The article discusses the growing popularity of retirement agencies in Japan, with users often facing difficulties in switching jobs. Several people are resorting to these services to facilitate their transition from one workplace to another. However, this emerging trend has its downside, as some users experience longer periods of unemployment and unforeseen challenges during their job change process. The article explores the reasons behind these issues and the potential impacts on the job market.

In Japan, job loyalty and lifetime employment have been deeply ingrained cultural values. However, economic changes and an increasingly complex job market have pressured many to switch jobs or seek different career paths. In this context, retirement agencies have become a popular alternative for those finding it difficult to quit their jobs. However, these agencies—while effective for some—also reflect a larger issue of labor inflexibility and a lack of support mechanisms for employees going through career transitions.

In the US and EU, people tend to switch jobs more frequently and it's often endorsed as a way to advance one's career. There are also notably more institutionalized support systems to aid in career transitions, such as career counselling, job placement programs, and unemployment benefits.