Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!
This title is a mouthful, but the story itself is surprisingly heartwarming. It's a wish-fulfillment story at its core, but with enough charm to keep me reading. The premise is simple: a salaryman, worn down by the corporate grind, gets a second chance at high school. Sounds generic, right? But there's something compelling about watching him navigate teenage life with the wisdom (and exhaustion) of a 30-year-old.
First Impressions
Initially, I braced myself for cringe. Reincarnation stories can be hit or miss, especially when romance is involved. But I was pleasantly surprised. The early chapters hooked me with the MC's relatable regrets and his determination to make the most of his second chance. It felt less like a power fantasy and more like a genuine attempt at self-improvement.
What Works Well
The strongest aspect of this novel is the MC's character. He retains his adult mentality, which allows him to be assertive and proactive in ways that most high school protagonists aren't. I appreciated that he doesn't suddenly become a genius or a master of everything; his experience simply gives him a different perspective.
The slice-of-life elements are also well-executed. The author does a good job of portraying the everyday struggles and triumphs of high school life, and the interactions between the characters feel genuine. The romance is slow-paced, which might frustrate some readers, but I found it refreshing. It allows the relationships to develop naturally, and it makes the eventual payoff all the more satisfying.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the story overall, there were a few things that bothered me. The "rivals" are often cartoonishly evil, and their schemes are easily foiled. This can make the plot feel predictable at times. Also, the female lead is portrayed as almost too perfect – kind, smart, beautiful, and incredibly naive. While her purity is part of her charm, it can also make her feel a bit one-dimensional.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers have pointed out that the romance progresses very slowly, with the MC and FMC not even exchanging contact information until well into the story. They also mention that the FMC's naivete can be frustrating, as she often misses obvious cues about the MC's feelings.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "I (30), Who Works for a Black Company..." is a delightful and heartwarming read. It's not groundbreaking, but it's a well-executed example of the second-chance genre. If you're looking for a feel-good story with relatable characters and a touch of romance, this one is definitely worth checking out. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
