I’m 24, a junior college graduate, and worried about my future.

I’m in Seattle. College is a complete waste of time. Master papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan) and save as much as you can. Those savings will save you 20 years from now. Your day job doesn’t really matter. Don’t quit papa-katsu, and seriously pursue marriage, too. This is when you’re at your most desirable.

I’m Kazu, a male member. There’s no point dwelling on “what ifs.” I think a four-year university is worthwhile if you need it for the career you’re aiming for, but going back now just for the sake of it would be pointless. Whether it’s university or marriage, it seems to me that you’re simply being drawn toward the easy options. There probably aren’t many 24-year-old women who have four-digit savings. I think it would be best to build on the thing you’ve achieved most and calmly consider what to do next.

I’m Shingo Lee (Shingori), a male member. I understand exactly how you feel. When you’re young, you have many options available to you. But as you get older, you gradually lose those options, and by the time you’re 35, most of them are gone. This is discussed in books such as Akira Tachibana’s *How to Win at Life*, so you may want to look into it. At 24, when your options regarding education and romance are already starting to narrow, making the wrong choice can often take you past the point of no return. What concerns me is your monthly income of ¥150,000 from your job. If possible, this is where I’d like to see you improve your career. I’d encourage you to pursue a career upgrade if it’s possible, though I imagine you’re struggling because it may be difficult. Depending on your field of study, a junior college graduate should be able to obtain a university degree in two years, so I think now is the time to take on that challenge. While attending university—possibly through a correspondence program—you should work toward earning a university degree. With a degree at 26, you might just barely still be able to apply to major companies as a new graduate…? As for romance, I’m strongly in favor of getting married young. If you don’t set your standards unrealistically high, you can still choose from plenty of marriage partners who suit your needs. Try having lots of short-term dating experiences—figuring out compatibility within one to four dates—and aim for marriage as well. If you keep putting decisions on hold in your life, your options will continue to disappear while your age keeps increasing, leaving you unable to decide anything. Whenever possible, I recommend making important decisions sooner rather than later. I sincerely hope that a happy life awaits you.

I’m Ayase Nana, a female member. Wait, you’re 24 and thinking about marriage? Have you had plenty of fun already? If you’re able to have children, wouldn’t around 35 be fine too? You only live once, so you should enjoy life. Also, what do you plan to do after going to university? Unless you have a specific plan, I wouldn’t recommend it. Who’s going to pay for university—your parents? If you’re going to university at your age, you should pay the entrance and tuition fees yourself and take responsibility for your decision. You’d be better off getting some kind of qualification, since that can lead to earning money. Learning Chinese or English can also help you get a better salary. No one involved here can possibly be free of worries. If I were younger, I’d want to earn all kinds of qualifications, like a secretary certification or even a law license. First, figure out what you want to do. Worry about everything else after that.

I feel like it’s better not to build fantasies around “if I had a boyfriend” or “if I had a college degree.” If there’s something you want to learn, though, university could be a good option. Personally, I’ve never really struggled with that kind of thing. The only thing I ever worry about is men, lol. By the way, I have a graduate degree, but right now I’m more interested in a vocational school for opening a café. I wanna go! I wish my papa (a male supporter) would ask me, “What’s your dream?” lol Marika

Maezawa from the President’s Office here, answering your question as well. At 24, having everyone around you suddenly getting married is pretty unusual these days. And I don’t think you’re at an age where you need to be seriously worried about your entire life yet. You can quit papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan) and find a partner, or go back to school now and earn a college degree. That said, I think it would help to think carefully about exactly what’s making you anxious. Do you want to get married? Do you want to go to college? And what benefits do you think achieving those goals would bring? I think it’s worth considering all of that.

I’m Aya, a female member. Don’t you find yourself prone to feeling depressed around 24, when your early twenties are coming to an end? I certainly was, haha. I compared myself to others and lacked confidence as someone who had just started working. And since this is also the age when more people in rural areas start getting married, it can stir up an awkward complex about being single, too. When you’re emotionally unstable like that, you might become dependent on a boyfriend or feel devastated after even a minor argument, so I don’t think you need to force yourself to get into a relationship. It’s a time when you’re especially prone to feeling down, so prioritize doing whatever helps you feel better. That said, university might be a good option. There are correspondence programs as well. I think it’s worthwhile if there’s something you genuinely want to learn, not just to get a degree. Anyway, once you overcome—or rather, get through—the various struggles of your early twenties, I’m sure you’ll feel a little more at peace.