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How Ramit Sethi and Tim Ferris shifted my paradigm

by JunLoayza | View Comments |

Jun Loayza's paradigm shift
Photo by shes_jack

I was broken:

Ring…. Ring…. Ring….

Me: Stephen!  How you doing?
Stephen: Doing great Jun…
Me: Did you get my email?  I had an amazing time interviewing with Damon and Jim yesterday.  Feeling real good about it.
Stephen: I’m glad to hear it… here’s the thing.  Don’t got the best news for you.  After a real tough decision, we decided to give the offer to someone else.  You were good, but the other person had previous experience at Universal and has been in the industry for 6 years now.  I’d love to stay in touch though…


I felt lost, depressed, but most of all, I felt like a failure.  It was as if a ton of brick had come down on me and squashed my heart into a pulp.  During dinner, my Mom asked me if I had heard back from Walt Disney Records yet.  It was salt on an open wound; I couldn’t bare to look in her eyes and tell her that I had failed to get the job.

Back to the corporate world? You betray the startup life!

I interviewed for this position for the past two months.  It was a New Media Manager position at Walt Disney Records where I would build celebrity brands using social media.  It would have been so much fun!  If I had taken this position, would I have been in essence turning my back on every aspiring entrepreneur out there?

I want you guys to understand my thinking and mentality.  I had it in my head that I would use the money from this position ($75K a year to be exact) and invest it into Future Delivery.  I would invest $1,500 per month into marketing for Future Delivery and hopefully position the launch of Viralogy.com to be a huge success.

I was stoked, excited, and mentality prepared to work 55 hours per week at Disney Records, work 60 hours a week for Future Delivery, devote 18 hours a week to my girlfriend, and sleep 35 hours a week.  Yes, I was a little insane, but oh was I ready for it!

I was ready to show each and every one of you that you can do a full-time corporate job, do a startup full-time, and satisfy your girlfriend all at the same time!

That phone call of rejection really hit me hard today - I felt broken.  But coincidentally, Ramit and Tim were online tonight to help me see the light…

Ramit Sethi and Tim Ferris gave me a paradigm shift

Ramit and Tim did a live uStream tonight that I watched from start to finish.  I’ve read both of their books, follow their blogs religiously, but actually seeing them talk live was more impactful than anything else.  My paradigm shift was this:

I am not in a foot race against the Tims and the Ramits.

That was it.  That simple shift in mentality instantly soothed my stress away and allowed me to relax and reevaluate my life.  Before 8pm tonight, I was constantly comparing myself to everyone around me.  Before tonight, I felt I needed to publish a book by 25 and get my girlfriend a Black American Express by 30.  But now I know that I’m not in a foot race against anyone.  This is my life, and I need to take my time and enjoy it.

The 3 month goal

I now have a new 3-month goal that I will work hard to achieve:

  • Move into an apartment in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach with my girlfriend
  • Surf 4 mornings out of the week
  • Take a kickboxing class
  • Continue to do Awesome Blogger episodes
  • Create video tutorials that teach bloggers how to customize their wordpress theme
  • Fully commit to making Sunday a family day
  • Get a netflix account and watch a movie with Kim 3 evenings out of the week

If I am able to accomplish this within the next 3 months, I will be absolutely happy with where I am in life.

A Promise

I promise you that I will be a prime example of what the startup life is all about.  I promise you that I will fail, but keep my held up high because my will and determination will never be broken.  I promise you that I will work hard, but never again neglect my friends and family.  But most of all, I promise to continuously give back to each and every one of you for being a part of my community.

When I do make it big (monetary wise), I will create a scholarship fund (similar to what Ramit has done) that will fund my readers that are ambitious young entrepreneurs.

Love from the Twitter and Facebook Sphere

I want to take the time to personally thank Natasha, Matt, June, Jamie, Joseph, Robert, Janet, Uyen, Josh, Kenny, and Sukhie for caring enough to reach out to me when they saw that I was down.  I truly appreciate it guys.

Discussion: How many times have you failed and what motivates you to keep going?

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Posted April 9th, 2009 | Under Personal Challenges, Personal Development, Productivity

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48 Comments »

Comment by Luke - Confusion Management Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-09 04:18:56

Hi Jun,

Tough luck buddy! Would have been a great opportunity!

Looking forward to more Awesome Bloggers vids, just think what you can do with your full focus on A-B!

Luke

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 09:18:24

Thanks bro! Yea, I think NOT getting the offer was pretty much the best thing that could have happened to me. It was just an initial shock, but now I’m ready to fully focus on being happy with what I’m doing!

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by ChristiaanH
2009-04-09 05:27:14

That really must have hurt, but it’s good to read that you’ve already found a way to deal with things.

It’s a hard word if we all want to be Tim or Ramit, there is only so much space a the top of that mountain. We should all find our own mountains to climb. Your three month goals sound great.

Well, now you have a reader wanting to be the next Jun. ;)

Failure is always relative, life wouldn’t be any fun if everything always worked out perfectly now would it?

Have fun surfing!

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 09:19:41

Thanks so much! Yea, I just told my girlfriend about my 3-month goal and she’s super excited.

What is your 3 month goal?

Failure is always relative. This is actually the best thing that could have happened to me.

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Pritesh Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-09 06:35:28

Hey Jun,

I’m deeply sorry to hear that. I am sure that you must have worked very hard for the position and hearing the news after all hard work is really sad. It would have been good for you and yr readers to see how you would have managed your crazy schedule.

I’ve been reading blogs of Ramit Sethi, Tim Ferriss and others as well. And I thought to make a site when these authors are interviewed on their success and give their insights to newcomers, like me. And suddenly last month, I have come to know yr blog and site. I must say that you are way ahead in thinking and have created a successful site where you video interview successful bloggers. Since then, I have made sure to follow you on Twitter and futuredelivery, though; I still have to go thru yr more than 100 blog posts and various interviews. You have given so much hope and so much inspiration to me. And in that sense, you are not a failure.

Honestly, so many things are coming in my mind right now. But I am not sure what to say to you. I am a new reader to your site and in that sense; I still have no clue on what was yr goal when you decided to start yr blog and futuredelivery. Was it to get a book published before the age of 25? Was it to work ~ 160 hrs/week and show the world that ANYONE can do that? Was it to become another Tim Ferriss or Ramit Sethi? Or was it to learn something along the way while you find out your goal?

You have already shown a path to me. And so, I am sure that you would definitely find a way how to get out of this pain. You are an awesome person and I am sure that I would see more blog posts and more insights from you in coming days.

Keep blogging..

Cheers,
Pritesh
http://twitter.com/mehta1p

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 09:23:53

Hey Pritesh, your words truly mean a lot to me.

Why did I start Future Delivery and my blog?

To be perfectly honest, I started my blog to build my personal brand. I knew that other people were doing it, so I decided to jump right into it.

My blog has evolved since then. It is now a platform where young, aspiring entrepreneurs can see the real picture of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. There are SO MANY sites out there full of “you can do it too!” garbage that it doesn’t help young entrepreneurs. Furthermore, reading blog of already successful entrepreneurs isn’t very productive because since they have already had success, it is very hard for the yet-to-be-successful to really relate to them.

My blog is an unfiltered display of the startup life.

The goal of Future Delivery is to build fun and productive technology for the Millennial generation. Viralogy is our current project and the Beta will launch in May.

Will follow you on Twitter!

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Norcross
2009-04-09 06:38:53

For what it’s worth, I don’t view what you just went through as a failure at all. Often times, the most important catalyst begins as a negative, which in your case was the rejection from Disney. But given that, you’ve been able to re-evaluate what matters and begin to take the appropriate steps towards that. That walks and talks like success in my world.

Esp. the surfing and time with the girlfriend. That’s worth it’s weight in gold.

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 09:24:56

Hahahah… yea, my girlfriend is ecstatic with my new mentality! She can’t wait to move in together right next to the beach.

It’s very doable and I will document how I did it.

Thanks for all of your support

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Ryan Geist
2009-04-09 06:45:54

Hey Jun -

Sorry to hear about the job. I moved out here to LA with no job prospects, and it’s getting down to the wire for me too. I know we’ve talked a few times about this, but I’ve also been in your position - constantly comparing myself to my peers. Hell, I still do it, but I realized the same thing you did: I can’t compare myself to someone who has a huge headstart. For instance, I can’t compare my notoriety in the blogosphere to Tim or Ramit or even to you because I haven’t put in the hours to build what you have. Which brings me to my next point…

In times when our resolve is tested, we as people are measured by our ability to keep a positive attitude, brush our shoulders off, get back up and keep moving forward. This, of course, is easier said than done - I know that. But I think the new goals you’ve laid out for yourself are good… they will help you move on the the next “level” in your RPG life, if you will. I also lived with my parents for a while, and I’ll tell you that there is something distinctly freeing in the act of moving out from your parents’ house. It will be good for you I think.

Another thing to keep in mind - and this is important - is that you are not alone. The market is really tough right now, and there are a lot of really smart, motivated young professionals looking for work. I’ve been looking for a job for months now, with only a few bites. Try to re-frame your thinking and realize you’re just dipping your foot into a new realm that you haven’t fully explored yet (the job market). Be careful not to make assumptions before you fully understand the circumstances (i.e. - “I’m a failure”… you’re absolutely not - the competition is just so FIERCE!). Think of this as a new challenge.

Another thing that we must all do - especially in these hard times - is focus on our accomplishments. Our successes. You have a hugely successful blog, Jun, and you should be very proud of yourself for accomplishing such stature! It’s hard not to give your hopes up for that “perfect job”, but just like in The Game, you can’t catch “oneitis”… it’s a numbers game, and we all have to get our game right, go out there, spit it and see what sticks. In this market we - as a generation - are being forced to make some compromises and, in my opinion, mature a little.

Lastly, I might recommend you shift your focus away from “becoming famous”. I know you’ve mentioned that as a goal of yours, and I think it can be a tricky and elusive goal to have. Most famous people didn’t necessarily have that as a goal, but rather it’s a consequence of achieving other goals they set for themselves. Just a thought.

Remember: You’re doing well, Jun - you’re living the dream! Keep your head up, and stay true to your heart. And as always, let me know what I can do to help.

-Ryan

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 09:29:41

Yo, I can’t help but smile after reading this comment. We’ve known each other for a year now, and we’ll definitely always be there to support each other.

I really look up to you for having the balls to move out here to LA without anything established but a dream. Keep working hard and I know you’re going to find that position that you’re truly passionate about.

Good point. Most famous people weren’t trying to be “famous,” it was a result of all of their hard work and success. I think I’ve just realized that and have stopped stressing about how much further along Tim and Ramit are than me.

For all of you young entrepreneurs who are out there battling to succeed, I tip my hat to you! I promise to be a voice of inspiration and a place of concrete answers and advice.

Lets hang out again soon brotha

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Comment by Matt Cheuvront Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-09 07:11:10

For the 100 ‘no’s you might be faced with Jun, you will get your one ‘yes’ and it will be glorious. Rejections are tough, especially when you know inside that you would have been a great fit for the position - when you KNOW that a company really missed an opportunity. There’s a big difference between rejections and rejections that matter - this one mattered, and its tough man - but you’ll dust yourself off and power through.

“Maybe it’s not about competing - but instead, about realizing your own inner potential. We are better than we think we are.” - I wrote this a couple weeks ago in my ‘Do it. Or Do Nothing’ post - and it rings true here. If we focus more on ourselves and what we personally have to offer that is different and unique, we can stop focusing on how to be better than everyone else.

And man, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are going to commit a day of the week for family, and three nights a week for movie watching with the lady. It’s good to see you getting that swagger back, balancing things out a bit. Work hard, but relax and take comfort in knowing that you’re young and there is a LONG road with many opportunities ahead of you.

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 09:31:38

Yea, it took me a while to realize that 23 is really not old. I thought that since I was turning 24 this year, I was running out of time and I had to work even harder to catch up to the people I admire.

You know what, an hour ago I got a call back from a potential client and it looks like we’re setting up a meeting next week! Things are looking up already!

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Mark Lewis
2009-04-09 07:37:16

Jun,

I recently started following your activities as I have just begun my own quest for financial freedom via my new company.

To be blunt, I think this is the best thing that could’ve happened to you! Don’t stop living while you chase your dreams; regret will always win.

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 09:32:15

Yea Mark, this really was the best thing that could have happened to me. Not just me, but to my friends, family, and company as well.

Live the dream Mark and keep me updated on your progress.

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Marc and Angel Hack Life
2009-04-09 10:05:48

Keep your head high. You will do amazing things.

With a positive outlook like this…. I’m sure of it. ;-)

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 10:18:29

Thanks Marc. You keep rocking it as well!

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Comment by JRMoreau
2009-04-09 10:16:31

Dude, awesome attitude. I’ve been working at a job that isn’t utilizing my skills or passion for over a year now and have been building my side business slowly but surely. Over the past two months I spent a lot of time interviewing for two major positions at two big companies. I was planning on putting my side business on hold until I got settled in the new jobs. I made the final cuts and everything; one job was a domestic marketing manager at a major wind power manufacturer and the other was a community manager at a large life insurance company.

I was crushed when I didn’t get either job due to lack of years in the workplace, but to be honest, I’m closer than ever to getting my side businessmen to the forefront of my life and I’m realizing that job rejection isn’t the worst thing in the world after all.

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 10:23:08

I’ve come to realize that there are never really any “failures” in life. As long as you learn from them and leverage those experiences to become more successful, then you’re on the right path.

My goal for this year is to fail at least 3 times for every one success that I have :)

Good luck and keep me posted on your venture!

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Greg Rollett
2009-04-09 10:22:29

Getting turned town was prob the best thing for you - once you get into that 9-5 mentality it is very hard to get out. I’m in one now, and while I like my job and have gotten some amazing training, skills, promo, pay out of it - its not the lifestyle I designed for myself. If you took that position, you may have been happy with a career in corp America, but the entrep. side of you would have regretted it.

Have a good time on the beach!

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 10:25:25

Yea, definitely the best thing that could have happened to me. I’m now pretending like I did get the offer, so I’m going to wake up at 6am, work work work, and spend time with the girlfriend and family at night.

Pretty soon I’ll be taking my work breaks at the beach and at the surf!

When are you going to be a guest for Awesome Bloggers?

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Monica O'Brien
2009-04-09 10:38:23

Hey Jun!

I’m sorry to hear about the Walt Disney Records job. I know you were super excited about it, and I was rooting for you! It sounds like an incredible opportunity too.

One thing I wanted to point out was that at least in Ramit’s case, the guy spent 3-5 years building his expertise and online brand before becoming the success he is today. Just goes to show that even when people appear to become overnight sensations, they’ve actually been in the race for a long time!

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 10:52:35

Super good point! I’ve been in the race for 1.5 years now and I have finally learned how to focus on my successes rather than my failures.

Speaking of Awesome Bloggers… when are you gonna be a guest?!?!

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Greg Rollett
2009-04-09 11:09:27

I can do something tomorrow! Putting you on the spot, haha.

Reply to this comment
 
Comment by Jordan Chan
2009-04-09 11:25:38

I’m sorry about that man, but I’m glad you’ve got the right mindset now.

I totally agree with you, sometimes failing is the best thing that can happen to a person. And if anything this experience will give you an extra chip on your shoulder that will spur you on to continue to strive for excellence.

On a personal note, I’m glad things are going well for you and Yu-Kai and just wanted to say that I’m proud of you guys. Take care.

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 11:40:50

Jordan, I deeply miss you. Your little cyclops robot icon is really cool, hahaha

Lets catch dinner next week

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Feldo
2009-04-09 14:36:50

Jun,
I want to say is that I love your ambition and that you inspire me to be a hungry goal oriented internet entrepreneur like you. I know how it feels to be rejected for a job, but big part of me feels that you’re doing such a great amazing in building great compelling content in Awesome Bloggers and your brand Jun Loayza anyways. I recently got laid off and I like many I would like to keep working. However, because of the available time that I have now, I am focusing time in social media, in which I probably wouldn’t make as much time had I had a full time job. I think things happen for a reason and I feel if you stick to just what you’re doing right now you don’t really need a job like Disney anyways.

Also you and Yukai are doing amazing things with FD, in that it will be only a matter of time where you will be a household name.

Obviously your head is still up and we are all rooting for you man.

So thanks for giving us great content to read from and looking forward to your next post.

Reply to this comment
Comment by Jun Loayza
2009-04-09 15:08:48

Hey Feldo, so great to hear from you. A lot of my friends recently got laid off as well. I sat them down and told them about personal branding, and how starting a blog is essential to be successful in the future.

You know what they said?…

“Jun, why would I ever start a blog? It’s such a waste of time.”

Gah! I know, I know… they just don’t see the light yet. And to be honest, a great blog takes a crazy amount of time and energy.

Keep working hard and keep me updated on your progress.

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Akhila
2009-04-09 18:26:51

Hi, sorry I’m jumping into the conversation a bit late. But Jun, I wanted to say that I really do believe that certain things happen for a reason. I am glad you’ve realized this too, since it’s an important and positive way to be looking at things. For instance, after my sophomore year, I sent out so many applications for investment banks and consulting firms in hopes of getting a summer internship at one of those prestigious firms. I’d have interviews and be disappointed. And at the end, I surprisingly didn’t end up getting offered even one internship at a firm despite ALL the hard work I had put into all those application forms, cover letters, networking, and interviews. And you know what? I got set on a path that was ultimately much better suited for me and my interests. I ended up working the summer for a small nonprofit aimed at empowering young people to take positive action for social change…and you know what? It sparked all my interest in human rights and social change in general, and inspired me.

Working in an investment bank was something that seemed glamorous to me at the time, but you know what - it really wasn’t my passion and I’m SO glad I didn’t end up working at one over the summer. Since then, life has taken me in a better direction and I’m now working in a field I enjoy so much more, and I really do think some things were meant to happen that way for me in the summer.

I’m sure it’s the same for you. Perhaps you’re meant to live the startup life, and you are really following your passion at the end of the day. I love that you remain so positive - optimism is important and I am sure if you keep working hard as you are now your startup is going to boom and really succeed.

Reply to this comment
Comment by JunLoayza
2009-04-09 18:48:53

I was in the same exact road Akhila. Same EXACT one. As an undergrad, I feverishly interviewed with i-banks and management consulting firms because I thought it was so “prestigious.” Those companies were the only thing I knew.

I actually got an offer at a consulting firm and worked there 3 months. I hated it! So I left to start FD.

I’m so happy that you’ve found something that you absolutely love. It took me a long time to find that out for myself, but now that I’ve found it, I’m going to hold on and never let go.

Do you remember the case interviews?!?! OMG, I loved those things. I currently have a group of interns that I’m going to be teaching the case interview soon. It’s going to be fun watching them struggle.

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Chaalz
2009-04-10 00:18:23

Just seeing this post now….the timing of this and my post giving you a shout out is right on.

I’ve had 3 of these “sorry we went with someone else” and it sucks big time. For the last one I was super prepared, answered everything right, knew everything about the company. After being interviewed by 11 people over a 7 hour period it took 6 weeks to find out that I didn’t get it. I was totally devastated.

Then I realized that something must have been preventing me for getting those jobs. Something bigger was waiting for me. So I stayed put and am now starting my own thing on the side. I’m very excited about it, because after 2 weeks of research, I can’t find another company doing what I’m about to. There’s one that comes a bit close but its going in a very different direction. Working on raising $15k-$20k from family and friends to get it built and launched. Let’s see what the next 3 weeks will bring!

I think your “I will be a prime example of what the startup life is all about.” will take your blog to new heights. Good luck.

Reply to this comment
Comment by JunLoayza
2009-04-10 09:30:04

Chaalz, I’m very excited for you. Raising 15-20K from family is ballsy and I commend you for that.

Looking forward to finding out what your startup is all about.

Reply to this comment
 
 
Comment by Ruby
2009-04-10 07:37:56

My first time commenting on your blog! Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story. It’s very motivating. For some reason, some people think life is all smooth sailing. They look at successful drive people like yourself and go, “I’ll never be able to do that…etc etc.” The truth is, they didn’t see all the times when you struggled to step out of your comfort zone, all the nights you stayed up, all the effort you have put in, all the emotions you go through, all the hoops you had to jump through. They didn’t see any of that. People just look at successes and think they happened overnight. They didn’t. So when you share story like this, it shows how real it is, how do-able it is. Like you said, “I will be a prime example of what the startup life is all about.” Not only that, I think you’re becoming a prime example of taking little bumps in life and taking them to become a stronger person and building even better things.

On another note, thanks for reply to my guest post. As much as I know you’re disappointed about the job, I read this entry and can’t but think, “Woah, that means Jun now has that extra 55 hours he has devoted to the Disney Record…maybe, just maybe…I can ask him to help create video tutorials for non-profits who are struggling with web & social media….maybe…”

You rock. And I think you’ll rock even more if you can show everyone that it’s do-able to have a start up, continue with your blog and awesomebloggers, have time for family, friends, your girlfriend, workout, contributing to your local community, and still have 35 hours of sleep a week. Craziness.

Reply to this comment
Comment by JunLoayza
2009-04-10 09:32:27

Funny you should mention that. I’m actually going to be creating wordpress tutorials that teaches young bloggers (or non-profits if they want to log on to my site) how to use Photoshop, set up a blog, and completely customize the theme. It will be very in-depth, to the point where you will be able to create pretty much any site after watching my tutorials.

Look out for the site to launch in May!

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Comment by Nick Tasler Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-10 07:54:59

Very enlightened, Jun. Having failed and rebounded, failed and rebounded in a seemingly endless cycle, I have come to the same conclusion. While I know that the “quiet life” will never do for me–I’ve tried it a few times and those have been failures of a different kind–trying to stifle the ambitions of a naturally ambitious person is useless.

However, you can have elements of peace and enjoyment mixed in with your super-achiever lifestyle. In fact, it has been my own experience that those other activities that make you feel like you’re slacking off can actually support your career goals, albeit indirectly. When you’re trying to mull over a problem (especially a creative one) sitting in front of your computer festering over it for hours is the most ineffective way to spend time.

Two activities in particular that you mentioned, I’ve found incredibly useful in that regard: surfing and movie-watching. For me, both force me to take my mind elsewhere in a way that other activities can’t…not even sleep. When your engulfed in a movie or riding a wave it occupies your mind and wipes it clean. So when you do go back to that issue you really are looking at with a fresh perspective.

My problem is I moved to Minnesota so I’m still looking for my surfing replacement. You on the other hand, have that tool at your disposal and I think you’ve made a great decision to use it. Good luck!

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Comment by JunLoayza
2009-04-10 09:34:27

Thanks Nick. Yea, I have found that my best ideas come to me when I’m at the gym. I’ll be running on the treadmill or doing pushups, and all of a sudden the “greatest idea in the world” dawns upon me. I’ll proceed to call Yu-kai up and talk to him for about 15 minutes about how this is the most genius thing ever. Usually my idea gets destroyed, but sometimes they really work out.

How come you moved to Minnesota? You gotta get back here to the coast.

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Comment by Nick Tasler Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-10 10:52:56

Sometimes friends and family outweigh other “lifestyle” considerations and preferences. SoCal will always have a special place in my heart, but being close to family and old friends counts for a lot.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
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Comment by Kristina Duncan Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-10 08:10:58

First off, not getting a job offer is not a sign of failure. Everyone goes through that, no matter how badly we want to job. I agree with @Akhila that everything happens for a reason. We may not realize it at the time what the reason is, but there is a reason.

You asked about a time when I have failed (Hooray, story time!). I think a better question is when have I not failed??? Honor roll student in HS suddenly not so stellar student in college. I was on Olympic track in ice skating and I walked away from it. I was working towards a ballet career, walked away, went back, walked away. Did gymnastics, worked odd job, ran out of money, cried to my parents and crawled back to them. What keeps me going? My wonderful parents who let me explore any activity I expressed interest in, never asked questions about the trouble I got into, and sprung into action every time action was needed, and loved me no matter what as I search to find what career I was really meant to do. It took me until 27 to figure it out, but it is a great feeling to get up in the morning and love what you do.

So, keep pushing on, knowing that friends and family are there for you. It is one job. Yeah, it was an amazing job. But, there is an even better one out there and it will show up right when it is supposed to.

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Comment by JunLoayza
2009-04-10 09:36:58

Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is people like you that make me realize that there are other people running the race along side me, and that I should never feel alone or super far behind. We must each create our own path and go at our own pace, but ultimately, I know that if we try hard enough and stay devoted, we’ll cross that finish line.

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Comment by Andy Drish Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-10 10:42:52

Jun - I’m sorry to hear about the contract… but I absolutely loved this post. I’ve always been baffled by how many hours you work. Tim Ferris (among others) have also made me realize that I want to create a lifestyle business… We’ll have to chat about it. I’ll give you a call on Skype sometime.

And PS - You’ve gotta get Monica O’Brien on your show. I think she’d make a great interview.

Good luck man. Talk soon.

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Comment by JunLoayza
2009-04-10 11:12:33

Look forward to chatting with you tomorrow. I’ll get her on soon.

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Comment by Rikin Subscribed to comments via email
2009-04-10 12:39:07

Jun - Sorry to hear about the rejection but because of it I gained respect for you.

There’s lots of copycat-ing going on in this crowd. I’ve been a member of brazen and 20somethings and follow and talk to alot of the same people you do. I appreciate and admire everyone for what they’re doing but I don’t want to be like them. I don’t want to just say, talk about, or do something because they are. It’s a quick road to gaining followers and exposure but it’s crowded and makes me feel kinda icky all over. I enjoy work life balance conversations but at one point you just have to DO things. There are too many people giving me advice and when you truly look at their cred and experience it’s not worth it - no one’s answers apply to everyone yet they’re often expressed as if they were universal law. And there’s the topic of faith and social media. I’m an atheist who doesn’t want to offend anyone - I’ll stay quiet. This happens over and over again. One topic - everyone puts their two cents in and then on to the next. No one’s a leader all the time and everyone’s following. Everyone’s trying to be a role model but really we just want people to relate to.

I look forward to hearing about your days surfing, what movies you watched that inspired you, how to maintain sanity while trying be successful, and how to keep up healthy relationships when you’re flat out tired and broke. I’ll still follow this blog and probably will follow it more.

Also I should apologize. After my last comment you kindly asked if I’d consider a video chat and I was hesitant because of all the above reasons and didn’t respond. After reading this post I’d be happy to sit down with you and chat about growing up in a crappy economy where it’s tough to find jobs and your competition is a guy who has a decade of experience on you willing to take a pay cut cause he was recently fired. rikin on the web at gmail dot com. or twitter - rikin311

Truly GREAT POST and best of luck.

Rikin

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Comment by JunLoayza
2009-04-10 12:43:25

Thanks so much Rikin. I am very happy to have gained your respect.

In an age where everyone is “teaching” everyone about something, I think adding personality and honesty is what makes a post stand out.

I might not making an entire post about surfing and movie watching (actually i might if I can make it either very entertaining or super valuable), but I’ll definitely be Tweeting it out.

Just started following you on Twitter and am looking forward to staying connected. Lets set up a time to chat next week or in 2. I’m booked but it would be great to have you on http://Awesome.Viralogy.com

ttys

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Comment by Olina
2009-04-14 19:22:01

Hi Jun,

Just saw this article today, and I am touched by your way of thinking, so does the three months goal. it definetly shows your passion about your career and your life, further more, your care about people around you.

Lots of times, life doesn’t give us what we expected. But we just need to try harder and harder, eventually, that door of sucessus will open for us. Keep up the good job and don’t forget that we are WORKING TOGETHER towards our dream!

I am always here support you! :)

Olina.

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Comment by Goddess Leonie
2009-04-21 20:33:14

Hi Jun,

I found your blog through your Ustream interview with Jonathan Mead the other day, and I’m so glad you did. Thank you for your honesty, authenticity and integrity in sharing about your journey.

And I was just thinking today how sometimes a “No” can be a “Yes” in another direction.

Have a great day!
Goddess Leonie

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