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Retired Japanese Man Feels Humiliated Taking Orders from Younger Colleagues

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A 60-year-old Japanese man, identified as Mr. Morita, returned to the workforce after retirement due to financial pressures.
  • He experienced a significant psychological impact transitioning from a management role to a part-time, entry-level position where he must take instructions from younger colleagues.
  • Despite the initial humiliation, he finds purpose in maintaining a routine and contributing financially to his family, gradually accepting his new role.

A 60-year-old Japanese man, referred to as Mr. Morita, has returned to work after retirement, facing the humbling reality of being instructed by younger colleagues in his new part-time role.

From being called section chief, to becoming a novice who must ask young employees for guidance.

— Mr. MoritaDescribing the psychological impact of his transition from a management role to a junior position.

Mr. Morita, who previously held a management position, now works four days a week, six hours a day, in logistics and inventory management at a commercial facility, earning 1,300 yen per hour. The transition has been psychologically challenging, not due to the reduced income, but the shift from being a "section chief" to a "novice" needing guidance from employees more than 20 years his junior. He expressed that while he is grateful to have a job, the difference in conditions compared to his previous role is stark.

It's good to have a job, but the difference in working conditions compared to before is really big.

— Mr. MoritaReflecting on his current part-time job compared to his previous management role.

Financial obligations, including a remaining mortgage, his wife's medical expenses, and support for his adult son, necessitated his return to the workforce. His previous company offered a re-employment option until age 65, but operational changes led to the closure of his department. While other positions were available, he opted to leave due to commute and physical demands.

At that moment, I felt like someone who couldn't do anything right.

— Mr. MoritaRecounting his feelings after a young colleague commented on his unfamiliarity with a task.

The job search for individuals over 60 in Japan is competitive, with employers prioritizing practical skills, physical stamina, and flexible scheduling. Mr. Morita eventually found his current position through a job placement center. He admits that while the work is necessary for his family's finances, it also provides a crucial sense of routine and purpose, preventing him from losing his rhythm. Initially, he felt ashamed when a young colleague casually remarked, "Not used to it yet?" after he made a mistake, making him feel incompetent. However, with time, he is learning to adjust his mindset, viewing the requests from younger colleagues not as humiliation but as part of his new role as a workplace beginner. Acknowledgment from a colleague for completing a task independently has provided him with a much-needed sense of validation.

Although I'm reluctant, going to work at least gives life a rhythm.

— Mr. MoritaExplaining the importance of maintaining a routine through employment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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