Types of Leave

You are allowed several types of leave throughout the year. How much do you get of each? What type do you get? How do I use it?

Nenkyu
Paid leave, also known as nenkyu, is a very important thing that you want to make sure you have enough of when holiday time rolls around. Here are some helpful tips regarding nenkyu.
 * Nenkyu varies from contracting organisation to contracting organisation. Some people may have 10 days, some may have 25 days plus. Check what you have. (The average seems to be 20 days)
 * Use your nenkyu wisely. You wake up and don't feel like going to school that day? Is it really worth it to use nenkyu when you may need it for a real emergency down the road.
 * Avoid taking holidays during the school term. It's generally frowned upon and you are highly encouraged to take your nenkyu during school breaks or other holidays.
 * Nenkyu carries over. Typically you can carry over up to 20 days from contract year to contract year. Check with your organisation as to how much you are allowed to carry over.

Summer Leave
Some public offices and schools offer a few days of special summer leave (夏休み natsu-yasumi). Sometimes this leave may be in your contract. Check with your superivsor to see if this leave is available to you.

Compensation Leave
Sometimes you'll be required to work community Eikaiwa, sometimes you'll be working on a Saturday for PTA day, or judging a speech contest. Compensation time (代休 daikyu) is given for working beyond your regularly scheduled hours. Most times, you are required to use this time on a specific day or within 2 weeks. Check with your supervisor as to what the rules and procedures are for daikyu.