More than 20 days have passed since the start. For many new employees, their first salary is coming. While some are happy about the rising starting salaries, there are also voices of concern about the future, such as high prices. What will they use their first salary for?

A woman (23) working at a logistics company has increased the frequency of checking her savings account balance. Fearing the shrinking amount in her account, she struggles to reduce expenses by cooking for herself and bringing lunch and a water bottle to work. During her university days, she frequently used McDonald’s. But due to price increases, she has stopped going. “McDonald’s is expensive too. Unbelievable.”

One of the main factors in saving is rent. Although the company provides a rent subsidy, it still takes up a large portion of her budget. Furthermore, since she doesn’t know the exact amount deducted for taxes, she doesn’t know her actual take-home pay, and she hasn’t yet decided how to use her first salary.

However, she has become interested in NISA and stocks, which have been explained daily during new employee training. “My peers say they’re going to start. I’m also worried about whether I can save for the future, so maybe I’ll invest once I get my first salary.”

JAIC (Tokyo), a company that provides corporate education and training services, conducted a web survey of 247 participants in its early April new employee training program, asking how they would use their first salary beyond living expenses. According to the survey, the top answer was “gifts for parents and family” at 74.9%. This was followed by “hobbies” at 47.8% and “savings” at 40.5%.

A male sales employee (24) who moved to Tokyo for his job said with a wry smile, “I’ve been mooching off my parents until now,” and clearly stated that his plan is “to treat them.” He plans to save his first salary and “take my parents out for a nice dinner when I go back home.”

The “Cursed Two Months” – “I Have to Endure” Until the End of May for the First Salary

A man who started working at a home appliance manufacturer…

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is a global fast-food chain founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, originally as a barbecue restaurant before transitioning to a streamlined burger stand. The brand’s modern success was driven by Ray Kroc, who joined in 1955 and turned it into a franchise powerhouse, pioneering the fast-food model with the “Speedee Service System.” Today, McDonald’s is one of the world’s largest restaurant chains, known for its iconic Golden Arches and menu items like the Big Mac and Happy Meal.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that blends ultramodern innovation with deep historical roots. Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it rose to prominence in the early 17th century when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, and was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 when the emperor moved from Kyoto. Today, it is a global hub for technology, culture, and cuisine, featuring landmarks like the historic Senso-ji temple alongside the futuristic Shibuya Crossing.