Friday the 13th

20:08, on a train en route to Osaka

It’s Friday! Which means the long awaited weekend is finally here! Writing this on a train ride because I feel like sharing something today and thinking better share sekarang nanti malas lama2 nda post hihi

Went straight from work so it’s a pretty tiring day but I’m glad I went through another week. Alhamdulillah.

Today we had this short training session for manners at workplace and guide to becoming a 社会人(read: syakaijin) Based on what I read in the material we were handed, this syakaijin term is used only in Japan, which directly translates as member of society. It only applies to someone who is employed and pays the taxes aka white collared workers. The instructor explained many things including basic manners and the responsibility as a syakaijin. This term is really big because it sets you apart from other people, a syakaijin is viewed as someone who is (should be) contributing to the society and economy, it basically means an adult but like more responsible (because you’re employed obvs). Being a syakaijin, you have an image to preserve. To some, this might be tiring as you have to keep up with the pressure and expectation. Some view it as a burden even. (the taxes here is quite high) But to some, being a syakaijin is fulfilling because you have that sense of belonging in the society, knowing that you are contributing for the country. Plus, you have steady income (who doesn’t want that?)

After the session finished, the instructor asked us a question that each of us had to answer. My hands instantly went cold as I am not that good in speaking in public! Be it in Malay, English or Japanese. ESPECIALLY Japanese. The question was asked in Japanese but I’ll just translate it.

“What was the thing you want to do when you applied to this company? And are you satisfied with what you are doing now?”

There were 8 of us. Fresh graduates that just got in last April. As soon as the question was asked terdengarlah suara-suara “alamak” “susahnyaa” “nak jawab apeniii”

But in Japanese la of course ahak

Then one by one answered. From their answers, only a few is OK with what they are doing now. Some of the answers were

“Hmm dulu teringin nak buat enjin tapi sekarang dapat body(kereta) tapi xpa saya teruskan ja”

“Sedih sebab teringin nak design kereta tapi dapat bahagian quality assurance”

“Betsuninandemoii” (saya ok ja anything)

and a few more but most of us are not satisfied. When my turn came I just said I wanted to enter a global company and I don’t have any certain thing that I want to do. Fresh grads are still young so we should learn many things and not focused to one while we can still absorb knowledge like a sponge”

Of course, my answer comes from someone who is not 100% clear of what she wants to do. And I came to realize, from 8 of us, only 2 person really knows what they wanted to do/create. The others(including me) are still searching. Yeah I’m not alone weehihihi

Then the instructor said it is totally OK to not know what you want to do in life. The key is to get as much exposure as you want in the FIELD you are interested. (engineering, management etc) And how important to see the bigger picture. He told the kid that wanted to design a car engine to not regret his decision because he will get there eventually. Just don’t lose the passion, he said.

It got me thinking that yeah, being 23 is kinda hard. You don’t know what’s best for you. And nobody can decide for you. Sure, you can take as many advice you want but in the end, it’s your life and your decision and whenever bad things happen, the blame is on you. I guess we’re not ready to come out from school cocoon and being pushed into the society just yet. Man, I don’t know where I was going with this post. If you wanted to share anything or if we are in the same boat just let me know ❤️Just wanted to remind myself and everyone reading this, if you feel miserable or helpless,

trust me, you’re not alone.

Thanks for reading. THANK YOU ❤️