From Wall Street to Creator: K's Journey of Career Transition and Identity Shift

K's Early Years and Education

K, born in 1979 to Cambodian and French immigrants, grew up in New York City. He describes his childhood as challenging, being skinny, shy, and awkward. His main interests were Magic: The Gathering and men's gymnastics. Despite these social challenges, K showed early signs of entrepreneurship.

Early Entrepreneurial Spirit

In high school, K taught himself HTML and began creating websites for his parents' friends, earning about $15 per hour. By the time he entered college, he had saved between $10,000 to $15,000 from his web design work. Additionally, he sold his Magic: The Gathering card collection for $5,000, though he now realizes those cards would be worth significantly more today.

College Years at Yale

K attended Yale University, majoring in computer science with a minor in economics. His choice of majors was primarily based on their potential for high earnings. Interestingly, 80% of his college education was paid for by his father's employer, the UN, as part of their employee benefits.

Entering the Workforce

After graduating in 2001, K faced challenges in securing a job in the tech industry due to his struggles with computer science concepts. However, he found an opportunity in investment banking.

Unique Start in Investment Banking

K's entry into investment banking coincided with the dot-com crash. His employer offered him a unique deal: take a year off with base pay or start in a different office. K chose to take the money and ended up working two jobs simultaneously, earning a combined salary of $125,000 in 2001.

Career in Finance

K spent 14 years in the finance industry, starting with two years in investment banking, known for its grueling 100-hour work weeks. He then moved to a fund of hedge funds, which offered a better work-life balance with 60-hour work weeks.

The Big Transition

At the age of 35, in 2015, K made a significant decision to quit his successful career in finance. This decision came when he was at the peak of his career, with a comfortable financial cushion and a young family.

Initial Phase After Quitting

The first three years after leaving finance were characterized by what K calls "creative flailing." He had the financial runway to explore different avenues without immediate pressure to monetize his efforts.

Turning Point: Course Creation

In July 2018, following advice from a friend, K decided to create a course combining his interests in money, productivity, and personal development. This marked a significant shift in his post-finance career.

Learning to Market

K hired a marketing expert, Taylor, who introduced him to the complexities of course marketing. This period was crucial in K learning how to build an audience and sell his expertise.

Challenges in the New Career

K's new venture as a creator and coach faced significant challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initial Success and Subsequent Crash

The course business initially thrived, especially during the pandemic. However, in January 2023, K experienced a dramatic 85% drop in sales, leading to difficulties in meeting payroll.

Identity Shifts and Coaching

A major theme in K's work and personal experience has been navigating identity shifts, especially for those making significant career changes.

Challenges of Identity Transition

K discusses the difficulties of explaining his new career to others, including family members and new acquaintances. The lack of a clear, socially recognized title or role can be challenging for both the individual and those around them.

Triggering Others

K notes that his career change often triggered strong reactions in others, particularly those still in the finance industry. Some viewed his decision as courageous, which inadvertently highlighted their own perceived lack of courage to make similar changes.

Impact on Relationships

The career transition affected some of K's relationships. He experienced various reactions, from concern and attempted interventions to subtle criticisms of his new path.

Coaching on Career Transitions

K now coaches others on making significant career changes. He identifies common concerns among his clients:

1. Spouse not being on board with the change
2. Fear of losing a high-status identity
3. Uncertainty about what truly excites or motivates them

Coaching Approaches

K's coaching methods include:

1. Using frameworks like the "ideal ordinary day" exercise
2. Providing a space for clients to feel seen and understood
3. Challenging clients to consider the role of leisure in their lives
4. Employing a Socratic method to help clients uncover their own insights

Reflections on Status and Identity

K delves into the complexities of status and how it affects career decisions and social interactions.

The Pervasiveness of Status

He notes that even when rejecting traditional status symbols, people often find themselves in new status hierarchies. The key is to find environments where one's previous status is irrelevant.

Embracing Change and Authenticity

K shares an anecdote about getting a visible tattoo as a reminder to stay true to himself, even if it might limit certain career opportunities.

Conclusion

K's journey from Wall Street to becoming a creator and coach illustrates the challenges and rewards of making significant career transitions. His experiences offer valuable insights for anyone considering a major life change, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, understanding one's true motivations, and being prepared for the social and personal implications of such transitions.

For those interested in learning more about K's work and insights, he can be found at Rad Reads, where he offers a newsletter. He is also active on Twitter and hosts the "Examine Life" podcast on YouTube and other podcast platforms.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NIdbWNJA64