Photo/Illutration A company operating shopping centers in and around Hiroshima Prefecture holds a ceremony to hand letters of appointment to new employees at its head office in Hiroshima and four other outlets on March 30 as it decided to postpone its company-wide ceremony to welcome the 180 new recruits. (The Asahi Shimbun)

In my first year at work, an older colleague who was teaching me the ropes blurted to me out of the blue one day, "You look at me accusingly, as if I'm talking nothing but jibberish to you."

That wasn't true at all. I was listening attentively. But I was also having difficulty understanding what was being said, and perhaps my eyes betrayed my sense of confusion and uncertainty.

In retrospect, I think I was seen then as a clumsy and slow rookie. And someone once told me, somewhat consolingly, "Actually, it's not a bad thing that you don't jump to hasty conclusions." I remember feeling vastly relieved to hear that.

Starting work means entering a world where you know next to nothing. You may feel as if your thoughts and beliefs from your student days have come crashing down.

But don't worry. What you've cultivated in school is far less fragile than you think. For now, just focus on learning whatever you can learn.

American clinical psychologist Meg Jay theorizes that 80 percent of incidents that determine the direction of someone's life occur before the person reached the age of 35.

The incidents, she says, have to do with one's work, romantic involvements and personal encounters.

Come to think of it, she is right. I received the most unforgettable words of advice before my 35th birthday, and my most spectacular mistake was also made during that period.

But this spring, rookie workers are being denied the blessing they deserve upon joining the work force.

Normally, companies hold welcoming ceremonies for newbies on April 1.

But not this year.

I imagine some people have started working from home from day one. This must be frustrating and trying for the rookies and their instructors alike.

But this is also precisely the time for newcomers to be candid with their instructors and tell them if there are things they don't understand and enjoy their privilege of being scolded.

I once saw this message, sent by a university professor to a graduating student: "Feel totally free to enjoy being a novice."

Now is a good time for everyone to mentally reset themselves.

--The Asahi Shimbun, April 1

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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