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Comment by luckylion | Hacker News Reader

Are the children shying away from it because whatever business it is just isn't something they like (i.e. vegans not wanting to take over a butcher's shop), are they finding better offers outside of the family business (i.e. the businesses aren't making money), do they just not need to work because the business have made the family wealth (which is what I see a lot in Germany), or is it something else entirely?

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Having seen this happen a few times (although in Europe) it is almost always that simply no one wanted to work in that sector. It is a lot more common these days that children have gone off to university and gotten an education in something that actually interests them, and then naturally they want to work in the field instead. It doesn't even have to be as extreme as "vegans not wanting to take over a butcher's shop", but simply "I'd rather be an architect than sell farming equipment", even if selling farming equipment might pay better.

Yes, also traditionally the business would go to the eldest son. He then knew all his life that it would become his business and prepared for it.

Now it can go to all sons and daughters. That means that the one best suited can be chosen.

But all the children will have to build a career. And none of them feel particular responsible for continuing the business.

My impression is, most of them want better pay. (And probably better hours, as some of these business owners wear many hats, and work very long days.)

And if they are in the Japanese career system, likely more stability and less uncertainty. Owning even a self-sustaining small business isn't always that great style of living.

I’m this case no one had the interest in it.

The family is very well off by Japanese standards but they all work.

Exactly. I could either take over a back breaking plumbing business and kiss my knees goodbye at 45 or take a cushy software job for a relatively small pay cut.

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