Introduction
I recently came across a post on X (formerly Twitter). It described how a company that previously claimed to be fully remote had started requiring employees to come into the office.
Reading posts about the challenges faced by people working in rural areas, I reflected on my own experiences as someone working at a “rural” university and as an engineer.
This article isn’t about labeling urban or rural areas as inherently good or bad. I hope readers will keep this in mind while reading.
The Information Gap Has Closed, But…
First, let’s talk about access to information.
With the development of the internet and the widespread use of AI tools like ChatGPT, I feel that the gap in access to information between urban and rural areas has effectively disappeared.
In this regard, there’s likely little difference between urban and rural areas.
But what about personal networking opportunities?
In urban areas, conferences, networking events, and hackathons happen daily. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, including professionals and students alike.
What about rural areas? From my experience, such events are held only a few times a month at best.
Additionally, participants in rural areas often come from a narrower range of backgrounds, simply because of the population difference.
In terms of synchronous communication and real-time networking, rural areas are at a disadvantage.
While access to information may be equal, there’s a significant disparity in opportunities for building personal connections.
Networking may sound simple, but I believe it runs deeper than that.
Attending events can create “opportunities” or “chances” that are pivotal.
- “I met someone at a workshop, which led me to aim for a new career path and transition to another company.”
- “I participated in a hackathon, and the product we built inspired me to start my own business.”
The number of opportunities is vastly different between urban and rural areas. This, I believe, is one of the key disparities.
Mental Space Varies by Individual
In urban areas, phrases like “I don’t have any mental space” often stem from small living spaces or being crammed into crowded trains during commutes.
What about rural areas?
With relatively affordable housing, larger living spaces, and less crowded transportation—or even car-based commutes—some might say, “I have plenty of mental space here!”
However, mental space depends on the individual.
- For someone who equates mental space with financial freedom, higher salaries in urban areas might appeal to them.
- For someone who associates mental space with less competition, the high-pressure environment of urban areas might push them toward rural living.
Let’s break it down further:
- Financial Freedom
- Time Freedom
- Emotional Freedom
When comparing these aspects, the optimal choice may currently lean toward urban areas.
Do You Seek Stimulation or Stability?
The university I work at is located in a “rural” area.
We have students from all over Japan, including urban areas.
When it comes to job hunting, do most students choose their hometowns? Not necessarily.
From what I’ve observed, engineering students—especially those entering tech—often head to urban areas, particularly Tokyo.
When asked why, their reasons include higher salaries, more frequent events, and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies.
Conversely, students who choose rural jobs often cite reasons like being close to family or finding the company that best matches their skills.
For those at the start of their careers, stimulation is often the priority.
Internships in Urban and Rural Areas Are Worlds Apart
In tech fields—particularly in IT—internships are becoming more prominent and starting earlier.
While I have my reservations about this trend, companies offering internships are predominantly in urban areas.
Speaking with students, it’s clear that internships in urban and rural areas often feel like entirely different experiences.
The perceived appeal varies:
- Some internships involve low daily pay and require suits for attendance.
- Others offer daily compensation exceeding a junior professional’s salary, with flexible dress codes and hairstyles.
Students tend to value learning opportunities, pay, and freedom of work style.
On the surface, urban internships seem far superior. However, when viewed as “showpieces” or “competitive stages,” the narrative changes.
Many rural companies struggle with information dissemination and lack the flexibility seen in startups.
That said, rural internships can still be fascinating.
Examples include initiatives focused on regional revitalization or smaller teams where interns can interact directly with management.
On the other hand, urban internships often become competitive arenas.
So, it’s not all sunshine and roses.
Urban Isn’t Always Best
So far, I’ve written in a way that might make urban areas seem like the obvious choice.
However, rural areas also have their strengths.
For example, engineers in rural areas often have unique value.
What might be seen as routine tasks or thought processes in urban areas can stand out as exceptional skills in rural areas.
Indeed, they often are exceptional skills—not everyone is tech-savvy.
Additionally, prioritizing family and lifestyle can make rural areas ideal.
While urban life often revolves around work—a valid choice—it may not suit those aiming for homeownership and family-oriented living.
Another advantage is avoiding information overload.
Social media frequently showcases success stories, and in urban areas, this effect is amplified.
Events and meetups can sometimes evoke a feeling of, “I need to catch up!”
If this drives growth, it’s a positive. But if it causes anxiety, that’s a warning sign.
For those who prefer a steady pace of learning and growth, rural areas are a viable option.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your destination will depend on what you value most.
Do you cherish a life filled with stimulation, or do you prioritize stability?
Is your goal self-actualization, or do you value family and relationships with others?
Urban and rural engineers aren’t so different after all.
The true difference lies in the values we hold dear.