'Social Contribution Above All': The Journey of a Caregiver After Exploring Ten Different Occupations

My current job involves using various apps for different types of work. I use apps like Timee, Mercari Hello (though it's not available anymore), and Yucare, which specializes in caregiving.

Yes, I did. Last year, around the Reiwa 6 era, I took an initial training course offered by Benesse in Funabashi. To obtain this qualification, you must attend a certain number of training sessions, learn from instructors, and pass tests. It's quite rigorous, involving regular tests and a final exam, and you must also receive a seal of approval. Only then can you receive the certificate of completion for the initial training.

In the gig economy, especially since last April, there's been a strong emphasis on the necessity of having a qualification to work in caregiving. Although I've worked without it in the past, the demand for qualified individuals has increased. So, when I want to work on a gig basis, having the qualification has definitely been beneficial.

I have a somewhat niche qualification as a skilled worker in electronic circuits. To be recognized as a skilled worker, you need to pass both practical and theoretical exams. I managed to pass the theoretical part, but the practical exam was challenging, and I didn't succeed, so I kind of gave up on it for a while. Later, I attended a medical school for radiologic technology, where I completed all my credits except for the final year. I failed the graduation exam and had to repeat the year, which was financially straining, costing about a million yen per year. I took out a student loan to cover the expenses but eventually decided to quit. Afterward, I enrolled in a correspondence university, studying law from the first year, aiming to become a lawyer. I interviewed at law firms but was rejected by several major ones.

I worked in a group home as a caregiver, and with the 2025 problem approaching, where the baby boomer generation will require caregiving, I realized that human caregivers alone won't be enough. This experience motivated me to learn about electronic circuits and consider developing caregiving robots. I envisioned creating a facility that would be beneficial for both users and caregivers.

I worked at Hitachi's medical equipment facility for about six months as a temporary employee.

I experienced the male-dominated culture in factories, where I faced inappropriate anger and severe power harassment. When I consulted the labor standards office, they didn't take my concerns seriously, which affected my mental well-being.

I passed the interview for a company that repairs medical equipment, which required driving to the repair sites. However, since I couldn't drive in the Kanto region, I declined the offer. Obtaining a repair qualification and becoming independent takes several years, so I thought it would be good to get a head start in my late 20s. I passed the interview but couldn't proceed due to the driving requirement.

Social contribution is a significant factor for me. I don't want to experience the hardships I faced in my teens, nor do I want others to suffer. I believe there are many people struggling in caregiving and medical fields. I've thought since my early 20s that robots and AI could help reduce human conflicts and bring peace.

I haven't had the opportunity to visit a facility that has fully implemented ICT yet. However, I've noticed an increase in the use of tablet devices for data entry. When I was a teenager, everything was done by hand, but now, with devices, tasks can be completed much faster.

I've done a lot of different jobs. Posting flyers was physically demanding due to the large volume. I've also worked at convenience stores since my teenage years, and surprisingly, I've done a lot of work in the sushi industry, both as a sushi maker in supermarkets and as a server in sushi restaurants. I've changed jobs so frequently that it's sometimes questionable.

As a woman, I found the delivery industry challenging. The weight of the items, like 12 two-liter PET bottles, was too heavy for me to handle. It led to back pain, and I realized that certain tasks, like lifting heavy objects, are more suited for men in the caregiving industry.

Working at a convenience store requires a lot of mental effort. For food items like fried goods, you need to know how long to fry each type and which button to press. There's also a need for some ingenuity, like preheating items in the microwave before frying. Additionally, you have to learn how to operate the cash register for various transactions, do inventory checks, and perform terminal operations for tasks like selling stamps, letter packs, and coffee. The job involves a lot of terminal work, cleaning, and maintenance tasks. It's mentally demanding, and I used to take notes and review them the next day to improve.

I'd say the transportation industry. It might seem easy from the outside, but the night shifts, the volume and weight of the cargo, and the repetitive trips make it challenging for women. Loading and unloading the truck, entering addresses into the terminal, and dealing with the system are all demanding tasks. It's a job that's quite difficult for women.

I'd recommend caregiving. It's socially rewarding, and even though it's not about personal achievements, it increases your experience level.

Yes, there was a time when I was working at a certain facility, and as I was about to leave, three people stopped me to say 'thank you, thank you so much.' The administrative staff also thanked me and insisted that I should come back. It was incredibly heartwarming, especially since it was a gig job. Their appreciation meant a lot to me.

People who try to take the easy way out. I've seen caregivers who, instead of attending to the residents, would chat with other staff or sit down, even if they have medical qualifications. Those who seek to do the minimum are not suited for caregiving.

When I was a teenager, my first caregiving job was at a group home. I started feeling like I wanted to quit after just three months. The job involved both day and night shifts, and you had to do everything from cooking and laundry to assisting with daily living activities. You had to cook while checking if the residents were awake, disinfect, clean, and even transport them to and from the hospital. It was a comprehensive role. However, the pay was not commensurate with the workload, especially considering the night shifts. The take-home pay was not enough to sustain a decent lifestyle.

I strive for a 50:50 balance. I believe that having too much of either work or personal life is not sustainable. For me, finding that balance has made both my work and personal life fulfilling. It took me until now to realize this.

My job involved explaining how to file a tax return through the website. I would guide people on the process while looking at the website. It was a challenging job that required about a week of intensive training before I could start.

Receiving money gives me a sense of purpose, and it also allows me to take breaks and rest. Money is essential for motivation at work and for various aspects of life. It's one of the factors that drives me. Without money, I might not be as motivated.

I would focus on learning. I would pursue studies that I couldn't do while working. Education is something I would prioritize.

I don't plan to continue working in multiple fields as I am now. I've completed three subjects at university, which qualifies me to become a life consultant. However, without practical experience as a life consultant, I can't take the exam to become a care manager. For example, nurses and doctors with solid qualifications can become care managers after five years of work. I'm considering a career path that involves becoming a life consultant, gaining five years of experience, and then aiming to become a care manager. I worked as a life consultant before, but I had to quit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, I want to try again. Becoming a care manager would allow me to provide various forms of advice and contribute to society. I'm also considering starting my own business.

Take care of your health above all else. Once your body is damaged, there's nothing left. I had cataract surgery and experienced a period of blindness. I also had COVID-19. Your body is your capital, so don't overexert yourself for the sake of learning or working. Prioritize your health.