There is no way the way we work won't change when we live to be 100

Hello, this is Ha-chan.
Today, I'd like to think about the 100-year life era and changing jobs in your late 30s while reading two research papers.

Paper Sources

Job change circumstances for people in their 40s and 50s
Yasuko Matoba - Life design report, 2020
https://www.dlri.co.jp/pdf/ld/2018/wt1901b.pdf

Re-examining the '35-year-old job change limit theory'
Atsuhito Toda - Research Bulletin Works Review, 2016
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/worksrev/11/11/11_1/_article/-char/ja/

They say we're going to live to be 100

We talk about the 100-year life era, but it doesn't really feel real, does it?

However, compared to the past (early Heisei era), there are some things that have clearly changed.

For example, people in their 30s and 40s are young!

I used to think that being in your 40s meant you were definitely a middle-aged man or woman, but I think many people look young and are energetic.

Also, many people in their 60s, who used to be referred to as 'post-retirement,' are still working, and above all, they have strong mentalities...

When I play a round of golf with older people, even those in their late 70s move actively and speak clearly; I sometimes think they are younger than some 30-year-olds.

The 35-year-old job change limit theory

Well then, in this day and age where there is a gap between the image of age from a few years ago and physical performance, there is something I just can't wrap my head around.

That is the '35-year-old job change limit theory' in the job market.

It's the idea that if you don't change jobs by 35, you won't find a new one, or your salary won't go up.

I asked ChatGPT, 'Why was the 35-year-old job change limit theory born?'

was the answer.

...Since it said it's a product of the times, does it think it's something insignificant?...

Companies can also employ younger workers for longer, so I think it's reasonable to assume that what they are looking for in people over 35 are managers who can hit the ground running.

However, as mentioned in the paper (Re-examining the '35-year-old job change limit theory') , the '35-year-old job change limit theory' seems to have largely collapsed.

Nowadays, everyone is facing labor shortages, and it seems they are struggling to develop the talent they are aiming for.

If that's the case, it makes sense to recruit managers from outside the company, doesn't it?

You're going to live to be 100, you know?

Also, as stated in the paper (Job change circumstances for people in their 40s and 50s) , there have been changes in job change trends for middle-aged people and older, and it seems to have been becoming more active in recent years.

That makes sense, doesn't it? If you're going to live to be 100, there's no reason to quit your job at 60.

If that's the case, isn't a life where you change your path at 40 or 50 wonderful?

I'd like to work until at least 80.

If I'm being greedy, until the very last minute...

Even though I have the spirit to work until I'm 80, to be told to settle on a career at 35,

I think that's a bit lacking in flexibility.

I think there are others besides me who feel that way, but what do you think?

If you could take on a new career even after 40, would you want to try it?

Or do you think you're not young anymore, so you're fine with your current career?

By the way, don't forget that you're going to live to be 100.

That's all for today, see you!