7-From Side Hustle to Self-Worth

When I started guiding food tours, it was just a weekend side hustle.

A UK-based company assigned me more and more tours, and I quickly realized just how much demand there was for food experiences in tourism. Most of my guests were couples—honeymooners, people celebrating anniversaries, even a few planning to propose during their trip to Japan. They were here for memories, not just meals.

Meanwhile, I was stuck in a joyless accounting job with no hope of promotion, no raise in sight, and not even a girlfriend to text goodnight.

By day, I dragged myself through spreadsheets and tax documents. But by evening, I’d slip out of the office like I was escaping a prison. I’d head to Ebisu or Shibuya to meet my tour guests.

Honestly, while the food tours were fun, I often felt a deep pang of envy. I admired my guests’ joy, their connection, their sense of purpose. I, on the other hand, was just trying to figure out how to survive in Tokyo with nothing but my English skills to rely on.

But every time they smiled and said, “We’re so glad you came with us,”

it reminded me: I was more than my day job.

For the first time in years, I felt needed.

And that feeling… it was addictive.

[Next: 8-How private tours transformed the way I work and live.]