this man. I'm gonna see a lawyer tomorrow and see where I stand legally. From there, actions will be taken. I've already printed off my resume and plan on sending them out. Getting work won't be a problem since references here are never checked up on. They only put you on probation for a month to see if you CAN teach, then it's all good. Thanks for the advice everyone...

[gshelley61]

Placing your faith in people is a losing investment. They will always eventually let you down. Some will outright try to f*ck you over, too.

Even good people who you love and trust completely will sometimes disappoint you.

A very old spiritual law...

Plus, that guy sounds like a typical user (a taker, not a giver). Examine all options that would lead to you getting away from this jack off ASAP, without completely destroying yourself financially. Chalk this up to a learning experience. You are young, and can easily recover from this setback.

[offline]

No advice. Just wish you good luck.

[BJ_M]

capmaster is right -- he played you for a sucker on a string ...

ALWAYS get it in writing .... even between friends (specially between friends)

since you signed your name on the monthly bank book - and prob. didnt pay tax on that monies -- you will be held just as responsible for bilking the tax office as he was ... if you say it was a loan , then you will have to pay it back .. if you say it was salary , they you shared in the take from an illegal ghost org.

screwed either way ...


i would just leave the country ... can you teach Chinese?

[ZAPPER]

My apologies to all how have been following this thread. This is the first time that I have made a personal attack on anyone here at this site. I think or hope that everyone knows that I was trying to provoke an action from Beaver by calling him stupid and weak. This is not a situation to be taken lightly. We are not talking programs or bootlegging this is the young mans life and future that we are talking about. He does not seem to be mature enough to understand the gravity of the situation. He has gotten involved with a man that is taking advantage of him money wise and who has a history of being physically abusive. Beaver may have already tipped his hand by talking too much with the mans family. Beaver seems to think that a Hollywood ending is what is needed. Unfortunatly the Hollywood ending may be him and his girl freind going to the poor house or jail or the grave at this mans hand. Beaver seems to think that he can come out of this on top, but I see no way for that to happen. He seems to think that a lawyer will make everything OK. I feel that a lawyer will only take advantage of an easy mark and not fully resolve this issue or not in a fast enough manner.

I wish that I never saw this thread. I could have gone thru life not knowing about this mans trouble. I don't personally know anyone here at this site, but for some stupid humane reason I feel that all here are freinds or comrades and deserving of whatever help I have to offer. This young man does not seem to be able to take the help offered here by anyone. If any of you know this man please talk to him, call his mother or his girlfreind.

I hope that this turns out to be some kind of prank or joke. That would be fine by me. At least I would know that nobody got hurt. (my version of a Hollywood ending) Beaver is delusional and thinks that everything will be OK and I am delusional thinking that I could help.

[Capmaster]

Of course we're all friends here. That's why Beave posted this. He's soliciting advice from the people he has kept in touch with through this forum. We're all aware of his situation because he keeps us updated on issues he has been having at the school.

We're trying to offer him the best advice we can and I disagree that this will necessarily end in tragedy. Beave is the victim here and has the truth on his side ...not to mention the law.