Heigi Jeong’s Journey: From Product Designer to Independent Creator
Heigi Jeong, an ex-product designer from a tech company, shares her unconventional career transition that defies the typical narrative of burnout or dissatisfaction.
In 2020, after relocating from Korea to Toronto, Heigi secured a lucrative six-figure role, earning approximately $173,000 annually. This position provided her with a healthy work-life balance, allowing her to complete her tasks within 40 hours a week and even travel during her time off.
The Decision to Leave
Although Heigi didn’t despise her job, she felt the pull of her passion for content creation and book writing, especially after signing a book deal. Faced with managing three demanding commitments that felt like “three full-time jobs,” she decided to leave her stable job. The choice was daunting, filled with anxiety and concerns about abandoning a reliable paycheck amid economic uncertainty.
A Year for Self-Discovery
Heigi made a pact with herself: she would spend a year pursuing her passion for writing and content creation. Understanding that returning to a corporate setting might not offer the same stability, she still valued the experience of stepping into the unknown.
Three months into her new venture, she found herself exercising more, embracing a slower pace of life, and focusing on her writing. The financial aspect, however, proved to be a challenge with fluctuating income, sometimes earning as little as $6 in a month. Despite the struggles, she appreciated the opportunity to define her work around her interests, rather than feeling pressured by traditional employment structures.
The Takeaway
Though she occasionally questions her decision due to external pressures, Heigi reflects positively on her choice to prioritize her passions. Regardless of her future career choices, her time spent exploring self-employment will be a significant part of her journey, rich with invaluable lessons.
In essence, Heigi Jeong encapsulates the spirit of pursuing one’s dreams despite uncertainties, highlighting the personal growth that stems from fully immersing oneself in what they love.
