#162 Money, Work, Parenting & 1 Month In Taiwan - Angie & Paul on money scripts, cultural differences, being Taiwanese in the US, being American in Taiwan, perceptions of work in their families, life with a newborn, impostor syndrome, remote work and travel
Sep 18, 2023
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Angie and Paul discuss work, money, cultural differences, parenting, impostor syndrome, and the challenges of being Taiwanese in the US and American in Taiwan. They also delve into remote work and travel while reflecting on their experiences as parents and writers.
Moving to Taiwan provided a sense of empowerment and autonomy, contrasting their experience in the US.
Living in the US creates challenges due to language and cultural differences, while Asian countries provide a more accepting environment.
Raising their child in Taiwan offers opportunities for immersive language and cultural development.
Deep dives
Adjusting to Life in Taiwan
After moving back to Taiwan, the speaker feels a sense of empowerment and adulthood. They express relief in being able to take care of things themselves and handle the logistics of life. They contrast this with their experience in the US, where they felt dependent on their partner for everything. The speaker also reflects on the benefits of being in Taiwan, such as having access to better healthcare and feeling like a normal adult. They express confidence and happiness in being able to navigate Taiwanese society and handle day-to-day tasks.
Language Barriers and Cultural Confidence
The speaker discusses the challenges they face in language and cultural differences when living in the US. They share instances where they feel like an idiot or get embarrassed due to not being able to communicate effectively or navigate certain situations. They also reflect on the pressure they feel to master everything in the US and the sense of failure when they are unable to do so. The speaker contrasts this with their experience in Asian countries, where they feel more accepted and not judged for their lack of fluency. They highlight the privilege and expectations associated with being an American in an English-speaking world.
Parenting and Language Immersion
The speaker discusses their expectations and goals for raising their child in a Chinese-speaking environment in Taiwan. While they anticipated aggressive parenting tactics from Taiwanese parents, they find that it's not as extreme as they thought. However, they express their desire for their child to be immersed in the Chinese language and culture. The speaker acknowledges that their child is not yet fluent in Chinese but hopes that the environment will help foster language development. They reflect on the importance of cultural influence in their child's upbringing and the opportunities Taiwan provides for that.
Discovering Personal Motivation
The podcast discusses the importance of finding personal motivation when pursuing creative work. The speaker shares their own experiences of building momentum and gaining confidence in their writing journey. They emphasize the significance of doing creative work that aligns with one's own passions and interests, rather than trying to live out other people's lives or conform to external expectations. The podcast highlights the idea that following one's own path, even if it's unconventional, is the key to fulfillment and success.
Changing Perspectives on Writing
The podcast explores a shift in perspective regarding writing and commitment. The speaker reflects on their previous belief that writing required suffering and resistance, influenced by authors like Steven Pressfield. However, after reading a book by Chen Shui, a different model is presented that challenges the idea of resistance in writing. The speaker shares their realization of writing as a positive and fulfilling outlet, leading to a change in their relationship with writing. The podcast emphasizes the importance of questioning one's own narratives and embracing vulnerability in creative pursuits.
