In my 40s, after my children were grown up, I started working part-time at Sakaeya. Sakaeya had a lot of young employees, and to me, it felt like they had a lot of children. I preferred the relaxed environment of part-time work to positions of responsibility or more demanding tasks. However, while I was feeling this way, the president offered me a full-time position. Because of my age, I wasn't confident I could handle being a full-time employee, so...

"I can't do it."

I refused.

However, the president repeatedly asked me to become a full-time employee. I had little interest in studying and lacked knowledge since my student days, and I even crammed for tests the night before, so I thought I couldn't handle being a full-time employee. Furthermore, my age was a factor, and I lacked confidence. Then, several employees asked me, "Would you consider becoming a full-time employee?" At first, I thought they were joking, but they were all serious. Considering my age, I thought I probably wouldn't have another chance to become a full-time employee, so I decided to become one.

After deciding to become an employee, I faced a series of challenges. English study sessions with people from the hot spring town, management training using numbers, typing on a computer every day, writing postcards, cleaning toilets with my bare hands—each time I felt like giving up, becoming discouraged, and almost giving up. I had never even touched a computer before, so it took me 30 minutes to type just three lines. During the management training using numbers, I was completely lost, the numbers didn't add up at all, and I regretted becoming an employee many times.

Despite my initial lack of skills, I gradually became able to use a computer, even if only with one finger. I also never wrote postcards before, but receiving them from friends allowed me to continue writing them daily for over five years. I also had the opportunity to do volunteer work, such as cleaning toilets, for the first time, and learned how rewarding it can be.

Looking back, I realize that I was able to do all of this because I always had friends who were there for me. They taught me so many things, made me think, and always supported me, which is why I am where I am today, why I was able to overcome difficulties, and why I was able to confront myself. I was able to learn so much at this age because of Sakaeya, and it has given me confidence. I kept the belief that I could do it if I tried, and before I knew it, more than 10 years had passed.

Nowadays, I'm a department manager and even have the responsibility of being a general manager—things I would never have imagined doing in the past.

I learned to be kind to others, to make the most of my strengths, and to take on challenges, and I remember my anxiety gradually turning into confidence. I realized that I could change depending on my actions and feelings. Being able to work for a company where I can create so many memories, like going on trips with colleagues and organizing events, at my age, has truly enriched my life.

You never know what life is like until you try it.

Also, all you know is what you've done.

Tomie Mizusawa

【profile】
Born in Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Joined the company in 2012
Motto: You can do it if you try.
Special skill: Exercise