The Hidden Reskilling Journey of Working Professionals: An Insight into Their Motivations and Benefits
In recent years, the concept of reskilling has gained traction as professionals seek to adapt to rapidly changing job markets. Gyokuzan Academy, which operates various educational programs such as preparatory schools for international students and Japanese teacher training courses, conducted a survey to delve into the world of "hidden reskilling" among working professionals in Japan. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s efforts to support career advancement through job skills improvement.
Reskilling refers to the process of learning new skills either to transition into a new profession or to adjust to significant changes in the current job sector. The rise of digitalization and globalization has caused a shift in the business environment, creating a pressing need for individuals to update their skills. Gyokuzan Academy, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has been a pioneering institution in this area, having been recognized as a supporter of the Ministry’s reskilling initiative.
Conducted between July 30 and July 31, 2025, the survey engaged 1,003 working professionals who are actively pursuing reskilling. The findings aim to uncover the motivations behind their secretive approach to skill development and the benefits they experience as a result.
Respondents were asked about the reasons for selecting their current reskilling objectives. The most cited reason was that the chosen content could be directly applied to their current jobs. Other common motivations included prior interest in specific subjects and high demand for skills in the job market. This indicates a trend among professionals to make informed, autonomous decisions regarding their upskilling.
When inquiring about the changes felt since starting reskilling, common responses included an expanded view of their work, heightened motivation, and a sense of enjoyment in learning. These benefits signify a more profound transformation than mere professional development; they reflect a holistic approach to personal growth.
The survey also probed whether participants shared their reskilling endeavors with others, revealing that approximately 20% kept their efforts private. The most reported reason for not disclosing their reskilling activities was the sentiment that there was no need to do so. This suggests that many individuals are engaged in reskilling for their own benefit rather than seeking external validation.
Those who kept their learning activities under wraps reported significant advantages, such as being able to learn at their own pace and focusing without outside interference. This autonomy in learning may enhance their educational experience.
On the topic of future career aspirations following reskilling, nearly 60% of respondents indicated that they actively thought about changing careers or had already started taking action towards it. This connection between reskilling and career progression demonstrates the potential of re-educating oneself to open new professional pathways.
When exploring initial concerns regarding starting reskilling, participants expressed worries about finding time, the ability to maintain their study routines, and whether the content would suit their needs. However, feedback after engaging in reskilling highlighted newfound joy in starting afresh and realizing that time can be managed more effectively than they had anticipated.
The findings from this survey underscore that reskilling is considered a personal endeavor rather than a means to gain recognition from others. Approximately 20% of respondents engage in "hidden reskilling," which grants them the opportunity to learn efficiently and without external pressures.
Respondents also reflect a commitment to career development post-reskilling, with many indicating proactive steps towards job changes.
Gyokuzan Academy is dedicated to promoting reskilling and offers various courses designed to meet the needs of individuals looking to enhance their career prospects—whether it be through teaching Japanese or other valuable skill sets.
Whether you're considering a career change or just wish to enhance your existing skill set, now is the time to take that step. Gyokuzan Academy supports professionals on their learning journey through an array of reskilling opportunities and programs.
Background of Reskilling
Reskilling refers to the process of learning new skills either to transition into a new profession or to adjust to significant changes in the current job sector. The rise of digitalization and globalization has caused a shift in the business environment, creating a pressing need for individuals to update their skills. Gyokuzan Academy, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has been a pioneering institution in this area, having been recognized as a supporter of the Ministry’s reskilling initiative.
Survey Overview
Conducted between July 30 and July 31, 2025, the survey engaged 1,003 working professionals who are actively pursuing reskilling. The findings aim to uncover the motivations behind their secretive approach to skill development and the benefits they experience as a result.
Reasons for Choosing Reskilling
Respondents were asked about the reasons for selecting their current reskilling objectives. The most cited reason was that the chosen content could be directly applied to their current jobs. Other common motivations included prior interest in specific subjects and high demand for skills in the job market. This indicates a trend among professionals to make informed, autonomous decisions regarding their upskilling.
Changes Experienced After Initiating Reskilling
When inquiring about the changes felt since starting reskilling, common responses included an expanded view of their work, heightened motivation, and a sense of enjoyment in learning. These benefits signify a more profound transformation than mere professional development; they reflect a holistic approach to personal growth.
The Advantages of Reskilling Secretively
The survey also probed whether participants shared their reskilling endeavors with others, revealing that approximately 20% kept their efforts private. The most reported reason for not disclosing their reskilling activities was the sentiment that there was no need to do so. This suggests that many individuals are engaged in reskilling for their own benefit rather than seeking external validation.
Those who kept their learning activities under wraps reported significant advantages, such as being able to learn at their own pace and focusing without outside interference. This autonomy in learning may enhance their educational experience.
Future Career Aspirations Post-Reskilling
On the topic of future career aspirations following reskilling, nearly 60% of respondents indicated that they actively thought about changing careers or had already started taking action towards it. This connection between reskilling and career progression demonstrates the potential of re-educating oneself to open new professional pathways.
Overcoming Initial Hesitations
When exploring initial concerns regarding starting reskilling, participants expressed worries about finding time, the ability to maintain their study routines, and whether the content would suit their needs. However, feedback after engaging in reskilling highlighted newfound joy in starting afresh and realizing that time can be managed more effectively than they had anticipated.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The findings from this survey underscore that reskilling is considered a personal endeavor rather than a means to gain recognition from others. Approximately 20% of respondents engage in "hidden reskilling," which grants them the opportunity to learn efficiently and without external pressures.
Respondents also reflect a commitment to career development post-reskilling, with many indicating proactive steps towards job changes.
Gyokuzan Academy is dedicated to promoting reskilling and offers various courses designed to meet the needs of individuals looking to enhance their career prospects—whether it be through teaching Japanese or other valuable skill sets.
Whether you're considering a career change or just wish to enhance your existing skill set, now is the time to take that step. Gyokuzan Academy supports professionals on their learning journey through an array of reskilling opportunities and programs.
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