Born and raised in an Asian family, I was always the good child, the high-achieving student, fast-tracked into an MT program. It is my dream place with exciting projects and colleagues. But last week, I ended that dream.

Working at that firm, I felt deeply how technology can shape our world. From there, my mind kept wandering with the what-ifs: what if I could build something like it, what if I could change the world, what if my life could be different?

Time passed; the clock rang, opening my eyes from a good sleep, and I found nothing had changed. The need for financial security, fear of judgment stopped me from leaving. I feel like “Ah quitting things and starting a startup are just for another rebellious person, not for me.”

But something happened.

“Your life-changing moment is just one step away.” On my way home after work, this short sentence from a random podcast caused everything around me to go blank - pure blankness.

The 'what ifs' resurfaced: what if I book a trip to the US? What if I submit my letter tomorrow? What if I stop everything and backpack to Africa? My entire life will change. There’s no more established path, no more status quo, no more “it’s not for me”.

I DO have the power to change it. I can shape and decide it; nothing is stopping me, it’s just me. With tears falling, I now feel freer than ever.

Months passed, and here I was, having a one-on-one with my manager to let her know I wanted to leave. She was happy for me, hearing that I had found the things I wanted to do.

Here I was, building the landing page for my first startup during the nights

And here I am now, writing this line on LNY 2024. Today marks a new year, and I know my life will never be the same.

And I hope it will be a great year for you as well :)