As a recruiter, I speak with many professionals every day. And recently, I’ve noticed a growing trend in what people are saying:
“I want to pursue what I’m truly passionate about, even if it means earning less.”
“I’m ready to shift into something that feels more meaningful.”
In the past, working at one company for decades and providing for your family was considered a virtue in Japan. Changing jobs often carried a stigma, and trust was built through longevity. Even today, that mindset still lingers for many.
But the way we work, and the values behind why we work, are undeniably evolving.
A Shift in Mindset, Driven by Global Trends
Technology. Generational shifts. Flexible ways of working.
These global trends are pushing more people to pause and ask:
“What does work really mean to me?”
This question isn’t unique to Japan, it’s one I also explored during my MBA, where we studied how companies adapt to change and rebuild employee motivation across cultures, from Asia to Europe.
From my own conversations with job seekers, I’ve seen common patterns emerge:
- Increased interest in hybrid or remote work
- A willingness to explore new industries or job function
- A growing focus on values alignment over just skills matching
And the data backs this up.
Work with Purpose: What the Numbers Say
According to Deloitte’s 2025 survey:
- 89% of Gen Z and 92% of Millennials say having purpose at work is essential.
Another Deloitte report found that 94% of Japanese companies have introduced initiatives like remote work since 2022 to boost employee satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Investopedia reports that 58% of Gen Z would rather have more time and mental space than a higher salary.
In short, purpose, well-being, and growth are fast becoming the new standards in choosing a job.
Changing careers is no longer just about a pay raise—it’s increasingly seen as a path toward living with intention.
Why a Conversation Matters More Than a Resume
These personal motivations are hard to express through a resume or CV alone.
That’s why, at Cogs, we treat our candidate meetings as more than just interviews. We see them as opportunities for people to:
- Discover options they hadn’t considered
- Reconnect with goals they’ve forgotten
- Start redefining what their next chapter could look like
If you’ve recently found yourself thinking things like:
“Is this really the right job for me?”
“Something just doesn’t feel quite right…”
You don’t need to have all the answers now. But just asking the question can be the start of something important.
Let’s Explore What Fits You Best, Together
The world is changing. Your career can too.
Let’s figure out what kind of work truly fits you, not just what looks good on paper.
And if you ever feel stuck in the mindset of “maybe I’m not skilled enough,” check out this thoughtful post by my colleague Yukino (in Japanese): What to Remember When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough.
Sources:
- 2022 Japan Workstyle Transformation Survey (Deloitte Tohmatsu Group)
- 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey (Deloitte)
- 2025 Gen Z’s Pursuit of Well-Being Over Wealth (Investopedia)
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