Towards a Supportive Work Style: Choosing Clerical Work from IT

I think the one that fits the best is the architecture, construction, and civil engineering industry.

Originally, I was an IT engineer, but among those, I wanted to go more behind the scenes and support various people by summarizing documents and creating materials, so I got my current job.

I chose an administrative role. Regarding the industry, unless it was extremely difficult, I didn't particularly care much. I thought I could get used to any industry as long as I could work comfortably, so I didn't particularly care much about the industry.

The main tasks I handle are data entry and document organization, but I also handle phone calls and sometimes deal with visitors. Also, something a bit different is purchasing items. When I say purchasing items, it includes things like stationery and even going to buy rice, so I also go out to buy such supplies.

The interesting part is that while administrative work mainly involves sitting at a desk, occasionally going out to do errands or shopping is quite frequent, even though it's not the main task. So, I think the fact that administrative work can also involve moving around is quite interesting.

What I find a bit difficult is when I'm asked to do a job, since we're dealing with other people, it's often hard to communicate effectively. There are times when the other person's explanation is insufficient or lacking, so I think the most challenging part is extracting information from low-resolution or insufficient explanations.

The more people there are, the more opinions clash, and although it doesn't reach the level of arguments, there are disagreements and things that are hard to say or ask. However, now we're operating with a small team due to family management, so discussions are easier and it feels quite open. Also, because it's family management, they treat me well even though I'm not part of the family, and I feel like I've become part of the family. I'm really grateful to have this job.

In the construction industry, there are certainly many open-minded people. They often discuss things openly, even sensitive topics, so I think there are many people with broad minds and openness.

When I was asked to find a necessary tool, I searched for it and presented it in a neat and easy-to-understand PowerPoint, and when they said, 'It's helpful to have it organized like this,' and 'Thank you,' and my suggested tool was adopted, that was the happiest moment for me.

Within the company, I can't really think of any, but there was a time when an external caller was quite rude. Instead of asking us to make adjustments, they said, 'Please handle it on your end,' and that made me quite angry. It wasn't about making adjustments, but more like, 'You deal with it,' kind of attitude.

What was difficult was that I hadn't really dealt with organizing invoices before, so I couldn't distinguish between external invoices and our own, which was the most challenging part.

I occasionally use things like ChatGPT and Gemini, but I'm not quite sure about the specifics of what I want to do yet. However, I'm considering how to better integrate AI into various aspects. Also, since there's still a lot for higher-level administrative staff to handle, I'd like to assist them and get more involved in areas like estimations, administration, and billing.

Starting with those who are not suited, since you inevitably spend a lot of time facing a computer and desk, someone who can't sit still might not be suited. Those who are suited are those who can sit and focus on a computer or desk, and also those who, like in my case, enjoy going on errands or outings.

I think the most enjoyable part is the people. Even though I'm not particularly interested in the construction industry, it's not about the industry itself but the fact that the people are good and kind, and I can talk about various things casually. In that sense, I find it very enjoyable. Of course, what you deal with is important, but since it's about people interacting, I think relationships are the most important. In that sense, I find it enjoyable to have good relationships.

I think it's something necessary for living, in terms of money. Of course, that's part of it, but I think I value communication and how people interact a lot. So, I think work is also a place where I can learn how people interact. Of course, in my personal life, there are also interactions and relationships, but in a separate context, at work, I can learn how people interact and think, 'This kind of person exists,' or 'This kind of approach is good for this kind of person,' or 'This person is happy about this.' So, in that sense, besides money, I think work is a place where I can learn how people interact.

Work is, after all, a tool for earning money, so I think it occupies about half. Without work, I can't earn money and live, so it occupies about half. It's not that I can neglect personal relationships in my private life because of work, and I shouldn't neglect other things for the sake of work. So, in my mind, work will never be 100% or all-consuming. At least, in my mind, work is 50%, half.