Hello, this is Frank.

Today’s question could be phrased as: “Is working at a Japanese trading company extremely demanding?” My answer in one word is: Yes. At least, that was certainly true in my era.

You might respond with: “Seriously?”, “I knew it!”, or even “Total corporate slave!” And you wouldn’t be wrong.

That said, not every employee from every trading company will say the same. But I was in export sales, and let me tell you—it was tough.

Typical Work Conditions in Japan

• Early morning arrival and cleaning the office
• Late-night overtime—with no overtime pay
• Occasional weekend shifts
• Getting screamed at in front of everyone

What It Was Like Overseas

• Weekends spent flying to other countries
• No sick leave—even with a high fever
• Sending telex messages from sketchy public phone booths to save costs
• Walking back to the hotel late at night to avoid taxi fares
• Mailing two reports a week: a sales report and an expense report
• Carrying two suitcases and two sample cartons—standard practice

Honestly, the list goes on. If today’s younger generation faced this, they’d probably quit on the spot calling it a “black company” or say “I’m not anyone’s corporate slave.”

Looking back now, yes, it was hardcore. But we didn’t even think of it as suffering—it was just the norm. Maybe it was because we were young and full of energy.

Lessons from the Grind

Those years shaped me. Physically. Mentally. Today, compliance rules and labor unions offer a lot more protection. In some ways, I think we’ve raised a generation of “pampered professionals.” There’s more talk about rights and less about responsibility.

But make no mistake: intense workloads in your 20s can forge you into a stronger, more resilient person. Don’t shy away—give it a shot at least once.

One Final Thought: Don’t Just Work—Create

There’s a danger in only doing what you’re assigned. You may feel like you’re working hard, but you’re not training your entrepreneurial mind. You must develop the mindset of: “What business do I want to create someday?”

If you don’t, you risk spending your life being told what to do, instead of building something of your own.

Fortunately, I’ve broken out of the system. Today, I live the life of a free agent. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Interested in more of my published works? Click here to explore.

For those curious about my online consulting or English/Spanish lessons, feel free to explore the links below.

If you’re a beginner or just getting started, I highly recommend my daughter O-Hana Fantasia’s chat-based lessons. Check them out via the links below.

■ Online Lesson Guide
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● Advanced Professional Course with Frank: >Click here
● Chat-Based Lessons with O-Hana Fantasia: >Click here
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Thank you for reading today.

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