I'm Kenji, 28 years old, and I work as a software engineer at an IT company in Tokyo. From the outside, my life may seem perfect—a good job, a stable income, and the opportunity to work with technology. But to be honest, I feel a kind of emptiness inside.
Problem:
Name: Kenji Takahashi
Occupation: Software Engineer
Country: Japan
City: Tokyo
I'm Kenji, 28 years old, and I work as a software engineer at an IT company in Tokyo. From the outside, my life may seem perfect—a good job, a stable income, and the opportunity to work with technology. But to be honest, I feel a kind of emptiness inside.
I work, I perform well, but is it really something I enjoy? At the end of the day, I feel like I'm just doing my job, but there's no joy in it. Although I've been curious about technology since childhood, now I feel like I've become part of some big meaningless machine.
My question is—is this feeling normal, or am I on the wrong track? If I'm in the wrong place, how can I find work that's truly fulfilling?
Solution:
Askly Help
Kenji, the feelings you're having are not at all unusual. We often think that a good job and stability equals happiness, but in reality, it's not that simple.
1. Success vs. Satisfaction—Which is more important?
You may be successful professionally, but success does not equal happiness. Many times we choose careers that seem “advantageous” in the eyes of society, but do they truly bring us joy? If you’re not motivated to get up every morning and go to work, it’s time to think about it.
2. Are you really on the wrong track?
Maybe it's not your job, but the work environment or the specific type of work that is reducing your satisfaction. Ask yourself some questions—
- What kind of work do you feel most engaged in?
- Which project or responsibility do you find most enjoyable?
- Is the problem in coding, in the company culture, or in the whole career outlook?
If you want to stay in the IT field, you may need to change companies or types of work. And if you feel like the whole thing is no longer appealing to you, you may want to consider an alternative career.
3. Explore something new
If you feel like you're not in the right place, try something new gradually. You don't need to change everything overnight. Take some courses, learn a new skill, or spend time on something you enjoy.
4. Not everyone's path is the same.
In a work culture like Japan, work can often become a person's identity. But remember, a career is just a part of life, not the whole of life. If you want true satisfaction, you need to find something that aligns with your values.
5. Security vs. Risk—Find the Right Balance
You may want to quit your job, but financial security is an issue. So take it one step at a time before making a change—learn something new, freelance or do something part-time, and then make an informed decision.
6. Life is not just about work
. Career is important, but it is not your whole existence. Engage yourself in something that brings you joy—travel, art, music, writing, or volunteer work. Sometimes we find meaning in life outside of work.
Last word:
You are not alone, many people feel this way. But you have realized all this ahead of time—that is your greatest strength. To find true satisfaction, you must listen to the voice of your heart and walk the path of change step by step.
Find your own path, because life is not just about work, but work should be part of the joy of life! Good luck!