Entering the 25th Year in the Entertainment Content Industry

March 25th, 24 years ago, was the day I snuck into this industry as a part-time worker.

The day I first went to work. I wore a suit I wasn't used to and squeezed into a crowded train. My face reflected in the window was full of motivation.

I remember that I couldn't sleep the night before my first day, which was out of character for me, and that night I had a welcome party where I ended up falling asleep, leading people to treat me like a big shot.

Although I joined as a part-timer, the company didn't hire new graduates, so I was treated just like one. I was actually assigned to the sales department and given business cards, but I was instructed not to tell people outside the company that I was a part-timer.

While I thought that didn't match my salary, it is also true that I felt a bit proud.

Right after joining, I didn't know how to answer the phone or use the copier. I'm sure my seniors thought they had gotten a troublesome junior.

Actually, I was accepted for the part-time job about half a month before I started, and since I ended up entering the workforce so suddenly, I wasn't prepared to work at all.

Before entering this industry, I was a cram school instructor and had planned to work full-time starting in April, but since I was suddenly accepted into my desired industry, I had to quit that job in a hurry.

I went to see the head of the cram school and apologized for quitting so suddenly. He said, 'I had high expectations for you,' but then he gave me a compliment, added, 'You said you wanted to get into that industry, right? Congratulations,' and sent me off with a smile. I still think of him even now.

I was curious just now, so I searched for the cram school for the first time in a while, and it seems they are still working hard. I'll try to stop by next time I'm in the area.

So, despite the unexpected twists and turns since my first day of work, I am heading into my 25th year of work tomorrow.

I also updated my note profile from '24th year' to '25th year.' It's a trivial difference, but it's a wonderful fresh start.

If I were to compare my professional life to a game of shogi, I suppose I am standing at the threshold of the endgame. In baseball terms, perhaps the top of the 7th inning has ended, and the lucky seven cheerleaders are dancing. In sumo terms, perhaps it is the time for the 'kore yori sanyaku' matches.

In any case, I don't have that much time left. I want to make this 25th year as regret-free as possible.