In this engaging discussion, Eric Wei, co-founder of a financial service for creators, and Chloe Shih, a tech product manager, explore the mental struggles of feeling inadequate despite visible success. They share personal stories of kindness, the exhausting pursuit of accomplishments, and the pressure of networking at college reunions. Reflecting on community involvement and the pressures of societal expectations, they encourage listeners to appreciate incremental progress and authenticity in their journeys.
Chloe reflects on how negative feedback from the tech industry often stems from insecurity, highlighting the need for direct communication to address criticism.
Both hosts discuss the emotional toll of feeling inadequate and constantly striving for success, revealing the strain this places on their mental health.
The importance of community engagement, particularly in promoting AAPI initiatives, is emphasized as a source of personal fulfillment and meaningful connection.
Deep dives
Navigating Negative Feedback
The podcast shares an experience involving an unexpected negative message about one of the hosts, Chloe, during a live collaboration. This incident triggers a reflection on the nature of criticism and jealousy in the tech industry. Chloe emphasizes the importance of direct communication, suggesting confronting the critic to understand their perspective. The conversation highlights the emotional toll that such backhanded comments can have, particularly when they stem from a place of insecurity.
Exploring Self-Doubt and Accomplishments
Chloe discusses her feelings of fatigue and self-doubt after a busy period of launching a course and attending various events. Despite achieving significant milestones, such as a successful launch and networking opportunities, she feels constantly behind and questions her efforts. This internal struggle is a common theme, as she grapples with the notion of being 'enough' amid the pressures of societal expectations. The conversation dives into how these feelings affect mental health and personal satisfaction.
Importance of Community Engagement
Significant attention is given to the importance of community engagement, especially regarding AAPI initiatives that both hosts are passionate about. Chloe reflects on her work hosting events to promote AAPI voices and elevate the community, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact. She recounts specific collaborations and launches that have helped her build relationships within the Taiwanese community. The hosts agree that such initiatives not only benefit the community but also provide meaningful personal fulfillment.
Coping with Social Pressures
The couple shares anecdotes about the pressures they face in social settings, particularly when introducing themselves and seeking recognition. They discuss their hindrances in self-presentation at gatherings, with Chloe feeling overshadowed in creator spaces and Eric feeling insecure at his college reunion. Their experiences reflect a broader anxiety about societal judgments based on professional accomplishments. Both agree that these feelings are magnified in competitive environments, prompting introspection about their identities beyond professional labels.
Finding Balance Between Work and Personal Life
The hosts explore the challenge of balancing professional ambitions with personal growth and well-being. Chloe expresses her desire to be more present and feminine, as she often gets lost in her work and neglects her personal life. Eric shares his struggles with feeling defined by his career, echoing the sentiment that their self-worth often hinges on productivity. This ongoing dialogue showcases their commitment to addressing these struggles, fostering a healthier approach to personal and professional life.
Nothing we do feels like enough. It’s easy to look at someone’s accomplishments on paper and think they have it all...but Episode 7 is all about the mental tax that comes with constantly striving for that next accomplishment.
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙅𝙊𝙈𝙊 𝙃𝙊𝙎𝙏𝙎 🎙️
𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗲𝗶 ( @trykarat ) - IG: https://www.instagram.com/erictway
co-founder of Karat Financial, helping creators with finances
𝗖𝗵𝗹𝗼𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗵 ( @chloeshih ) IG: / https://www.instagram.com/chloe.shih/
tech product manager sharing perspectives on career, life advice, and living in your 30s.
Editor: Jayna Benito
𝙎𝙊𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇𝙎 🌸
∙ instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jomo.pod
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∙ apple podcasts → https://bit.ly/jomo-apple
∙ tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jomopod
∙ discord → https://discord.gg/udRmVpf3Xv
𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙎 📚
0:00 How to do a *proper* hi five
1:05 life updates - Taiwan, college reunion, writing a life PRD
4:21 Chloe’s course launched… and she has a hater
9:08 Chloe’s act of kindness
11:03 the life of being online
12:01 Eric’s recent acts of kindness
13:52 Eric as a college student
16:17 what is Harvard’s reunion like?
19:45 Chloe not included in networking conversations
24:07 feeling small
29:56 Chloe has *clout*
31:33 Chloe hosted her own Gold House Gala
36:16 the sacrifices of putting “business success” first
38:23 living in scarcity
39:37 wanting to feel heard
41:13 ya hate to see it!
44:09 do you want to change and let go?
45:49 infinite halfway theory
48:22 first impressions of Chloe
50:16 does wanting to change come from insecurity?
52:35 Chloe’s insecurities about being feminine enough
56:56 Eric’s crazy EDC travels
1:01:40 how much Chloe’s course made in sales
1:07:51 reflections
1:10:32 a bonus 🪰
📧 business: jomo.chat@gmail.com
#jomopod #joyofmissingout #chloeshih #ericwei #careerpodcast #career #contentcreator #startup #careeradvice
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