Currently, I have two main jobs: a postpartum helper and an advertising model. In simple terms, a postpartum helper is someone who supports a mother after she returns home with her newborn. I mainly provide support with meals, cleaning, and taking care of the baby.

I have a 5-year-old child now, and when I reconsidered my work style, I wondered what would be the best fit for me right now. My child has a slight disability, and I thought about what I could do to be helpful in raising a child with a disability. I thought that being there for those who need the most support after childbirth would be the best fit for me right now, which is why I started as a postpartum helper. Regarding the advertising model, I had connections from previously belonging to an entertainment agency, and I thought I could do it when I wondered what was needed and sought after from me. I started working on these two pillars because I thought both environments needed me.

For the postpartum helper role, I support the concerns of mothers and fathers, so the requests vary. Some want help with baby care, while others want meals prepared because the mother needs to rest, or the father can't do much. Some request cleaning. Depending on the request, baby care might involve bathing, feeding, changing diapers, playing, carrying, or putting the baby to sleep. Cleaning and meal support are as you might imagine: preparing meals or cleaning specific areas as requested.

It was difficult to understand the extent of what was expected. For example, if asked to clean the bathroom or wash the sink, it was unclear whether just the bathtub needed cleaning or the entire area. This becomes very critical when it involves children, and it's something that requires careful handling. Therefore, figuring out what was expected was very challenging.

Since my work involves handling babies, the baby's needs are the top priority. However, fathers and mothers are often sleep-deprived, and mothers may still be recovering hormonally and physically. They are mentally and physically exhausted. I try to listen to their concerns as much as possible, asking if they are getting enough sleep, eating, or if they have any issues with the baby. I try to offer solutions when possible, but I also understand that some things are difficult. I provide emotional support, encouraging them even though it might be the hardest time for them. I believe there are hidden needs in such situations. Many people may find it hard to express their inner feelings, but I think it's crucial to support those who are reaching their mental and physical limits. I was greatly helped by my mother, husband, and others around me when I returned to my hometown, so I think it's important to support parents who might be far from their own parents or have a busy spouse.

Entering someone else's home was initially a bit of a hurdle for both parties, I think. There was some hesitation at first, but I've come to think that it's okay to be a bit more casual. Being too formal might make the other person feel uncomfortable, so I think it's important to create a good atmosphere. After a year, I've noticed a change in myself. I think I was very tense at first and probably quite stiff.

Visiting someone else's home was initially exciting for me. But what I find most interesting is discovering the core concerns or hopes of the clients while listening to their requests or wishes, even if the conversation strays off-topic.

This applies to both of my jobs, but it's tough when I can't fully meet the requests or can't provide a 100% answer. It affects me mentally, and the mental strain can also affect me physically. Sometimes, due to time constraints or personal reasons, I can't fulfill a request, and not being able to meet the expectations is what affects me the most mentally. To put it simply, if I'm asked to clean the garden, the living room, the kitchen, and the bathroom within two hours, and it's clearly beyond my capacity, I politely decline beforehand, explaining that I can't do it all. I ask for priorities and do my best to fulfill as much as possible.

When I cooked for a family who had just had their second child, and the older daughter, who is in elementary school, enjoyed my cooking, saying it tasted like school lunch but was delicious. Hearing this from the father made me very happy. Since then, I've received requests, leading to dishes like cheese hamburgers. Next time, they want cream stew with salmon, even though it's summer. It's cute, and it motivates me to keep trying.

Honestly, I would be happier if I received a bit more, but I take pride in both jobs, so I hope that eventually, it will align. Currently, I have no complaints about it. Regarding the postpartum helper job, it's very rewarding, so I think the pay could be better.

Right now, I feel very fulfilled both mentally and physically with my work, and I want to continue doing it. I think it could also lead to career advancement. In the future, though I'm not sure if it will become a third pillar, my husband and I are discussing the possibility of creating an organization or providing content for children with disabilities. The trigger for my advertising model and postpartum helper jobs was my son, and raising a child with a disability is really tough. There aren't many people who understand, so my husband and I are experimenting with various approaches. My son has introduced us to new knowledge and worlds we've never experienced before, and we're really grateful for that. We're discussing the possibility of providing a place or content that supports moms and dads, maybe a community space. We haven't concretely decided yet, but we vaguely agree that it would be great to operate something in that direction.

My son has really expanded our world, and my husband and I are very grateful. For example, the convenience store clerk who is kind to my son, always bringing him orange juice and chicken without him asking, or the construction worker who always gives him a high-five in the morning. Without my son, we would never have crossed paths with these people. Sharing these experiences and the challenges of raising a child with a disability, we've come to the conclusion that there's a need for a place where parents can share information or connect. Before having children, my husband and I had certain ideals, like wanting to go places once our child could walk or, since he's a boy, going to hero shows or insect collecting. With a child with a disability, some things are possible, and some aren't, which was initially disheartening. But now, we see it as having opened up different routes and expanded our choices.

I've changed careers and reconsidered my work style many times, so my advice is to first confront yourself and figure out what you want to do, what you're essentially seeking, what you want, and what you can do. Then, assess whether you can actually work the required hours or if the conditions match. Of course, after careful consideration, you should take action. Nothing progresses without action, so face forward and take action.