In 2016, I took a leap of faith, leaving the United States to return to Asia, drawn to the digital transformation reshaping consumer behavior. Each visit back to Asia I witnessed how quickly people were leaving traditional TV behind. Instead, they were engaging with digital content on their devices. Watching my young nephew captivated by YouTube’s Red Bull Sports, I saw how content had become accessible at the tap of a screen—on buses, in cafes, everywhere. Free wi-fi and unlimited connectivity at low prices enabled this means of engaging content. The excitement in this change was contagious; it felt like the world was inviting brands to connect in ways that were more dynamic and personal.
But amid the excitement, I came to understand the hesitation many Americans feel about social media, particularly around issues of privacy, mental health, and the authenticity of digital connection. Reports, like We Are Social’s Digital 2024 Global Overview**, show that American users engage less with social networks than many other regions, possibly hinting at an underlying discomfort. For some, social media feels shallow, even draining. I deeply respect these concerns, knowing they are rooted in a wish to stay connected in ways that are both safe and genuine.
Despite these complexities, I felt drawn to Asia’s embrace of digital change and made the move to Singapore. Yet as anyone who has uprooted their life knows, big moves bring unexpected challenges.
My background as a Creative Director, though richly varied, didn’t fit neatly into conventional roles. Headhunters struggled to place me, raising questions that felt surprisingly personal:
Was my background too niche?
Was my approach too unconventional?
Even with extensive credentials, job offers were scarce, and it was hard not to feel like an outsider in my own birthplace.
But this period of unfamiliarity and vulnerability also became a gift, allowing me to rethink my identity and chart a fresh path—without the baggage of old roles. When a friend asked me to help with her fashion brand, I saw it as a chance to rediscover what I loved about creative work. Slowly, my network in Singapore’s arts and culture scene grew, and I partnered with a friend’s husband to launch a small digital marketing agency. We worked with legacy clients like Robinsons and INSEAD, and while our paths later diverged, the experience became a stepping stone, showing me how rewarding it can be to start from scratch, even when you feel far from certain.
After two years, that same headhunter (love you Sam!) reached out with new CD opportunities. One of these was to service the Unilever account with a reputable agency, marking a milestone that validated every part of this journey. I felt like I was truly finding my place again. (Read about why I eventually left a high-paying job in advertising here) https://www.monsoon.tw/post/the-power-of-vision-finding-alignment
But this path ultimately led me to Taiwan, where I could finally pursue a lifelong dream. With Monsoon, my partner Ted^ and I created a space blending my background in marketing and storytelling with his deep expertise in hospitality and culinary arts. Monsoon embodies our shared vision, encouraging others to live fully and authentically.
Looking back, I see that every career shift, no matter how uncertain, taught me resilience and unlocked growth I hadn’t known was possible. Many of us are navigating similar transitions today, especially as industries reshape and (AI) technology changes how we work.
If you are in the midst of career change or searching for your next opportunity, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re part of a global story of people redefining what meaningful work looks like.
It’s okay to feel unsettled. Our world is evolving, and traditional roles are giving way to paths that didn’t exist a few years ago. This may be a chance to lean into learning, growth, and reinvention, even if it feels uncomfortable. I discovered that it’s human to want stability, but it’s also human to adapt, to learn, and to thrive in new spaces.
Think of this time as an invitation to ask yourself what truly lights you up. What skills, passions, or goals have you always wanted to explore? Sometimes the setbacks we encounter reveal doors we didn’t even know existed (for example, my unexpected translation work for Hakka TV).
In moments of transition, health or personal challenges can become surprising motivators, guiding us toward purpose-driven work that fulfills us. For some, stepping away from a role that no longer fits can open doors to ventures aligned with their passions—projects that let them make a positive impact on others’ lives.
So if you’re considering a new field, a fresh skill, or even the daunting prospect of starting your own business, take heart. Embrace this moment as an opening to grow. Be kind to yourself, trusting that each step forward is movement toward a more fulfilled version of yourself. The journey often difficult, can also be replete with rich meaning and potential.
Every ending is a new beginning waiting to unfold. In this season of change, may we all find the courage to explore what’s possible in the impossible, to seek growth, and to adapt in ways that let us thrive.
Here’s to the hope, renewal, and boundless opportunities that lie ahead for each of us.
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Phil PS. Change is the only constant. Monsoon also closed its doors at our Shilin location in Jan 2024. We're currently looking for a new location, perhaps somewhere in the mountains!
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^ Connect with Ted here for Taiwan insider tips and eating well https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-liao-chef/
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