Blog 5: International Career Education
Like any sane person, I have my moments of doubt. My decision to move to Communist Vietnam is far from risk-free.
In my final weeks on Wall Street, I shared my plans to quit my Six-Figure, Mega Fund Private Equity job to move to Communist Vietnam without a job with my friend and mentor, Stephen Breedon. As one might imagine, Stephen raised his eyebrow in shock like The Rock then responded, “History favors the bold.” What else could he really say?
Like any sane person, I have my moments of doubt. My decision to move to Communist Vietnam is far from risk-free. Thankfully, what differentiates me is my ability to persevere through difficult times to eventually find the light at the end of the tunnel. Growing up in a low-income household, I became quite accustomed to this way of living, a valuable trait for an entrepreneur.
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Blog 1: Baby Steps
On April 21st, 2023, I made a life-altering decision: I quit my dream job on Wall Street to embark on a new adventure I call “The Vietnam Dream.”
On April 21st, 2023, I made a life-altering decision: I quit my dream job on Wall Street to embark on a new adventure I call “The Vietnam Dream.” Inspired by Robert Frost’s words, I wholeheartedly embraced the road less traveled.
For the past four years, Vietnam had been a distant aspiration, something I often told myself I would pursue when the timing felt right. Yet, as time passed, I came to the realization that the perfect moment would never arrive. There will always be something more to do, another box to check, before taking the necessary leap of faith and embracing the risks associated with pursuing our dreams.
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Blog 2: Death Meditation
It all begins with an idea.
"Do not wait until the end of your life to realize the beauty and wonder of existence. Embrace the reality of death, and let it inspire you to live with mindfulness, compassion, and deep appreciation for the present moment." — Thich Nhat Hanh
I grew up low-income in New York City, and by the time I was 10 years old, I was convinced that money was the key to everything. College was my first chance to finally make money and I couldn’t wait.
When I learned of lucrative careers on Wall Street, I was immediately hooked. From that point onwards, I devoted myself to the future which compelled me to forgo the joys of the present. Thankfully, the seeds of change were sowed during my first trip to Thailand in 2019. This was part of my first trip to Asia.
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Blog 3: Freedom Ride
It all begins with an idea.
On July 22nd, I departed the United States. This departure signifies the official beginning of my journey as an expat, a major milestone in my life. I’m writing you from Spain, my final destination before relocating to Asia next week. My trip to Spain provided a wonderful change of pace, offering me the perfect opportunity to reflect and write.
I’m now 25 years old, and for the first time in my life, I feel truly wealthy. Many have more money, but that's only one form of wealth. My definition of wealth includes independence (Độc lập), freedom (Tự Do), happiness (Hạnh Phúc), free time, economic security, community, peace of mind, and few obligations. I’m blessed to say I’ve had all of these forms of wealth in abundance over the past four months.
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Blog 4: Inside the Triple Gem
It all begins with an idea.
“Believe me it is better to understand the balance-sheet of one’s own life than of the corn trade.” – Seneca
When I decided to move to Southeast Asia, I aimed to forge a new life, not just a business. To achieve this, I critically evaluated my life and determined what needed to be done differently to attain freedom from suffering and lasting happiness, the ultimate success.
To some people in the outside world, people on Wall Street seem to have everything – wealth, influence, status. Fulfilling our external desires offers a degree of satisfaction, but for so many, it’s a Pyrrhic Victory, a triumph ultimately not worth the sacrifices made to achieve it. The pursuit of career ‘success’ leads so many to trade their happiness, friends, relationships, health, and eventually families in exchange for external rewards like money, power, and status.
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