I've always been startled by the word 社会人 which literally means "member of society" but AFAICS is used by people when describing themselves conveying the meaning of "I'm a full-time employee" (as opposed to student, part-time jobber etc.).
The implication being that people who're not working full-time are not considered do be part of society?
>The implication being that people who're not working full-time are not considered do be part of society?
If you're not working full time as a formal employee of a company, you are indeed looked down upon.
I have several friends in Japan who earn more from their side gigs (one is an indie musician, another is a designer, another is a programmer) but they all won't quit their day job, saying that it's vital for them to be part of their corporations to be looked upon positively by the rest of society. Hell if you aren't a full employee it's hard to even get married!
The same indoctrination exists elsewhere too. People are given respect for their degrees or position in the hierarchy. Business trainings teach employees to be good to their bosses. while stating that doing so is important if they want their careers to advance. This has become so prevalent that it seems normal and somehow good. I don't deny that businesses also teach other good things, but these heirarchial values take priority in practice.
The implication being that people who're not working full-time are not considered do be part of society?