The headlines are loud these days—AI disruption, massive layoffs, and economic uncertainty. It’s easy to feel like the ground is shifting beneath our feet, and for many of us, this has brought deep concerns about job security and long-term financial stability. But what if we could change the conversation from fear to empowerment? What if we could build a sustainable career that feels more secure and fulfilling? Building your financial foundation. Growing up in an Asian family, I learned to...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
At some point in your career, you feel the tug: The Sunday-night dread. The creeping exhaustion. The sense that you’re doing everything “right,” yet something is missing. Maybe you wonder: “Is this the life I want to keep building?” You’ve worked hard to get to this point—earned respect, made sacrifices, pushed through self-doubt. Yet the cost of carrying all that can weigh on your well-being, slowly draining your spark. But here’s what most people don’t see: growth doesn’t have to come with...
3 months ago • 5 min read
When external pressures meet excessive, unrealistic demands on yourself, the result can be, inevitably, burnout. When we tied our identity so tightly to professional achievements, self-care became a luxury we felt guilty taking—even when our health depended on it. This isn't just a personal issue; it has become a widespread organizational crisis. As of May 2025, Glassdoor mentions of burnout in employee reviews have jumped 73% year-over-year. Years of layoffs, understaffing, and economic...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Have you experienced that nagging feeling of "not good enough" creeping in as you navigate your career growth? The pressure to advance, the endless scroll of seemingly perfect careers and lives on social media? You compare yourself with other people's careers and lives, you feel you're falling short in the social comparison game. If this resonates, you're in the right place. We, as driven professionals, often find ourselves measured against unspoken societal standards. It's a natural human...
4 months ago • 4 min read
I used to believe that being highly empathetic was my professional superpower. After all, emotional intelligence is a prized leadership trait, right? My early mentors certainly thought so: "Don't get emotional in conflict. Never make decisions when you're upset. Always keep your cool." So, I mastered the art of emotional regulation. I paused, breathed, and responded calmly, even in high-stakes moments. From the outside, I was a thoughtful, composed, professional leader. But inside, something...
4 months ago • 3 min read
This week, I received devastating news. A dear friend was diagnosed with stage 4 non-smoker lung cancer. It has already reached her brain, requiring immediate surgery. The pain now radiates through her shoulders and spine, and there’s a terrifying possibility it could spread even further. The speed? Just one month. That's a reminder that beneath our responsibilities, roles, and achievements lies a simple, essential truth: our health, our lives, and the people we love are what matter most. We...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Burnout isn’t a buzzword, it’s a full-blown crisis. In Q1 of 2025, Glassdoor reviews mentioning burnout surged 32%, the highest spike since tracking began in 2016. Meanwhile, a 2024 LinkedIn survey found that 62% of American workers left paid vacation days untouched. That’s not just a workload issue. That’s an identity issue. Burnout isn’t only the result of high-pressure workplaces. It’s also fueled by internal patterns: the imposter thoughts that whisper we haven’t done enough, and the...
5 months ago • 3 min read
A few years ago, a friend asked me, “What does a good life look like to you?” I paused. Then I said, “I wish I had prioritized myself. I want to choose me—more.” At the time, I was so focused on my work that I had unintentionally neglected what makes life whole—relationships, health, joy, and well-being. I had been taught to invest in career growth, to be reliable, selfless, and endlessly available, for the team, the mission, the goals. And I excelled at it. But there was a shadow side to...
5 months ago • 3 min read
"Happy people are those who sleep less and hustle." I recently encountered this comment on social media, and I can't help but wonder: was it meant sarcastically, or does it genuinely reflect that person's reality? From years immersed in Silicon Valley's tech culture, I know the allure—and the potential pitfalls—of the 'hustle' mentality, often painting a picture of relentless, fear-fueled effort. But let's pause and truly ask ourselves: what are we striving for? Is this constant state of...
6 months ago • 3 min read