Almost 50. Reaching my physical limit. The option of working only 3 days a week and earning the rest from home
Honestly, working 5 days a week has become exhausting.
In my 20s and 30s, I could manage even with a bit of sleep deprivation.
But lately, if I work full-time from morning to evening, I collapse as soon as I get home and can't do anything.
Once I sit down, I can't get back up...
But if I don't eat dinner, my physical strength will drop even further, so I have to push myself to prepare dinner...
I can't recover from the fatigue of the weekdays, and I end up spending the weekend just sleeping...
There was remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, but recently, even that has been decreasing...
While continuing that kind of life, I suddenly thought.
"How long will I have to keep working like this...?"
[Women with the same worries]
I've started hearing voices like this around me too.
"Commuting is tough, and I feel depressed as the work days approach"
"Physically, working 5 days a week is my limit. But I'm also worried about living expenses"
"It would be perfect if I could work about 3 days a week..."
In that case,
how about a work style of just 3 days a week as a temporary or contract employee + a side job from home?
What I am aiming for now is
**a style of "working at a company only 3 days a week" + "working from home 2 days a week".**
[There are so many benefits]
✅ Reduced commuting burden
✅ Reduced stress at the workplace
✅ More time for yourself (use the free time for health management, studying for certifications, travel, and hobbies)
✅ Secure living expenses without overworking
✅ Risk diversification by diversifying income sources
✅ Acquire "preparation" and "skills" for the future
[Earning an income isn't just about being a full-time employee]
Perhaps it's a Showa-era mindset, or because we experienced the employment ice age, but it seems our generation has an obsession with being a "full-time employee."
However, if the near-50 generation is too obsessed with being a "full-time employee," our options narrow.
Rather than being obsessed with full-time employment and working at a small company, I think it's better to work as a non-regular employee at a large company, earn a decent hourly wage, and gain cutting-edge technology and information, which will also help you acquire "skills" for the future.
And, for the sake of "just in case," "combining multiple ways of working" can actually be more stable...
So,how do you find a job as a temporary or contract employee for 3 days a week?
① Tell the staffing agency you "prefer 3 days a week"
Many staffing agencies have private job openings that match your desired conditions.
Job openings with "short hours/flexible shifts," such as 3 or 4 days a week, are often introduced by the staff in charge.
When registering, be honest and say "It's physically difficult to work full-time" and "I want to work 3 days a week"
If you communicate your preferences in detail, such as "I prefer fixed days of the week" or "short hours are also okay," your matching rate will increase
② Utilize job sites where you can search for "3 days a week" and "contract employee"
Job sites like the following have search filters for "3 days a week or more" and "contract employee":
[Shufu JOB Part]: Many flexible job openings for housewives and middle-aged people
[Indeed]: Enter "3 days a week contract employee" in the keywords
[En Haken] [Mynavi Staff]: Many temp + short-hour jobs
[Hello Work]: Surprisingly, you can sometimes find local, short-term job openings
3. Aiming for 'part-time + social insurance enrollment' is also an option!
Even with a 3-day work week, you can join social insurance if you meet the criterias. For example:
Working 20 hours or more per week (8 hours a day x 3 days is fine)
Monthly income of 88,000 yen or more
Company has 101 or more employees (conditions are currently relaxed)
Even if it doesn't say 'contract employee,' if the job is effectively stable employment + includes social insurance, you can build a foundation for your life even with 3 days a week.
4. Referrals from acquaintances and negotiating with previous workplaces are surprisingly effective
If you left a good impression at your previous workplace, it's worth proposing, 'I can work if it's 3 days a week.' Also, more jobs are being decided through referrals from friends, former colleagues, and family. This might be a way of finding work unique to the 'around 50' generation.
★Summary
1. The key is 'communicating' and 'combining'
Instead of saying 'I can only work 3 days a week,' say 'I can work comfortably and for a long time if it's 3 days a week'
There are workplaces that will accept you if you put it that way.
2. Clarify 'where' and 'what kind of work style' you want.
The reason many people are unsure about choosing a job is that they are vague about 'how they really want to work' and 'where they can keep working.'
You don't want to overdo it, but you want to work in your own way—even that feeling is vague.
However, this is something that is hard to organize on your own.
Past experiences, current life, future lifestyle—
By re-examining these, the 'just right work style' for you will come into view.
What is a 'just right work style'?
What does it mean to 'live like yourself'?
I offer a consultation service for those who have such thoughts.
As a career consultant and financial planner, I will think about it comprehensively.
✔️ Carefully listening to your anxieties about your career and work style
✔️ Proposing options based on your past experience and wishes
✔️ Consultations on side jobs and utilizing qualifications are also OK
I am accepting consultation requests here👇
For some reason, I'm always anxious... I'll listen via chat. By talking to someone about the fuzziness of life, you might see a path forward
Let's think together so you can live happily from age 50!!