I’m a 28-year-old male and have lived in Japan for over four years. My parents, who are lifelong farmers in a rural area, are now nearly 60 and their health has deteriorated after many years of hard work. I fully support their living expenses, which total around VND80 million annually.
After graduating from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, I relocated to Japan for work. I currently manage and oversee the construction of HVAC and water supply and drainage systems. I also support my parents financially and travel back home twice a year. After accounting for taxes and other expenses, I have managed to save approximately VND800 million.
One reason I’m considering returning to Vietnam is the monotony of my job in Japan—I feel like a soulless machine every day, lacking motivation and energy. The work culture here is rigid, meticulous, and highly detailed, which clashes with my personality. In my field, roles are highly specialized, and stepping outside designated tasks is not permitted.
For instance, while I handle the scheduling and supervision of air conditioner installations, other tasks such as electrical work, gas piping, and transportation are handled by specialists. Even if it would be more efficient for me to manage these, I’m not allowed to do so. Consequently, I have a broad but shallow skill set.
Although I haven’t worked in Vietnam, I know that my friends there often engage more directly in tasks, even handling manual tasks like electrical wiring as supervisors. I worry that my fragmented skills might not be sufficient to compete in Vietnam’s job market. But if I remain in Japan, am I resigning myself to stay indefinitely?
Moreover, while I’m still young and unencumbered by family obligations, I’d like to seize any opportunity to earn in Vietnam. My drive may diminish as I get older. Additionally, I desire to be closer to my parents. If I find a compatible partner from my hometown, I might even start a family.
However, concerns hold me back. Firstly, my income would significantly decrease. After basic expenses and sending VND5 million monthly to my parents, I’d hardly save anything. If I marry and have children soon, my finances could plunge into deficit.
Secondly, job opportunities in my hometown are scarce, so I might need to find work in or near Hanoi. This could ultimately lead to the necessity of buying an apartment—but from where would the money come?
These thoughts keep me awake some nights, leaving me restless and uncertain about what to do. Could you offer me some advice?
