Reflecting on 20 Years After Watching 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'
The other day, on my way home from work, I watched 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'.
I didn't see the original 'The Devil Wears Prada' when it was released, and only watched it for the first time this February.
When I watched the first film, I wrote my thoughts on note about the 'differences in positions and perspectives'.
And this time, while watching the sequel, what I felt strongly was,
how 20 years of time changes people and their environments
.
This year marks my 24th year as a working professional.
My industry, profession, and country are different from those in the movie world.
Even so, watching the changes in the characters made me reflect on many things as I superimposed my own 20 years onto theirs.
1. Changes in the relationship between work and family
Twenty years ago, I was single.
I had plenty of time for both work and my private life.
But now, I have a wife and children, and there is time I want to cherish outside of work as well.
As I have gained experience in my work, my roles and responsibilities have also changed.
'I want to work harder'
and
'I want to cherish time with my family'
.
There was a time when I struggled with that balance.
I feel that 20 years of time has changed not only how I approach my work, but also my values regarding 'what I want to prioritize'.
2. Changes in the Work Environment
Compared to 20 years ago, the work environment has changed significantly.
Flextime systems and remote work.
Casual dress codes.
Communication via chat.
I feel that there are more options for where and when we work than before.
On the other hand, I think there are aspects where the 'consideration' and 'difficulty' required in working, such as attention to harassment and compliance, have increased.
Things that have become more convenient.
Things that have become freer.
Things that are now newly required.
After finishing the movie, I was idly thinking about such changes in the times.
3. Changes in the Environment Surrounding Companies
In the film,
Sudden layoffs.
Changes in industrial structure.
The rise of social media.
Company acquisitions.
Changes in management.
Such swells of major environmental change were depicted.
This is not just a story within the world of movies.
I myself have experienced organizational restructuring, business changes, and role changes while working.
Changes that I could not have imagined 20 years ago are happening.
And I feel that the speed and impact of those changes are increasing.
'It would not be strange if anything happened from here on out'
With that premise, I strongly feel the importance of continuing to learn and updating myself.
How will I have changed 20 years from now?
Just by going about our daily lives,
it is difficult to really feel the changes.
Even so, when I stop and look back,
I realize that both the environment around me and my own values
have changed significantly.
Why do I work?
What do I want to deliver to the world?
Who do I want to work with?
While enjoying the movie, it became a time to think about the changes that have happened so far and the changes to come.
In conclusion
I feel that my impressions of a movie emerge more gradually a few days later than right after I finish watching it.
It might be because the movie theater is a space where you can be immersed, slightly detached from everyday life, that it leads to lingering thoughts and questions after the viewing.
I am grateful that movies provide new perspectives and questions in life, and I want to continue to cherish this kind of time.