Now is an ideal time to discuss this topic because:

a) Recent years have been a period of exploration and transition for me;

b) I need to figure out principles for my job search in a new continent;

c) Many of my peers are pursuing jobs, and I may need a job offer within two years;

d) I’ve had meaningful conversations with friends about this topic.

Having worked for 8 years, I’m currently taking a deliberate break from employment. Thanks to prior effort, I can afford not to work during my studies while managing my daily expenses. This freedom allows me to explore opportunities that align with my interests rather than feeling pressured to take any available role.

Recently, I had an insightful conversation with my professor about finding one’s first customer. I believe you should be your first customer—You must love your own product before selling it to others. Though we initially disagreed, we reached common ground through the concept of empathy. The key takeaway: Version 1 is for yourself [^1]; you must first convince yourself of its value.

Working for What You Are Willing To

My primary principle is to pursue work I’m passionate about within my areas of expertise [^2]. I don’t want to feel burdened by work but rather feel motivated and engaged. I’ve found such fulfilling roles twice in the past decade.

First, I transitioned from a fan to an employee at my dream company, progressing from intern to product assistant and finally to product manager. Second, I serendipitously discovered a role that perfectly matched my experience and interests.

Now in Canada, I aim to find a similarly fulfilling role, whether working for others or myself.

A friend of mine wrote a 60,000-word article titled “Happiness Bonus” [^3], arguing that those without financial constraints should prioritize work they genuinely want to do over pursuing money or fame. This resonated strongly with me.

This approach explains why my former colleagues often wondered why I seemed so motivated without complaint. My drive came from within—it was my internal passion and curiosity pushing me forward. Take this article as an example: I'm writing it during my leisure time and edited it several times because I believe it's valuable [^4], not because anyone asked me to do it. In contrast, when I’m required to do something I don’t believe in, I’m easily distracted and unmotivated.

“Do what you are willing to” remains my guilding principle, even as I explore what my next role might be. For me, work isn’t just about responsibilities; it’s about following what truly interests me. Initially, I wrote “Do what you love,” but revised it to “willing to” after feedback from a friend on LinkedIn. I believe this revision more accurately reflects my perspective.

Interestingly, my mental well-being has improved since I left my job this June. Doing work you genuinely enjoy is far better than feeling burdened by tasks you dislike. Even doing nothing and resting is better than working in a negative mindset.

Should I Work for Myself?

My current postgraduate program focuses on entrepreneurship, prompting me to consider working for myself. However, I haven’t fully convinced myself yet.

In our first class, I asked my professor: “If I truly want to become an entrepreneur, shouldn’t I pursue it independently or apply for venture capital from firms like YC or A16Z instead of attending this program?”. To be honest, I already knew the answer. For people like me, who come from different countries and cultural backgrounds, this program acts as a transition. It gives us time to adapt, understand the local environment, and secure the legal status required to live and work here.

The title “entrepreneur”matters less to me than solving meaningful problems. I believe genuine entrepreneurship stems from a desire to create change rather than simply claiming the label.

Through participating in various entrepreneurship events, I’ve realized the goal to attend those events isn’t just to raise funds but to find partners and promote valuable products. If I choose to develop my own product, I’m comfortable bootstrapping with personal resources.

This mindset—prioritizing passion and impact over immediate financial returns—often leads to more meaningful work, whether working for yourself or others. [^5]

One of the main reason I hesitate to start my own business is that my visions don’t yet big enough to inspire me and attract talented partners. I see myself as more of a support role (DPS) rather than a team leader (Tank).

Reading Vinod Khoia’s “How to Hire”[^6] has also reinforced my concerns. It discusses hiring senior leadership and building strong teams—skills I feel I currently lack. I don’t excel at navigating relationships, leadership, or team-building, and being honest with myself about these limitations feels important.

I’ve also been influenced by the best book I read last year, “The Pathless Path” [^7], which states:

On the pathless path, the goal is not to find a job, make money, build a business, or achieve any other metric. It’s to actively and consciously search for the work that you want to keep doing.

Networking and Job Hunting Strategies

I understand that networking is essential in Canada. Despite considering myself an introvert, I’ve been actively attending several networking events that interest me. However, the more events I attend, the more I question the true purpose of networking. Is it merely to add connections on LinkedIn? Certainly not.

In my view, networking is just the beginning. The more you interact with people, the more opportunities you have for meaningful exchanges. Adding someone on LinkedIn is an initial step, but you need to present yourself authentically in the digital world to let people know you better.

For me, this means not only maintaining a LinkedIn profile but also building a personal website and writing articles to share my thoughts. It’s a way to signal to the world who I am and what I stand for.

Quality trumps quantity. While AI tools can generate thousands of pieces of content easily, they often lack genuine impact. Authentic engagement shouldn’t feel like a burden; it should stem from a genuine willingness to connect and share.

When it comes to job hunting, my primary principle guides me to investigate companies or roles that truly interest me. Even if I’m not immediately qualified, strong interest motivates me to adapt and develop the necessary skills.

How do I find my desired targets? Beyond online searches, real-world interactions are invaluable: attending events, volunteering, engaging in conversations or even internships. Direct face-to-face engagements are essential for validating potential fits, especially in this hyper-digital era.

Job searching is a two-way street—employers select candidates, and candidates select employers. Success requires mutual satisfaction. This article itself serves as a way to connect with potential employers or partners who share my values.

Following these principles means focusing intensively on a few promising opportunities rather than applying broadly. This involves: conducting thorough research, connecting with potential colleagues and leaders, using the company's products, providing meaningful feedback, and studying their social media presence.

Only after this comprehensive investigation should one apply, rather than treating applications as mere interview opportunities.

Rethinking Interviews and Evaluations

I’ve never been naturally skilled at interviews, even in my native Mandarin. (I also easily get nervous as I shared in My Weaknesses article). I believe it's challenging to evaluate candidate suitability through resumes and interviews alone. This led me to rebuild my personal website before moving to Canada, aiming to present myself more comprehensively, although true understanding comes from working and living together.

This perspective makes me skeptical of businesses focused solely on interview preparation, especially those using AI. My view is that if AI can make hiring decisions, the job itself might be automated. The harder a role is to evaluate, the less likely it is to be replaced.

The challenge of assessing candidates effectively underscores why networking is crucial. It’s not just about acing the interview but demonstrating genuine passion for solving problems and building trust. The key isn’t prior experience but demonstarting your ability to address the employer’s challenges.

How can you evaluate your own willingness and passion? One indicator is whether you feel excited and are willing to work without immediate compensation because you genuinely want to. It’s not about the money; it’s about being driven by intrinsic motivation. You’re eager to “work like a dog,” or even if you lack certain skills, you’re willing to hone them until you’re qualified. The core is to take action to validate your interests. [^8]

A shining example of unwavering willingness is our professor Tony Bailetti. At 76, he works with the vigor of someone half his age. Reading about his incredible journey inspired me greatly. Without genuine passion, I believe he couldn’t have achieved his current success.

I recently saw a tweet stating that self-management is what employers truly want. It’s not about your current skills or benefits but your willingness and potential.

However, considering that the process is lengthy and tedious, even if you know the methods above, few people choose this road. I am among the minority. But after consistent efforts, you will find that the whole world is helping you, and your past actions can be connected together.

The Meaning of Work in an AI Era

The role of AI in work is another consideration. Will AI replace my job? This is a common concern. A recent tweet I read explains why technology won’t significantly take people's jobs .

Historically, these fears have been recurrent, as highlighted in “Robots Have Been About to Take All the Jobs for 100 Years” and another article from 1961, “Automation Might End Most Unskilled Jobs In 10 years”.

When considering whether AI will replace jobs, one key factor is the user interface. Successful AI integration requires not only powerful algorithms but also natural, intuitive designs. A simple chat box won’t suffice; crafting a “magical” user experience demands substantial human creativity and effort in design and usability—areas I find inspiring and full of potential for meaningful contributions.

One reason I moved to Canada is because of the release of ChatGPT. These rapidly developing technologies allow me to be more optimistic. As I’ve shared:

AI will bring about significant societal changes, and the future world will be vastly different from today. Instead of continuing along a traditional path, it’s better to venture out and try something new. If AGI or even Superintelligence arrives, all the current competition will become irrelevant.

As Dario Amodei suggested in "Machines of Loving Grace", we might move beyond pursuing purely economic gains. While I don’t believe AI will mostly replace my jobs, I do think it will fundamentally reshape them.

This realization prompts me to consider how I can adapt to these changes and find meaningful work in a rapidly evolving landscape. One thought is to focus more on roles in the physical world. Purely digital products like social media platforms may have fewer defenses against AI influence than platforms integrating more with the physical world, like Amazon and Apple.

While it’s uncertain if AI will replace such roles, it is generally more challenging for AI to navigate and understand the physical world than the digital one, offering a safer path for roles closely tied to the physical world over the coming years.

Balancing Efficiency and Life

Last year, as I reflected on the rise of AI like ChatGPT, I realized the importance of a balanced life—not just hard work but also healthy sleep, good food, and regular exercise. What do we do with time saved by efficiency? Do we just move on to the next task, or can we find time to truly live?

As a former product manager on tools, efficiency is a crucial metric for me. However, I have often questioned the ultimate goal of improving efficiency. Is it merely to reduce costs? I believe it can be dangerous to focus solely on efficiency.

In recent years, I found myself feeling drained despite having completed substantial work, which prompted me to reflect on my work style. I realized that rest is paramount. The phrase, “there is nearly no work I must finish today,” frequently echoes in my mind as I near the end of the workday. Interestingly, my friend said it was my excuse for being lazy at work.

What truly defines the value of a job? How do we differentiate between roles labeled as ‘promising’ and ‘mundane’ if the compensation is identical? This question has been on my mind since last year, yet I’m still searching for a satisfying answer. A friend mentioned that in reality, everything holds equal significance and urged me to live in the moment.

An interesting paper about the impact of AI on scientific discovery revealed that the technology automates precisely the tasks that scientists find most interesting, resulting in reduced satisfaction with their work.[^9]

Time feels like an unstoppable conveyer belt, bringing us new tasks as fast as we can dispatch the old ones; and becoming “more productive” just seems to cause the belt to speed up.

Perhaps the key is focus on quality rather than quantity and embrace slow productivity.

Work isn't everything. While business schools often emphasize thinking big and targeting large markets, I prefer pursuing interesting work that provides adequate financial support for my family while maintaining personal freedom and relaxation time.

We're at an inflection point. If powerful AI emerges by 2026, taking time to rest and prepare for this shift might be valuable.

Embracing the Journey

So where am I now in my relationship with work? I’m still exploring potential employees or partners who align with my value and interests. Honestly, I haven’t yet found opportunities that excite me more than my previous roles, which is why I’m actively attending events and seeking connections.

I hope to find at least one compelling opportunity before my third term begins to use as my project-based learning project.

In the meantime, I believe it’s a perfect moment for me to explore my interests, enjoy life, and embrace the journey rather than rushing toward a destination.

Let’s Connect

These reflections represent my current thoughts about work, though they may evolve over time.

I welcome connections with like-minded individuals. To learn more about me, please visit my personal website. I’m currently based in Ottawa and would be happy to meet in person for meaningful discussions or share a meal. If distance is a barrier, I’m also open to online meetings.

I'm looking to connect with people, companies, or organizations who share similar perspectives.

Notes:

[^1]: I just read Co-founder & CEO of 37signals-Jason Fried’s “Version 1 is for you” after I wrote the draft of this article. It aligns with my belief that you must first convince yourself before selling a product to others.

[^2]: This mindset is originally derived from 8 years since I graduated and reinforced by Paul Graham and Naval Ravikant. You can read “When To Do What You Love”, “How To Do What You Love”, and “How To Do Great Work” to learn about more. I got super excited when reading those articles.

[^3]: “Happiness Bonus” is an insightful essay written in Chinese that explores the value of pursuing genuine happiness over external achievements.

[^4]: I read Paul Graham’s latest article “Writes and Write-Nots” and felt inspired. He predicts that the world will divide into those who write and those who don’t because of AI. In my perspective, writing isn’t hard; articulating thoughts is the real challenge. Writing is thinking, and I’m glad I’ve become more spontaneous with it this year.

[^5]: For more details, you can read “How to Start Google” by Paul Graham.

[^6]: Although I had been following Vinod Khosla before his virtual speech last week, this was the first time I read his article, “How to Hire”. It is an excellent piece.

[^7]: "The Pathless Path" is a powerful personal story of self-discovery, a shattering of conventional work beliefs, and an exploration of what matters. Follow Paul Millerd’s journey as he quits his job, faces his money fears head-on, travels abroad without a plan, falls in love, and finds a portal to a new way of being. This book also encouraged me to come to Canada.

[^8]: Paul Graham’s article “When To Do What You Love” also reinforced this thought.

[^9]: The paper “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation” is considered one of the best on the impact of AI on scientific discovery.

Thanks to Owen Lavender, Jing (Althea) Bao and Andri Burkenia reading drafts of this and triggering insightful conversations with me. Also Thanks to Almeera Mancini and Kirsty Howe from Altis Recruitment to sharing networking and job search tactics in Canada.