Bamboo Ceiling? Build Your Own House
We are living in truly uncertain times. The world has been turned upside down by a pandemic from COVID-19. College seniors are missing their graduations and entering a challenging job market where companies are downsizing to survive the economic standstill unlike the world has ever seen before. The real unemployment rate of the U.S. is likely over 20%, a level not seen since the Great Depression. One could look at the news with hopelessness or they can embrace the opportunity. During the Great Recession (2008–2010), people took lemons and turned them into Uber, WhatsApp, Slack, Pinterest, Square and Venmo. Instead of being the obedient and filial pious son or daughter who honors your Asian parents with your safe career choices, you now have the rare excuse to take big risks.
Never before has there been a better time to do your own thing. Want to build a technology startup? It’s cheaper and easier than it ever has been to get started with no code software and platforms like Zapier and Unbounce. Want to start a retail business? You can create an online e-commerce store in minutes with Shopify and SquareSpace. Want to be a movie director or singer? You have an iPhone in your pocket and can upload your creative talents to YouTube or TikTok. Want to become a writer? Start building a following on Medium or Substack or self-publish an ebook on Amazon. There is no good excuse for not giving yourself a shot right now.
