Some people find ways to overcome difficulties in a good and fun way. A man in his 30s who retired from the financial industry has realized his dream of moving to the countryside. He uses the skills he developed in the financial industry to support local companies in financial and marketing consulting. His salary for this is 150,000 yen. In addition, he earns 170,000 yen a month as a village support worker in the town. And he earns 10,000 yen for mowing the grass as part of farm work. In this area, he does more than 30 types of work. However, this possibility exists for people who have new knowledge and skills that the countryside needs.
Recently, “multi-workers” who handle many jobs at the same time are active. If multi-work works well, the effect of risk diversification will also be great. In addition to increasing income and improving skills, you can also expect the effect of risk diversification. One way to do this is to acquire multiple talents through individual effort. However, in recent years, companies have begun to provide an environment in which to cultivate multitalented individuals. Sato, who works at Isen Co., Ltd., plays six roles. He manages reservations at the front desk, serves customers at the hotel’s restaurant and cafe, sells products at the shop, and promotes tourist routes that he has devised on social media. Thanks to this multitasking employee, sales have increased eightfold in 20 years.
Local governments are being asked to combine simplification and multi-work. In Switzerland, even though the aging rate in villages exceeds 50%, people are diligent in farming and the functions of the community are being maintained in a healthy manner. Switzerland has the world’s highest average annual income. They simply graduate from local junior high and high schools and inherit their family businesses in agriculture and tourism, enjoying a rich life. One reason for this is that they do not waste money. And by working multiple jobs, they increase their income. For example, the average salary of a local assemblyman is 2.2 million yen per year, but in some mountain villages it is only 50,000 yen. But they cover the shortfall with side jobs. Local assembly members generally work multiple jobs, with 60% of their working hours dedicated to assembly activities. The remaining 40% of their working hours are spent working in industries such as finance, tourism, metal trading, and real estate. In addition, the library is only open one day a week, making for a more cost-effective approach. The assembly hall that the assembly is held is quickly converted into an office in the town hall. There is a convenience store in the town hall, but it is only open in the morning, and so things are becoming more simplified. The trend of not spending money on civil servants seems to be a characteristic of advanced local governments around the world.
