Congrats Minh!! I was so happy reading this. I feel like I can sense a calmness in your writing, like the joy you’ve been feeling comes through. You did such a great job capturing both the identity struggles of a “good career” and how it feels to let go of it. I wish you the best on your journey and look forward to more of your reflections on it!
This essay reminded me of a guy I worked with who told me he resigned. Then he said, “And when I told my wife she cheered.” Apparently the toxic parts of the work environment had really affected him negatively. She preferred that he quit even though he didn’t have a new job yet.
The societal and cultural expectations around what constitutes a "noble" and "successful" career can be incredibly burdensome. It's heartening to read about your shift in perspective and how you've come to realize that a fulfilling career doesn't have to be the sole focus of your life. Finding balance and happiness outside of work is equally important, if not more so.
I resonated with this in so many ways. It feels as though withdrawing internally & into a shell of comfort is a necessary coping mechanism — it got me through this summer. If there is anything about living through such a shitty job, it’s the learning that life can have so much more meaning if we get off the hedonic treadmill every once in awhile.
Congrats Minh!! I was so happy reading this. I feel like I can sense a calmness in your writing, like the joy you’ve been feeling comes through. You did such a great job capturing both the identity struggles of a “good career” and how it feels to let go of it. I wish you the best on your journey and look forward to more of your reflections on it!
That means so much Michelle! I am always happy to read your comments :)
This essay reminded me of a guy I worked with who told me he resigned. Then he said, “And when I told my wife she cheered.” Apparently the toxic parts of the work environment had really affected him negatively. She preferred that he quit even though he didn’t have a new job yet.
And it made me ask myself: is it negatively affecting me that way, too?
Congrats Minh! And love this piece it’s so well written and real
Thank you Bryan!
The societal and cultural expectations around what constitutes a "noble" and "successful" career can be incredibly burdensome. It's heartening to read about your shift in perspective and how you've come to realize that a fulfilling career doesn't have to be the sole focus of your life. Finding balance and happiness outside of work is equally important, if not more so.
I resonated with this in so many ways. It feels as though withdrawing internally & into a shell of comfort is a necessary coping mechanism — it got me through this summer. If there is anything about living through such a shitty job, it’s the learning that life can have so much more meaning if we get off the hedonic treadmill every once in awhile.
100% :) Happy for us though
This was such a feel-good read. I’m so glad you have such a sense of clarity about your relationship with work. Wishing you the best ☺️
Thank you Tom!!
> Leave me a comment: How have you been doing? What are you up to? What do you want to see more from me?
I'm doing pretty good! I'm teaching myself motion graphics and storytelling.
I know this is kind of general but I'd love to hear you write more about your interests - what catches your attention and why.
Im also a fan of the path less path
Congrats 👏🏻