Chang-woo, a senior at a vocational high school, wants to be recognized by his mother as a good son. He starts field training at a subcontractor for a large company, hoping to solve the problems of getting into college or finding decent employment. While learning about work and human relations from his senior workers, Chang-woo finds himself siding with the non-contract staff, and fails to get into college, secure a job, or deal with the problem of his military service. However, Chang-woo eventually finds a job that he likes and develops a sense of pride in his work. He moves out of his mother’s home in search of a new life.

High school student Yun-ji harbors a secret romance with her homeroom teacher, which results in a pregnancy. When the teacher abruptly disappears, Yun-ji decides to end the pregnancy. To buy illegal abortion pils, she leaves school early. Meanwhile, Kyung-sun discovers that her savings have vanished and sets out to track her down.