From a Train Driver's Dream to a Factory Manager's Goal: Entering the Linen Industry at Mother's Invitation

My current job involves washing items that come from hospitals and facilities, and then producing and delivering them to customers as linen supply. It's called the linen supply industry, or the linen industry within production. Linen is, well, it's kind of like reuse, but it's more like cleaning, I guess.

There are several. I've experienced a few, but the main one is in the area I'm currently working, called the untreated area, which is the entrance. We receive used items from hospitals, like towels and pajamas, and sort them into bags as a pre-washing task. These bagged items are then washed in a continuous washing machine by a person called a controller, who follows a pattern displayed on a screen. After washing, the items fall out, and part-time or dispatched workers fold them and send them through the machine for production. The produced items are then delivered to various hospitals by drivers.

The reason I chose it was because my mother worked there part-time, and I had different aspirations in high school. To be honest, I wanted to be a train driver. I went to a specialized high school, although it was a general course, but I couldn't earn enough credits. I applied to a few companies, got rejected by two, and then my mother asked me if I wanted to join her at her workplace. Also, I did a short-term part-time job there during high school. Plus, I wanted to get a job quickly, start living on my own, and leave home as soon as possible.

In the untreated area where I'm currently working, delivery personnel constantly bring in used items. I sort them into bags, specifically for bath towels, face towels, and hand towels—three types. I keep adding bath towels into the bag until it reaches 45 kilos, then I send it off. I hang the bags on a lane that goes upwards, part of what's called the bag system.

I'd say the heat. In summer, you can feel the outdoor temperature, but inside the factory, we use boilers, which are quite hot. The heat from the machines doesn't circulate well, so it stays in the workplace. During peak heat, it can reach 45 degrees, and you just keep sweating. And since you're constantly moving, that's what makes it toughest. The machine heat is the worst.

Hospital staff visit the factory occasionally, and they probably don't know much about it. When they see the inside for the first time, they often say things like, 'So this is how it's done' or 'It's so tough.' Showing them how tough it is gives me a sense of accomplishment. I'm happy when hospital staff visit. They come from various places, including high-ranking officials from hospitals we have contracts with. Sometimes two or three people come, other times up to ten.

Absolutely. I've been surprised to find dangerous items among the patients' belongings, like tools, screwdrivers, or wallets with large amounts of cash inside.

I was told to get a forklift license because I needed to operate a forklift. About two years ago, I was instructed by the factory manager to take the cleaning technician exam, which is held once a year, but with a pass rate of 46%, I failed. I didn't give up and tried again the next year but failed again. The factory manager suggested I take a break the third year, so I did. Now I'm studying for it again, aiming to take it next January. Within the factory, we need at least two cleaning technicians. My supervisor has a few, but with the generation change—retirement age is 60, and currently, those aged 58 or 57 will retire in two years—having a cleaning technician qualification would be advantageous. In the broader sense, a cleaning technician can open a local cleaning business. So, for those looking to start their own cleaning business or become independent, it could be an advantage.

Necessary skills? As I mentioned earlier, youth, physical strength, motivation, and a willingness to work hard are essential. It's tough, I think. If the hourly wage were higher, more people would come. But with the current wage, it's something to consider. If the wage were raised, even if it's just for the summer, people would come.

I do plan to continue. I have goals I'm aiming for, like mastering management and getting involved in factory operations. I aspire to become a factory manager, and that goal hasn't changed since I first joined. Even if people tell me to try elsewhere or suggest I should go into sales, I can't just quit. There are reasons I'm working here, and it would be a waste to leave now.

I see myself in a higher position, no longer doing my current job. I'll likely be involved in factory operations, learning and practicing initial management skills. It's a company with a clear future, so now seems like the time to put in the effort.

It's hot in summer and cold in winter, so health management is crucial. If you can manage your health well, you should be able to work at my current company. We're in great need of young talent. With everyone's help, the factory can run smoothly.