Choosing Not to Be Employed Is Not Laziness: A Former Monk’s Journey Through Depression

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I’m a former Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist monk who has lived through depression. When I tried to re-enter society, I believed I had to get a job—any job. But reality was harsh. I kept hitting the same wall:
“It’s hard to hire someone with a history of mental illness.”

That’s when I began to question:
Is a society where you must be employed to survive really okay?

This isn’t a motivational pitch or a product. It’s a reflection from someone who has supported others in pain—and who has experienced that pain firsthand.

The Limits of Traditional Employment

  • People with mental health histories are often excluded from hiring
  • Education teaches only one path: becoming a corporate employee
  • Historically, self-employment was the norm—now it’s rare in Japan
  • Lifetime employment is collapsing, side gigs are rising, and AI is reshaping work

The Benefits of Non-Traditional Work Styles

  • You choose your time and environment
  • Less stress from workplace relationships
  • Your results feed your self-worth

For those recovering from depression, these can be powerful tools for relapse prevention.

I Asked ChatGPT:

“What kinds of work might suit someone with a history of depression?”

Since I don’t feel qualified to recommend specific paths myself, I asked AI for ideas. Here’s what it suggested—starting small, aiming for just ¥10,000/month:

  • Freelance writing: personal stories are in demand
  • Blogging or note-style essays: share your experience
  • Selling on Mercari or Yahoo Auctions: start with unused items
  • YouTube or podcasting: no need to show your face
  • Programming or design: take on projects after basic learning

It even said:
“If you want to know more, feel free to ask!”

A Closing Thought: Between Amida Buddha and Adler

In Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, we say:
“Leave everything to Amida Buddha.”
In Adlerian psychology, we say:
“Take responsibility for your own tasks.”

To me, these aren’t contradictions.
We entrust what we can’t control to Amida, and take charge of what we can.
For me, one of those choices was to live without being employed.

If this post offers even a small hint of hope to someone struggling, I’ll be grateful.

日本語版はこちら：
雇われない生き方は甘えじゃない。元うつ病者が語る“自分を守る選択”｜巻きじゃく

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