To Me, Who Will Experience the First Year of Working Life Twice

If things continue as they are, I will experience the first year of working life twice.
(Strictly speaking, the first year only happens once in a lifetime, but considering I am going back to university, I get to experience a first year one more time.)

While looking back on my first year as a working professional, I would like to send a cheer to my past self, and to the me who will one day face a second first year of working life.

The First Year of Working Life

Before entering pharmacy school, when I was working as a professional for the first time, it was a lot of fun. Even looking back on it now, it was such a happy time that a smile naturally comes to my face.

However, for someone like me who had never been out in the working world and had never been to university, everything I saw was an unknown world. The world of adults.

To put it in one word, I was a “child” back then.

There was a lot I didn't know, and honestly, there were times when I worked with a childish mindset.

I never once arrived late or missed work without notice, but my approach to work—though I can't quite put it into words—looking back now, I think I was still quite naive.

My Late Twenties, Having Gained Plenty of Experience

My late twenties were a rather turbulent few years, as I resigned from the company I worked for and studied for entrance exams to become a pharmacy student.

Each year was filled with major events, and I think I gained a lot of experience every single year.

From around my mid-twenties, I think I started to be able to think like an “adult”.

How I interact with people, how I approach my work (part-time jobs), etc... Things I couldn't be conscious of when I was still a child during my first year of working life, I gradually became able to be conscious of.

・Instead of just saying what is on my mind, I try to use expressions that make the other person feel even a little more comfortable. ・Even if it means working overtime after clocking out, I finish the remaining work without showing any sign of it.

Perhaps because I have gained so much experience, I think I have started to show growth in how I approach various things.

The Second First Year of Working Life

That is precisely why, when I face my second first year of working life, I think I might be just a little bit more of an “adult” than I was the first time—no, I would be in trouble if I weren't (laughs).

I want to be a working professional who acts with consideration for those around me, rather than acting based on personal gain or loss.

And surely, if I join a company as a new graduate, the people around me will be experiencing their first year of working life for the first time, just like I was back then.

Even though they are working professionals, I am sure many of them will be confused by all the new experiences.

Instead of just cautioning such people, I hope to welcome this second first year as a working professional by being someone who can gently guide them.
(Though, to begin with, I don't really have that sense of being a senior in life...!)

I am just really looking forward to becoming a working professional!

I should have more leeway with both money and time, so I'll be able to fulfill even more of the things I want to do than I can now, right?

I will absolutely achieve my dream of becoming a pharmacist!

To me in my first year as a working professional the first time around:
"Life is long, vast, and fun. So go ahead and take on many challenges, make mistakes, and keep pushing forward with all your might!"

#ToMeInMyFirstYearAsAWorkingProfessional