After graduating from a top-10 / Ivy League university in the United States (social sciences undergrad + a master’s in business), I took two full-time jobs in high-performing consulting.
It was during a wave of layoffs, delays, and other uncertainties. Changing timelines, hiring freezes, and AI impacts were becoming normal, and I wanted optionality instead of betting everything on a single role.
Three years later, I’m doing well in both roles. These are the kind of jobs that often average 50–60 hours per week per job on paper. I lived in Japan for a year by myself and had to commute internationally back to the office a few times on close calls. Today I’m based in central Bangkok, with far more flexibility in how I work, learn, and live.
Four themes I keep coming back to. These are the practical ways OE changed my day-to-day, and why it works when it’s run with discipline.
OE forced me to build systems and not rely on “one job owns everything” thinking.
Japan for a year. Bangkok now. OE turned geography into a choice.
The extra time created by OE approaches has helped me go deep on Japanese, travel frequently, and ship side projects, including this publication.
Living in the center of Bangkok, upgrading tools and experiences, and building side projects without waiting for a promotion cycle.