"You are fine just the way you are." Words from my boss that gave me courage.

It is my fourth year at the company. It seems I will finally have a "junior" colleague.

In companies where many new employees join, you can become a senior as early as your second year.
I have been comfortably playing the role of the subordinate for quite a while.

I think being in the lowest position is easy, even with the miscellaneous tasks.
You get evaluated if you just focus on your own work, and once you learn to control your own tasks, you can achieve results and feel a sense of accomplishment.

If I have any trouble, I can consult my boss or seniors, and they will support me so that my work proceeds smoothly.
Even if I help colleagues with their work, I never have to check their progress or provide guidance.
Anyway, I only had to do my work at my own pace.

Just before the assignment was announced, I learned that I would be the mentor.
When I heard it, I just thought, well, that makes sense, but...

After I finished work and got home, anxiety about the future came rushing in with a roar.
「Can someone like me really mentor someone else?」

Currently, my department is busier than it has ever been.
Both I and those around me are scrambling to finish our work every day,
so it is hardly a situation where we can welcome a new employee.

Besides, I was never good at interacting with people in a friendly way.
I read an article online that said, "The recent Gen Z generation wants a flat relationship with their bosses and seniors," but what kind of relationship is that?

It is true that seniors who talk like friends are liked by their juniors.
That is amazing, but I might not be able to close the distance like that.

What if I cannot teach the work well?
What if I cannot build a good relationship?
What if my junior cannot fit into the workplace and quits...?

That night, my head was filled with so many "what ifs" that
I could not fall asleep easily and woke up an hour earlier than usual.

The next day, I had a meeting with the department members and honestly talked about my anxiety. Then, my boss said this to me:

「You are fine just the way you are.」

That is right, I had been unconsciously comparing myself to others.
"A good senior who is friendly, kind, and capable at work."
It would be ideal if I could become someone like that, but people grow by accumulating many failures and experiences.

I have my own strengths, so there is no need to imitate anyone else.
I will welcome my junior in my own way.

Those are the words from my boss that made me think that way.
They made me look forward, just a little bit, toward a future that was filled with anxiety.