My latest thoughts on jobs and life

My Latest Thoughts on Jobs and Life

There are countless professions in the world, and among them, I chose to become a care worker for elderly people. In this essay, I want to share why I chose this path, what I think about it today, and my aspirations for the future. To provide some context, let me start with my background.

In 2004, I graduated from a university in the United States with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. My first job was in desktop publishing at a small advertising company serving the Asian community in Orlando, Florida. At the time, my ultimate goal was to secure permanent residency in the U.S., and I devoted myself to the role for four years. However, I eventually came to terms with the reality that this dream was unattainable. Reluctantly, I decided to return to Japan in 2008.

After returning, I married and immediately felt the need to secure stable employment. I applied for jobs that required English and computer skills and was eventually hired by a Tokyo-based company that organized business booths at convention centers. While this role allowed me to use my skills, I found the work burdensome and unfulfilling.

After two years, I transitioned to a design and display company owned by Christians, hoping that the shared faith would create a positive and supportive work environment. However, over time, I struggled with the demands of the job. Despite working hard and contributing significantly to the company’s revenue, I couldn’t handle the frequent overnight shifts and relentless pressure to meet deadlines. The stress was overwhelming—I vividly remember moments during my commute when I felt tempted to escape it all by diving into the sea.

This period forced me to reflect on my priorities. Was there a career that could provide both work-life balance and personal fulfillment? It was then that I learned about the growing demand for care workers for the elderly in Japan. Encouraged by government efforts to improve wages in this field, I decided to pursue this path. I completed the required certification while working full-time and began my career as a care worker.

My first job in this field lasted over six years at a care facility in Chiba. Despite numerous challenges, the pay was comparable to my previous jobs, and I found the work more meaningful. However, after relocating to Saga, I was disheartened to find that wages for care workers in rural areas were significantly lower. To make ends meet, I took on multiple jobs, including part-time night shifts and English tutoring. This relentless schedule eventually took a toll on my health, and I was forced to scale back my workload.

Today, I continue to work as a full-time care worker and part-time tutor. To supplement my income further, I began investing in U.S. stocks. Over the past four years, I’ve been able to double my assets, a milestone that has given me some breathing room. However, it has also made me reassess my goals and responsibilities.

I now want to focus more on my family, including caring for my aging parents. Although they are still healthy, they foresee a time when I will take on a central role in managing the household and overseeing my mother’s inherited lands. While they have promised to compensate me for household expenses, I am concerned about the financial strain this responsibility may bring. I feel the need to increase my income further to ensure I can meet these challenges without worry.

At my current care facility, I have gained the trust of my colleagues, and there is potential for promotion. However, I am skeptical that a promotion would bring the financial stability I seek. Additionally, I am growing weary of the emotional and physical challenges of caring for elderly patients, particularly those with dementia. While I strive to embody biblical values of kindness and service, I often question whether I have the patience and strength to continue in this role.

Given these considerations, I have started exploring new opportunities. Manufacturing jobs, for example, offer significantly higher salaries and may provide the financial security I need. I have decided to resign from my current role by the end of the fiscal year and aim to secure a new job by early March, with plans to begin work in April.

My ultimate goal is to establish a strong financial foundation through investments, with the aim of accumulating 100 million yen within five years. Once I achieve this milestone, I hope to dedicate myself to working alongside my pastors to reach out to others and share God’s love. I believe this is my true calling and purpose in life.

Above all, I strive to seek God’s will and guidance. Life, no matter how wealthy, is meaningless without faith in Jesus. My journey is not just about financial success—it is about obedience to God’s plan and walking the path He has set for me.