Feb 24, 2000
I have been so busy that I could not spend enough time with my family.
Based on my U.S. experience, the most envious thing for me about people in the U.S. is "Family is always 1st priority".
I probably try to be with family as much as possible and exceptionally good husband in Japan(??). But reality is not so much. I just came back from Singapore and Korea for business trip which I liked and even this weekend, I have an appointment to visit one of very good customers in Tokyo with some overseas customers which I also like and kind of exciting.
I have to say I am looking forward to having everything satisfactory. Personally and honestly, I think I can handle multiple things relatively quick and effectively but resulted in sacrificing my family. As you can imagine very easily, I am typing this column now in my room but my son is playing with my wife downstairs. It's no good, I know.
I can sleep enough but I have not been feeling well so much for about one month. I don't know the reason why, maybe stress. I worry about my future carrier a little bit, well, a lot quite frankly. My doctor always says, "Mukai-san, you travel too much anyway. Get vacation and relax!"
In the U.S., my co-leagues specially in the warehouse in Seattle repeatedly told me that their first priority is "FAMILY". Our working hours was 7:00am - 3:00pm. They always go home right after 3:00pm with some exceptional guys(Mr. David Cxx ???) to work in the yard, play with kids, go for hiking and etc. I did same thing basically in Seattle. Also the business was going excellent at our warehouse. There, just working hard didn't mean business going excellent. Relaxing and going home early made business successful, I felt strongly. Now U.S. is enjoying the most strongest economy and the most advanced technology in the world recent years.
By the way, there are unfortunately so many severe restructuring going on in Japan. For years, Japanese working style(living style?) has been called "Workaholic".
Through the current tough circumstances, I would say "Workaholic" trend has got more seriously because companies have been struggling with old fashioned management style, looking for effective operation as well as cutting expences, cutting headcount. There is no question about lack of manpower thing.
There are many other things I want to say but today's point is,
"Hey, Japanese. Hey, you.
Hey, Yoshi! Be slow."
Forget about people against you.
Forget about your job at home.
Think about your family, man.
Relaxing make you more effective power even for your job, pal!
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