Quitting my job at a public school with little-to-no notice due to health

Work Teaching English in Taiwan
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Hi everybody.

I would really appreciate any advice. I currently am working at a public school in Taipei City.

As a result of some very terrible family things back home in the US, my physical and mental health have been very poor for a while. It’s reached a sort of breaking point where I’ve realized that if I do not take some time for myself, my health will just continue to deteriorate.

At this time, it’s best for me to not work, support myself through savings for a while, and then begin work at a different (private) school again in 2026 after I’ve had time to recover (presuming that all goes well health-wise during my downtime). I have that school’s offer in-hand already.

I’ve spent much time thinking about this, and I’m very sad to come to the conclusion that I just really need to focus on my health for a while.

My contract stipulates a 30-day notice period. Taiwan labor law stipulates that it’s 10 days given my tenure of 5-or-so months. I would like to give 10 days’ notice, or even less if possible. What ramifications could I face? If I am honest with them and let them know that I cannot continue due to health reasons, would this be something they’d accept? My school is definitely filled with very kind people, and they’ve always been very accommodating. I just do not want to face any sort of civil action or lawsuits. I just know I cannot continue for 30 more days without really struggling.

I understand my ARC would be cancelled and I’d need to leave the country and re-enter on a visa-exempt stamp. That’s no problem. Or, I could stay in-country and extend my current ARC as a job-seeking ARC for 3-6 months. Either path is fine for me. I do plan on staying in Taiwan; I just cannot work and simultaneously remain healthy at this time due to factors outside of my control, my school’s control, and Taiwan’s control.

I feel so sad for leaving the school and the wonderful students. But right now, I need to focus on my wellbeing. I’d really appreciate any advice. Thank you all!!

Edit: I’ve read those of us hired through the MOE have different standards and aren’t necessarily given the same rules of the Labor Standards Act? Is this correct? My contract states 30 days’ notice; however, it seems the 10 day notice trump card doesn’t apply to me. It would apply to a teacher in a buxiban, but not a public school teacher.

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Don’t do this.

Much better

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I agree, this would be the better choice. Thank you! I’ve also read that it can be extended up to a year total, which bridges the 8 month gap between now and when my next job would begin

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Just remember you’re quitting because of your health AND BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GIVE YOUR BEST TO THE CHILDREN under the circumstances. It’s always about the children with school administration (it is with teachers too, of course, but in a different way). The big issue will be getting a replacement, so if you can offer anything along those lines it might soften the blow with them. Could you consider part-time/mentoring new teacher/providing lesson plans/whatever? (I’m not second-guessing your decision, just trying to brainstorm things that would make them less likely to take a dim view of your action).

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If you’ve spent 20 days thinking about it, you could’ve left on good terms fulfilling your 30 day notice instead of breaking it at 10 days. Why 10 days? And why can’t you stick it out for a month? I don’t think 10 days will mollify them. If you want to break your contract like that then might as well no-show from tomorrow. 30 days is actually very reasonable. My school shits a brick if anyone quits without giving 3 months notice and I think most schools are the same.

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Try to fulfill the 30 days.

hit the gym to distract yourself

Unless you gotta go back to the US. In that case, do what you gotta do.

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