As I reflect on my career journey, I realize how fortunate I have been to experience multiple facets of the business world. Over the years, I have transitioned through different industries and roles, moving from contractor to vendor, and eventually to end-user organizations. Each of these experiences has offered unique insights, shaped my professional outlook, and reaffirmed one essential truth about myself: I thrive in dynamic, ever-changing environments rather than in routine or ultra-stable business settings.
The Journey Through Different Business Categories
My career began in the contractor category, working for a relatively small and conservative company. At the time, most businesses in Japan operated with a similar conservative mindset, emphasizing stability and tradition. This experience grounded me in the fundamentals of project management and execution.
My second role was also with a contractor, but it differed significantly from the first. It was a publicly traded company with greater stability and access to resources. While the environment was more structured, it still retained the dynamism of a project-driven business, which kept me engaged and motivated.
Seeking better work-life balance, I later transitioned to a vendor organization. It was a major shift—a super-stable company that allowed me to prioritize personal time and family. However, over time, I realized that the stability, while valuable, lacked the excitement and challenges I craved.
Finally, I moved to an end-user company. This role offered the perspective of working directly with operational assets, a unique vantage point that completed my understanding of the business ecosystem.
Understanding My Strengths and Preferences
Having explored these diverse categories, I have come to understand where I fit best. While I value stability and the legacy of established organizations, I am most inspired by dynamic work environments, project-based challenges, and the opportunity to engage with motivated customer stakeholders. Routine operations or asset management roles, while essential, do not align with my personal strengths or professional ambitions.
Looking back, if I were in my 30s, I might not have made the same choices. A stable role in my current company could have provided security until retirement, ensuring a steady income and predictable career path. However, as I’ve grown, so have my aspirations. I now prioritize growth, impact, and new challenges, even if it means stepping into the unknown.
The Next Chapter: Consulting and Entrepreneurship
With this mindset, I have made a significant decision: I will leave my current company by the end of this year to embark on a new journey. This decision is driven by my desire to work in consulting, where I can leverage my expertise in project-based roles, and to dedicate more energy to my private business ventures.
Interestingly, my new role brings me back to the world of contracts—something I last experienced in my second workplace. While consulting is not the same as traditional EPC contracting, it shares the project-driven and dynamic nature that I find energizing.
Starting in 2025, I will be based in the Kansai area, exploring new business opportunities while acting as a director. This role not only aligns with my strengths but also represents a significant step forward—a higher stage where I can make a broader impact and challenge myself further.
Looking Ahead
As I prepare for this transition, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to sharing updates about my new role and challenges in the coming year. For now, I will focus on closing this chapter with gratitude and stepping into the next with purpose and enthusiasm.
If you are also considering a career change or exploring new opportunities, I encourage you to reflect on your strengths, passions, and the environments where you thrive. Sometimes, the most rewarding decisions are the ones that take us out of our comfort zones and into uncharted territory.
Stay tuned for updates on my journey—let’s continue to learn and grow together!
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