STORIES2021/03/26
I'm in my sixties and I'm having more fun.
UT Connect
Masumi Morita
PROFILE
Masumi joined Tight Work (now UT Connect) in 2007. She has been dispatched to four companies due to various circumstances of the companies, but has continued the work, by finding good things at each workplace and the fun of the job at each place, and demonstrating her adaptability.
Introduction
Masumi started a dispatch job when she was 47 and behind the busiest period of child raising. She has continued working even now at age 60. What is the driving force for her to work at the four workplaces where she has always been looking forward, trying her best, and enjoying the work?
Mixed feelings of joy and sorrow in three workplaces for about 14 years.
After I got married, I worked as a part-timer while raising my children. When I moved from Kobe to Tamba, I visited several dispatch companies and decided to work at Tight Work (now UT Connect) when I was 40. For about 14 years since then, I worked at three manufacturers before my current job.
The first company was a sporting goods manufacturer who made uniforms. It is difficult to learn the path and storage location of a factory. But I met the famous athletes and when the company logo appeared on the TV broadcast of the World Games, I boasted to my children that “I sewed that uniform!” (laughs). Due to restructuring, I had to leave that company six years later, but I can’t forget that I received a bouquet of flowers on the last day.
The second company was a metal processing manufacturer and I was assigned to the stainless steel department. Because it was an on-site inspection process, my eyes got strained and my eyes filled with tears. Still, I had a valuable encounter with people whom I could call friends. Thanks to these friends, my six years at the second company were also fulfilling.
The third company was a pharmaceutical company, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak, their operation was curbed and I was terminated in just a few months. I got a hunch and told a UT director, “please look for my next job soon.” I am really grateful to the director because he always listens to me complaining and is also willing to speak up for me concerning my request to the workplace.
I want to keep working well and see my son's bride
I started working at a parts manufacturer in the fall of 2020. I am responsible for the assembly of car parts and bolts. I don’t have a quota of a certain quantity in particular, but I decided to make at least 2,000 per day. I take up a challenge every day to go to a new high: “I made 2,700 today, I will try to make 2,800 tomorrow.” Because that kind of day-to-day change is surprisingly fun, I feel like I made a small discovery that the work might be right for me.
As a COVID-19 countermeasure, the factory door is always fully open for ventilation, and it’s a little cold for me at my age. Still, I am grateful that I was able to work at 60 years of age. All my colleagues are very nice. My feeling must be written all over my face because I am often told “Morita-san, you always look so happy.” My heart skipped a beat when a young guy like my son said, “Masumi-san, please have coffee” (laughs).
My older daughter already got married and I now live with my son who is a senior in high school. He knows that I work hard, fully equipped with work gloves, reading glasses, and what-not and he is kind to me, saying “Mom, shall I massage your shoulders?” I don’t know how many years it would take, but I’m looking forward to seeing my son grown-up and with his potential bride. To do this, I really want to stay healthy and well. Every day, I therefore try to take perilla seed oil, eat natto (fermented soybeans) and drink lots of water.
