[Career Change Diary of a Working Mom in Her Late 40s] Moving Forward Even When Hopes Are Slim—The Decision to Step Onto a New Path

Good evening! This is Miriho.

It's very humid today, and when I took a peek at the miso I'd prepared, I saw white mold!! I hurriedly removed it.

Well, today, I'm talking about starting to move toward a side hustle.

It has been one week since I received notice that I was on the waiting list for my top-choice job.

They said, "If you are hired, you will be contacted by the end of March," but there has been no word so far.

Although the possibility isn't zero, honestly, I feel that the chances are slim.

That is exactly why I have started moving toward what comes next.

The reality of being rejected by 60 full-time companies and a new direction

Up until now, I insisted on full-remote, full-time positions and applied to over 60 companies, but I continued to be in a situation where I couldn't even advance to an interview.

Through this experience, I began to calmly analyze that "perhaps full-remote, full-time employment is difficult with my current skill set."

So, I decided to change direction.

I decided to explore a path where I can combine multiple jobs to earn an income, keeping freelance and part-time work in view.

Applying for contract work that utilizes my language skills

In the midst of this, I found a contract job where I could utilize my language skills.

I really resonated with this company's philosophy, and the fact that I could work fully remotely was attractive.

I felt that the environment was well-suited for balancing work and childcare, so I applied immediately.

I took a simple test that lasted about 5 minutes, passed successfully, and was moved on to an interview.

While leveraging my strength in "languages," I might be able to take my first step as a freelancer.

Toward a new way of working: the side hustle

Through this job-hunting process, I began to think, "Maybe I don't have to stick to just one job?"

• Language-based contract work
• Writing activities
• Selling on flea market apps
• Affiliate marketing

By combining these, I think I can realize a way of working that allows me to secure a stable income while utilizing my areas of expertise.

In particular, the ability to work flexibly while watching over my daughter's situation after she starts school is a major benefit.

Even if it's a leap of faith, try it first

Honestly, I don't know yet if this way of working will really go well.

But rather than just thinking and not moving, I believe it is important to try taking on the challenge first.

By "just trying it out," I should be able to see what I'm suited for and what I can keep up with.

One week after being placed on the waiting list, I didn't just wait for the results; I started looking for a new path.

I will continue to move forward through trial and error.

I hope this will be helpful for those who are also struggling with how they work.

Thank you for reading until the end!

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✅ My career change diary is here.