[77.5% Consider Changing Jobs on Day 1] Career Outlook Based on the "Premise of Quitting" Revealed in a Survey of 111 New Graduates in 2026. "Considering Freelance" Reaches 72.1%.

Nippon Design Inc. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Takuma Otsubo) announced that it has conducted a career awareness survey for 2026 new employees, targeting 111 professionals who joined companies as new graduates in April 2026.

From this survey, it was found that while about 70% of new employees welcomed their new jobs with positive feelings, 77.5% were considering a future job change as of their first day. Among those considering a job change, "within 1 to 3 years" was the most common timeframe at 47.5%, and "within 1 year" reached 32.6%. Furthermore, 72.1% showed interest in working as freelancers, revealing the reality that the career awareness of new employees is moving in multiple directions from their very first day.

01 | Approximately 80% of new employees consider future job changes as of their first day, with over 40% "already thinking about it specifically"

02 | Among those considering a job change, "within 1 to 3 years" is the most common at 47.5%, and "within 1 year" is 32.6%

03 | 72.1% of new employees are considering becoming freelancers in the future

■ Survey Overview

Survey Name: Career Awareness Survey of 2026 New Employees

Survey Method: Internet survey planned by "Research-P®︎", a research marketing service provided by IDEATECH

Survey Period: April 9, 2026 - April 10, 2026

Valid Responses: 111 professionals who joined companies as new graduates in April 2026

*Due to rounding some numbers to make the total 100%, there may be slight differences from the actual calculated values.

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■ Changes in state of mind before joining, about 40% "expectations and enjoyment increased", while over 20% "anxiety increased"

When asked, "Q1. How did your feelings change as the joining date approached after your unofficial offer was confirmed?" (n=111), 36.1% answered "Expectations and enjoyment grew steadily," and 31.5% answered "I was anxious at first, but gradually became positive."

Q1. How did your feelings change as the joining date approached after your unofficial offer was confirmed?

- Expectations and enjoyment grew steadily: 36.1%

- I was anxious at first, but gradually became positive: 31.5%

- I was expectant at first, but anxiety gradually grew: 13.5%

- The closer the joining date got, the stronger the feelings of anxiety and depression became: 10.8%

- There was no particular change in feelings: 5.4%

- I don't know / Cannot answer: 2.7%

■ Reason for feeling anxious before joining, "Worried if workplace relationships would go well" tops at 51.9%

We asked those who answered "I was expectant at first, but anxiety gradually grew" or "The closer the joining date got, the stronger the feelings of anxiety and depression became" in Q1. "Q2. Please tell us the reason why your feelings of anxiety and negativity grew before joining. (Multiple answers allowed)" (n=27). 51.9% answered "Because I was worried if workplace relationships would go well," 40.7% answered "Because I was not sure if the company I was joining was really a good fit for me," and 37.0% answered "Because I didn't know if I would be assigned to my desired department or position."

Q2. Please tell us the reason why your feelings of anxiety and negativity grew before joining. (Multiple answers allowed)

- Because I was worried if workplace relationships would go well: 51.9%

- Because I was not sure if the company I was joining was really a good fit for me: 40.7%

- Because I didn't know if I would be assigned to my desired department or position: 37.0%

- Because I was anxious if I could keep up with the work with my abilities: 33.3%

- Because I was anxious if I could acquire skills and expertise at the company: 22.2%

- Because I had anxiety about changes in my lifestyle rhythm and work style: 18.5%

- Because I was anxious if my salary and treatment would meet my expectations: 11.1%

- Other: 0.0%

- I don't know / Cannot answer: 0.0%

■ Reality of about 80% "considering" job changes on their first day

When asked, "Q3. Were you considering a future job change as of your first day?" (n=111), 41.5% answered "I was already thinking about it specifically," and 36.0% answered "I was thinking about it vaguely."

Q3. Were you considering a future job change as of your first day?

- I was already thinking about it specifically: 41.5%

- I was thinking about it vaguely: 36.0%

- I was not thinking about it: 18.9%

- I don't know / Cannot answer: 3.6%