First Day on the Job

"Make sure the postage's barcode is scanned before clearing them and be sure to send any questionable items to the side."

"Got it chief."

Well, it's officially the first day on the job for me. For my occupation, I'm tasked with clearing out the arriving packages, making sure each of them gets sent to their proper destinations as well as scanning the contents to ensure they match their descriptions while putting aside anything suspicious. The pay's about 1050 yen an hour and I'm scheduled to work 8 hours a day every weekend.

"Note to the newcomer. When you are on the job, you will not be using any personal devices."

Weird. I don't recall that being a requirement. Ah, best to comply just in case.

Log 0910

"You wanted to see me, chief?"

"Yes, Nishi. You. I saw you using your personal notepad. Care to explain why you decided to bring and use your notepad during work?"

"Ah, that's to document everything that happens around me."

"Observant, are we? And do you know why I've called you here?"

"My hunch is telling me it has something to do with occupational safety and integrity."

"Correct. And why would that be the case?"

"Because if I were to be momentarily distracted, I could jeopardize the shipping process. But don't worry chief. I usually use my notepad while doing everything. I even used it while helping my dad cook, or when I'm-"

"I don't care what you typically do. Just remember. If you want to keep your job, you'll follow my orders. So get back in line and remember, the next time I see you with your notepad out, I'll fire you on the spot. Got it?"

"Yes chief."

"Good."

"May I ask a question, chief?"

"What is it?"

"Is it alright if I take it out during lunch break?"

"Well I don't see what the problem would be with that. You may take it out during lunch break, but if I see you take it out any other time-"

"Got it, Chief."

"Now get back to work."

Log 1121

Bah! My overseer is such an asshole! I can't believe he talked to me like that. Who does he think he is? Geh, if it weren't for the fact this was the only decent paying job in the area I would've quit right here and now. I mean, if he only knew what I was capable of doing even while carrying this. I just hope I don't have to work for him much longer, better yet if I could find a better paying job with a reasonable employer. Why, I only chose to get a job to showcase to my parents that I'm ready for the next step in financial independence. It was a risk I was willing to take. Sure, I'm taking Stock Trading right now, but I'm not old enough to trade yet alone invest in stocks.

"You the new recruit around here?"

"Ah, yes I am."

"I see the chief's been giving you a hard time."

'Ah, it's nothing. I've dealt with-"

"Don't take it too hard on him. We've lost a couple of employees due to carelessness before."

This is something for me to take in.

"What do you mean?"

"There were a couple of workplace injuries, a few deaths."

"H-how many?"

"I don't know. 5 or 6 I'd say. It's not a big deal. These sorts of things happen in every packaging and shipping facility."

"Are you suggesting I'm careless?"

"Well I wouldn't put it pass you, but better safe to sorry as they say."

"Heh. I guess you have a point."

"The chief isn't that bad. He just has a strict work policy, but he'll pay your pensions on time."

"And that's supposed to be a good thing?"

"Heh, it's a lot more than I can say for any of my 23 previous employers."

Yikes. So either this girl who is talking to me can't hold a single job for long or she's had a long running stream of bad luck involving employment. Is this going to happen to me as well?

Log 1305

Work is finally over, got my paycheck. I wasn't quite expecting to get paid so quickly. I guess this what she meant by paying in time. Heh, from what I heard from my other coworkers, our boss doesn't just wait around. He just pays his employees immediately after they finished their shift for the day. Maybe that's why people are willing to put up with his crap.

"So how was work, sweetie?"

"Ugh. It was so stressful."

"What happened?"

"My boss was giving me a hard time."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Nah, I think I'll just go to bed. See you tomorrow night"

My workplace can only be accessed by taking the early train which is reached by boarding the morning shuttle, getting off at the 2nd stop, taking a 15 minute run to the intercity transit and then finally getting off at the 4th landing. From there the train ride to my workplace is about an hour and 35 minutes. With all this traveling, I'm just glad I get an allowance every week. This allows me to be able to travel so far, and part of the reason I wanted to get a job was so that I could pay back my parents for supporting me. That is why it is imperative that my dad does not have concern to be worried about me. I couldn't bear to break the heart of my mother either.

"Would you like sashimi with your lunch tomorrow, dear?"
"Yes, and can you spread some mayonnaise on it?"

"Yes dear."
"Thanks mom."

Heh. I really have good parents. Well, I'd best retire if I want to make sure I have plenty of sleep.

Log 2241

Crap! Crap! I'm already late! Ugh, I just hope I make it to the shuttle in time.

Log 0519

Whew! Barely made it just in time!

Log 0531

Crap. I forgot my lunch. Heh. This day keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

Log 0624

Fucking asshole! I can't believe it. My boss just fired me, he wouldn't even let me explain that my train ride here was delayed due to a couple of accidents. I can't believe I wasted 4 hours just to get here. Might as well head back.

Log 0920

What's this here? Cashier wanted. 1090 yen an hour. Full-time..

I think I'll have a look.

Log 1142

Great. I've managed to secure a job as a cashier. The manager seemed nice enough. Heh, she even complimented me on my tenacity and attention to detail, though she did express concerns over me using my notepad during work hours. It's as grandpa used to say, one door closes and another gate opens. I just hope she's not just putting on a show though. The last guy.. I thought he'd be nice but he turned out to be a jerk. While I'm at it, I'm a bit hungry right now. Maybe I'll try that fried curry shop down the street. Yeah, that smells real nice. I've gotta see what's over there.

Hm?

What's a kid doing out here in the streets? She looks malnourished. I feel kinda bad for her, but this could be a trap. I've heard from my friend's mom that occasionally bad people would put kids out in the streets to beg, particularly girls. As far as I'm concerned though, she just looks malnourished. I think I'll take the risk.

"What do you want?"

"2 spicy fried curry chicken."

"Sandwich or meal?"

"Sandwich."

"For here or to go?"

"To go."

"Will there be anything else?"

"No."

"That will be 1830 yen."

Well, here goes.