I lived my life without knowing what I wanted to do. In middle school, I chose the same club as my friends, in high school I chose one I could cycle to from home, and in university I went simply because everyone else was going. However, I wasn't passionate about my studies there, and I just got by with a mediocre effort. In university, I majored in earth science. Even when it came time to think about what I wanted to do after graduation, I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I thought maybe I should work for a manufacturer because I was in a science field, or maybe I should just work for a local company, regardless of the job type. But then a turning point came for me. That was my encounter with Sakaeya.

I happened to find Sakaeya's booth at a joint company information session. I've always enjoyed interacting with people and was interested in jobs that involved talking to others, but I get extremely nervous and sometimes have trouble finding the right words in front of people. I thought that I could never do customer service work.

However, the friendly and smiling staff at the information session made me decide to at least listen to what they had to say. As I listened to Sakaeya's explanation, I was drawn in by their wonderful hospitality.

"For now, let's just participate in the internship."

So I decided to apply for an internship.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to experience hospitality. On the first day, all I could manage to say to the customers was "Welcome," and I was barely able to have a proper conversation. I was disappointed to realize that customer service is just not for me.

On the second day, just when I was about to give up, a staff member said to me

"Nobody can do it perfectly from the start, so don't worry. Let's start by just smiling and saying hello."

I received that advice, and I was able to talk to the customer for a little while. Then, my words made the customer smile! I was so happy that I was able to make the customer happy, and I was touched by the warmth of the staff who supported me even though I was completely incapable.

"I want to work at this inn!"

I felt that very strongly. It might have been the first time in my life I'd ever wanted to do something so much.

That experience made me realize that I wouldn't get hired if I stayed the way I was, so I started working part-time in customer service. I was desperate to get used to talking to customers. After that, I successfully received a job offer and joined Sakaeya.

Even after joining the company, I still wasn't very good at talking to customers. My seniors gave me advice like, "Why don't you try talking to them like this?" and encouraged me by saying, "Even if it doesn't go well, I'll cover for you, so just give it a try!" Thanks to them, I can now have smooth conversations with customers.

  Currently, in addition to my front desk duties, I'm also involved in recruitment activities. I never dreamed that I, who used to get so nervous I couldn't speak well in front of people, would be able to give presentations in front of large groups of students.

This spring marks my second year, and I now have junior colleagues. As a good senior colleague, I want to strive every day to bring smiles to the faces of many customers and the staff around me.

If you work hard with all your might, the view you see will change.

Mai Aizawa

【profile】
Born in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Joined the company in 2023
Personal motto: Everything will work out.
Special skill: Badminton