A Life Without Explanations
“Live a life that requires no explanation!” This was the philosophy my mother shared with me when I expressed my desire to attend a technical high school. She believed that if one graduates from college, gets a job, marries, and has children like everyone else, there would be no need for explanations. A life without questions such as “Why didn’t you go to college?” or “Why aren’t you married?” would surely be a comfortable one.
However, my mother did not foresee how the standard for “normalcy” would evolve into something more rigid. It became about having a university degree in Seoul, a job at a conglomerate, and marriage with an owned apartment. Even extraordinary efforts often fall short of this ideal. As a result, many people find themselves constantly justifying their choices. The entire nation is caught in this cycle of self-explanation.
The Pressure of Conformity
Eleven years ago, when I worked at a small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME), I had to explain why I didn’t join a conglomerate. My response was, “The pay is lower, but I feel more efficacy and responsibility.” Truthfully, I didn’t “choose” not to go—I “couldn’t” due to lack of qualifications. Now, as a carpenter, I don’t need excuses. There’s no “conglomerate” for carpenters.
Today, instead of conglomerates, I face questions comparing me to Coupang. The same excuses from the past still work. However, while I couldn’t join a conglomerate, I could genuinely work at Coupang. If young people feel there’s nothing to learn at SMEs—or if these jobs aren’t better than a Coupang part-time gig—they easily decide to “EXIT.” Coupang has become a “safe base” for working youth. It’s harsh to hear, but it’s reality.
Economic Challenges and New Realities
The economic downturn has hit my company too. Construction projects and furniture orders have decreased. I sometimes think, “Could I survive by taking unpaid leave and working part-time at Coupang if times get tough?” I could manage my own life somehow. For those unconnected to real estate or the KOSPI, this choice feels secure.
Young lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong once answered, “I want to create a society where differences don’t require explanations,” when asked, “Why do politics?” She failed. As a young working-class politician, Ryu now sees what politics should have done: create more “EXIT” options. Foster SMEs where people can learn efficacy and responsibility—and earn enough to sustain themselves—without needing conglomerates. This should happen not in Seoul but in regional areas. If all else fails, why not make it easier to go abroad?
Embracing a Different Path
When youth have more “EXIT” choices, the “labor flexibility” corporations desire will naturally follow. Returning from worrying about an unfitting world, I’ve chosen to live a life I can explain. Those surprised by my unexpected career ask why I live this way. The questions don’t tire me. I don’t apologize for not achieving “normalcy.”
I say, “I earn a living, and I protect myself.” A life where I can joyfully explain my choices is happy. It may not fit the traditional mold, but it’s mine. And in that, I find peace.