A Framework Decided by Someone? [Extra Edition] The Invisible Rails of a Seminar

I sometimes find myself thinking.

The architectural environment seminar I belonged to during my student days.
There were many things to learn.

As for the career paths of many graduates,
there are so-called "typical" paths, such as architectural firms, design departments of general contractors, gas companies, electric power companies, and so on.

Of course, that in itself is not a bad thing.
Rather, there are paths where you can utilize your expertise, and you can hear stories about the "industry" from seniors in the seminar, so choosing such a path is natural, and I, too, once vaguely chose a path similar to those around me.

Also, a seminar alumni association is held every year, and every year, the same kind of notice arrives from the professor.

"We are gathering again this year"
"Let's report on our recent status"
"The younger students are also looking forward to hearing industry stories from their seniors"
"This year's graduates have started their careers at XX Company, YY Design, and ZZ Construction"
...

Perhaps for those who can value such connections, a place like this is comforting.

However, somewhere along the line, I felt a little bit stifled.

The atmosphere where we come from the same seminar, enter similar industries, gather to talk about similar topics, discuss our recent status along the extension of similar careers, and where busyness and the feeling of working hard naturally become the center of conversation.

That is surely a good thing in its own way. There are many people who find it enjoyable. But somewhere in my heart,

"Isn't there something more fun?"

I had a small sense of discomfort.

If it were me half a year ago, I don't think I could have put that discomfort into words well.
Rather, I might have thought that I was the one who was out of place or strange for not being able to naturally fit into such gatherings.

But now, it is a little different.

There is nothing wrong with being inside a framework.
However, when that framework alone looks too much like the "correct answer," it can become a little suffocating.

University seminars, companies, job types, and titles.
I don't think any of them were created by anyone with malicious intent.

But as I continue to conform to them, there are times when my own "true voice" gradually becomes quieter before I know it.

In my case, it was the rocky shores of the Goto Islands that let me hear that quieted voice once again.

"One of the graduates went fishing in the Goto Islands and has not returned.
Please rest assured that they are alive."

Perhaps I haven't fully returned to the world of companies, seminars, and titles just yet. But in a sense, I think I have finally returned to my own life. Saying I'm taking on a new challenge sounds a bit dramatic.
It's not like I'm saying, 'I'm going to give it my all!'

In my case, it's something much smaller.

Looking at the usual framework from a slightly different angle.
Searching for a narrow animal trail beside the path I thought was the 'correct answer'.
Stepping off the beaten path and walking toward the sea. If it feels wrong, I can just go back.

Just by doing that, life becomes surprisingly interesting. And a little easier.

Compared to myself six months ago, the scenery I see has changed quite a bit.

That is why, from now on, I want to try shifting my perspective slightly, rather than denying the framework someone else decided.

What kind of scenery lies beyond that? I probably don't know yet. But at the very least, the sea of Goto taught me this.

'You don't have to stay only in the places you've been assigned.'

Issei Nomad