Taro's Blog

Until Monday, July 14, my dream job would be a commuter bus driver. I had my job interview on that day with a potential employer, a commuter bus operator near my neighborhood. I planned to work for that company for 10 years, then retire.

You know that a job interview is 2 way communication. The interviewer checks me out as a potential employee. The interviewee, I, also check out them as my potential employer.

Unfortunately, I discovered 2 negative points that I did not see.

1. No side jobs (副業禁止)
2. Arrange my means to commute, like a car, a motorbike, or a bicycle (公共機関での通勤禁止)

I did a little math. They would pay me JPY 240,000 per month. With the taxes and all of those taken, I would probably receive JPY 150,000 per month. My rent is JPY 127,000 per month. Mmmm, my allowance per month is only JPY 23,000 per month.

Wait, I don’t have a car, a motorbike, or a bicycle. My knees are too bad for commuting via bike. Riding a motorbike on a rainy day can be a pain. Thus, I need a car AND a parking arrangement (that costs JPY 10,000 or more per month). Originally, I was planning to use public transportation to commute. Now, I have to buy a car, new or used. Then pay for insurance, gasoline, and all of that.

That’s 無理ゲー (impossible mission). I had to give up my dream job, driving a bus for a living. My heart was broken. To soothe my heartache, I decided to join the 2 week intensive bus driving program. That way, at least I will get my license to drive a bus.