The Dilemmas of Life - How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life

Follow The Dilemmas of Life - How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

What if you had the power to write your fate? We couldn't foretell what would happen, but we could write about what we wanted to see in the future and be explicit about the goals and dreams we wanted to achieve. We couldn't go back in time and change what


    • Feb 25, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 6m AVG DURATION
    • 48 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Dilemmas of Life - How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Dilemmas of Life - How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life

    Be a better leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2022 10:24


    It is critical to work toward the goals of being a better leader. It's not about money, strategy, or technology; teamwork, which is both powerful and rare, remains the ultimate competitive advantage. With our leadership skills, we could get everyone in our organization rowing in the same direction, and we could conquer any industry, market, or competitor. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Strive for efficiency and economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 6:26


    Because our society strives for efficiency and economy, you have the opportunity to read about my essay. As our country's productivity improves, we will be able to devote more time to our hobbies. Otherwise, instead of enjoying the luxury of writing this essay, you would spend most of your time hunting and farming to provide food for survival. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Be sceptical

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 6:14


    Imagine being in North Korea, and how sceptical would you be of what you witness every day? Is the Kim family's rule the most powerful god on the planet? Is South Korea a bad place due to America's evil? Is it possible that people will be grateful for this dictatorship? --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Stay curious

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 10:54


    Curiosity awakens our mind, and being inquisitive; I want to learn and understand more. I am a curious person who enjoys learning new things. There is a huge world out there, and it is evolving all the time; if I didn't keep pace with the change, I'd be obsolete. As a result, it's critical to pique my interest in what is conceivable instead of what I believe and see in the news every day. I need to be aware of how often my intuition is incorrect. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Always learning new things

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 6:23


    For my university enrolment, I faced the dilemma of whether to take academic or practical studies. I believed that a university should not be a vocational training institution when I was a teenager. To suppose that I should learn to absorb education rather than prepare for a job was a bit idealistic. As a result, I chose not to major in practical areas like accounting. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On leisure activity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 2:02


    Learning new things is my hobby. There are numerous methods for learning, including reading, listening, and doing. I may study books and learn from industry professionals by visiting libraries regularly. Although some of the authors are no longer alive, I may still benefit from their historical perspectives. There are only limited things I can see and feel on my own, and the insights I gain from others are meaningful enough that I can learn from them. I may also study certain skills and topic knowledge at my own pace by reading practical books. Reading newspapers and periodicals can also help us comprehend our worlds better. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My MBA study trip to Germany

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2022 7:01


    Travelling entails a great deal of uncertainty and chance. Despite my flight being delayed in Helsinki, Finland, and suffering from a stressful presentation due to jet lag, the journey was worthwhile because I gained a lot for my profession in management skills outside of the classroom. The tour was jam-packed with thought-provoking and educational talks on themes such as Germany's macroeconomics, European Unions, hidden champions, industry 4.0, and artificial intelligence. Our visits to Wattx, a deep tech business, and the Daimler AG factory, where BMW automobiles are produced, enlightened me. The most important personal takeaway from the trip to Germany is that it is antifragile. Germany's past was once fragile during World War II, but the country' current wealth is antifragile. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    A look into Chile's startup ecosystem

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2022 4:51


    In retrospect, my trip to Chile was fantastic. Although flying over 30 hours from Hong Kong and dealing with jet lag was difficult, the adventure was worthwhile, and I learned a lot outside of the classroom. The tour was full of intelligent and educational discussions; I learned a lot about the startup ecosystem, B-corporations, and the entrepreneurial spirit. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Fun things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 4:16


    My ambition is to go all over the world! Yep, this is a touch too ambitious. One of the essential lessons I learned in software engineering was how to deal with complexity. We could achieve something meaningful step by step by breaking down the large challenge into smaller, manageable pieces. Travelling to Vietnam is one of those simple weekend getaways that do not need annual vacation days. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Survival tips for non-Korean speakers in Busan and vicinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 5:22


    Aluum-dabbed! This is how Koreans say "lovely." Koreans use this expression to describe the beautiful scenery of Busan, Gyeongju, and Jinhae, especially in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Who doesn't enjoy travelling? Korea is one of those undiscovered nations where most visitors travel no further than Seoul. In the meanwhile, everyone has their priorities and travel preferences. And you're all familiar with me, right? I enjoy spontaneous travel because it allows me to get away from my regularly scheduled job life. It's a lot more exciting and hard to put yourself in a situation where you don't know the way, speak the language, and have internet connectivity on your iPhone. I dare to step outside of my comfort zone and face a new challenge. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Things I love and hate about Hong Kong

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 4:56


    The situation is complex. I'm in love with you because you are special. In the meantime, hate is a strong word, but I don't like you at all. I was born in Hong Kong many years ago. I was one child out of a population of seven million in a metropolis of only 1104 square kilometres. We were completely in love, but it ended in a bitter fight. There are several things about Hong Kong that I used to adore. Here, I explain why we complicate things so much. Hong Kong and I have a love-hate relationship: --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Fun facts that I discovered in Melbourne

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 4:56


    Which is better, Sydney or Melbourne? This decision is yours. There is a traditional petty rivalry between the two cities. It's like comparing apples to oranges, in my opinion. Melbourne became the apple of my eye when I finally arrived. Sydney, I apologize for the choice. In July, the narrative begins. Even though it was a rainy and windy weekend, nothing could keep me from paying a visit to my best buddy in Melbourne. I don't have any plans for this trip, as with most others; I just show up and do what I want. The nicknames a location has earned may always tell you about its personality — the world's most livable city, for example. It's impossible to see everything Melbourne has to offer in a single visit, and I don't recommend attempting it. Following is a sampling of the highlights from this article in no particular sequence. These are some amusing facts I uncovered about this place if you don't know anything else about it: --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Visit Sydney in 3 days when having too little time

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2022 4:04


    If you just have a few days in Sydney, what should you do? No worries; with my advice and supervision, you'll be able to learn the greatest aspects of this dynamic city in just three days. During the long Easter weekend, I visited Sydney. There are 855 things to do in Sydney, according to TripAdvisor! Imagine being surrounded by travel destinations, abundant shops, and crowds of people. It is a location that will undoubtedly raise your heart rate. You'd like to see everything Sydney has to offer, but you don't have the time. The good news is that you may do it in just three days and not miss anything crucial. Here's how to do it: --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Reasons why you should travel to Brisbane

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2022 4:06


    Brisbane is a great place to visit. People are friendly. Beautiful surroundings. For price-conscious travellers, it is also less expensive than Sydney and Melbourne. I've visited Brisbane twice and stayed for a total of 18 months. Brisbane is, without a doubt, the best destination to visit. When I make new acquaintances, I always advise them to visit Brisbane. Brisbane is Australia's most amazing, hippest metropolis and a rising star by the travel bible Lonely Planet. Don't miss out on such a fantastic location! Brisbane, in my opinion, is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. And I'll explain why. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On feeling drained by social interactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2022 4:07


    Social interactions drain my energy as an introvert. I was exhausted and surrounded by friends the last time I attended a farewell party. Before the event began, the organizer requested that everyone bring food to share. I purchased a French baguette roll and alcoholic beverages such as vodka and tonic, Kenmore whiskey, and ginger ale. I bought this western style of food because I wanted to be different from others. But, at the end of the day, the bread roll and alcoholic beverages were left untouched. I was not sure if I should be ashamed of my purchases and take them personally. I should know the culture; we live in a Chinese culture country like Hong Kong. People prefer Chinese food to the western style of dining. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On having too little to say

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 3:29


    I offered to go on stage at a Toastmasters meeting at the Sheraton Tower to challenge myself in Impromptu Speaking. The Table Topics Master chose a topic for me at random, and I had two minutes to speak about it. This type of communication entails speaking spontaneously and without preparation. About 50 individuals were staring in front of me. A timer in front of me was timing my speech. I started by posing a question. "Let's see how many of you think you're a leader, ladies and gentlemen." If you are a leader, please raise your hand." About half of the audience raised their hands. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On losing opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 4:07


    When I was in a leadership training course, the lecturer asked us to consider how we could better our community in light of the present covid19 problems. It might be anything from urging folks to keep their distance in social situations to wearing masks and exercising more frequently. He encouraged individuals to get up and express their opinions after five minutes of silence, during which everyone thought about the subject separately. As a result, there was complete silence. There was no one willing to volunteer. We tried to avoid making eye contact with the instructor by looking away. After several failed attempts to obtain a speaker, the instructor finally gave up and began the debriefing of the session. It was a moment of self-reflection that the students in the class were attending a leadership training course, but no one chose to speak up and lead. When asked why they didn't speak up, some stated they were afraid of misinterpreting the presentation topic, some said they didn't know what to say, and others indicated they were bashful. It was an opportunity to take a stand, speak up, and put my leadership talents to the test. Still, I didn't seek out the instructor to clarify the topic because I was too isolated; I didn't fully utilize all of the available resources, such as books, because I was too remote. I didn't put theory into practice when it came to leadership. Ironically, we aspire to be leaders but are hesitant to lead. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On being too quiet around strangers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 3:29


    I am often too quiet to speak up in front of strangers when I am sitting in front of them. During company meetings with senior management and various stakeholders, many coworkers dial into the virtual call. The director would frequently ask everyone if they had any questions by the end of the meeting. The majority of the time, everyone falls silent. Even in a physically friendly gathering, the situation will not improve, as the boss will dominate the conversation, telling us all of his anecdotes without anybody daring to interrupt him. As a leader, I sometimes have to speak up rather than remain silent, but words are difficult to come by. If a government official said something that displeased the Emperor in ancient China, customarily, the Emperor immediately ordered the guards to execute him, as well as his family. As a result, we must exercise caution when speaking inside a social hierarchy and respect authority. This mentality is unsuitable for a startup since feedback is necessary to assist top management in making the best decisions. I won't be a better leader around strangers if I'm too quiet and nice. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Difficult to approach others

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 3:54


    I was surrounded by strangers the last time I went to a networking event in a hotel as a guest, and I didn't know anyone there. Some people appeared to know one another and continued to chat, while others stood around playing with their phones. My intention in attending the event was to meet new people and extend my social circle. Instead of attempting to approach people, I sat in the corner, distant and quiet. A couple sat next to me later, and I felt both excited and relaxed. Perhaps I should introduce myself and strike up a conversation with them. But, because I didn't know what to say, I remained silent, thinking about initiating the conversation. The longer I stayed quiet, the more difficult it was to start the engine of networking, and the longer I waited, the more anxious and socially awkward I became. Time seemed to have slowed to a halt. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Social anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2022 3:52


    We may use our social abilities to build connections, influence decisions, and push people to change. In a class, though, I was encouraged to approach some people, but social anxiety came to mind. Fear had taken hold of me. When the speaker asked for volunteers to speak up and ask for questions, no one raised their hands, and no one dare to share their opinions on stage. Social skills would be a crucial talent for me to develop and improve, as a lack of them would significantly negatively impact my work and personal success. I drove two hours to the event to meet more people outside of my network, as I am an ex-pat who does not know many people. I engaged with the locals sitting next to me during the event, learned from their life stories, and made new connections. Sitting in the corner and being quiet without being seen seemed fairly lonely at times. Hiding in a corner surely seems comfortable and ensures not losing face, but this is an unneeded self-consciousness to restrict me from talking to strangers. Instead of being sociable, I walked right out of the classroom, making no eye contact with anyone else to avoid a potentially awkward situation. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Small social circle

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2022 3:30


    I have a small social network as an ex-pat working and living in a foreign nation. Most of my pals live in my home country, although I communicate with them daily through my work. This group of friends is too small for me, and it would endanger my life. Last time, I was forced to move out of my apartment due to unexpected lease termination and needed to find a new home to stay in immediately. I didn't have many buddies who could assist me. I had no notion which areas were desirable or how to find a reputable real estate agent. I wound myself in a cramped room with no way to open the window, which was less than ideal. At that point, I realized how critical it is to have a large social network to acquire local counsel and potentially find a place with lower rent. I was overpaying for a shared apartment when I could have a larger private room for the same price in other rural areas. Because I have a small social circle in this distant nation, I would never find out. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Uncomfortable around others

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2022 3:53


    Have you ever felt uneasy speaking in front of a group of people? I am nervous when I have to face an audience, whether large or small. This fear is natural, and almost everyone has this phobia. I didn't realise this fear until I had to give a speech at a conference. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My ideal family

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 1:45


    After exhausting all of my energy at work, my dream family would be a location where I could recharge. On weekends, I would spend valuable time with my partner doing something we both enjoy, learning something new, travelling, or trying out a unique experience that would provide us with great memories to share. Without the distractions of phones or a job deadline, this is when we are physically and mentally together. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    An unexpected love that turned awry

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 5:38


    I was 28 years old at the time, and she was possibly 32. In any case, the difference is only a conjecture on my part. I've never known the actual number because I've never inquired. Age is a well-guarded secret for women, and they are so concerned about it that it is impolite to ask. My best guess is that she's a year or two older than me. However, I'm not sure if Asian women stay in shape and age gracefully. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Think before I act

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 7:09


    I went insane when my girlfriend, Joanne, broke up with me. With depression, I was acting incredibly emotional. It's possible that if I could think before I act, try to heal the relationship rationally, and behave strategically, my life would be very different. Instead, I was going insane, and every step I took was damaging to us. I was about to get down on my knees and ask Joanne's forgiveness. I had hoped that my actions and honesty would persuade her to change her view, but it did not. It did more harm than good since it revealed my neediness and insecurity. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    What money cannot buy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2022 4:51


    "Money is not everything," my mother used to say, "but everything needs money”, that's her mantra when I was a youngster. How true is this statement? This principle is the financial education I received from my mother. I didn't understand it at the time because I was too young, but as I grew older, I realized her wisdom. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Be mature

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2022 6:24


    Are you single? Are you married? Maybe you're married, but you're still available? Those who are single or married but available realize how difficult it is to find love. I'm a regular user of dating apps like Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel, OkCupid, Hinge, and so on. Apps for dating are cruel. Allow me to explain how it works. When you see a profile photo, swipe left to reject it and swipe right to connect and communicate with the person. The majority of the time, I simply got rejected and departed. I didn't even get a chance to tell you about myself or tell you about my stories. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On self actualisation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2022 10:08


    Self-actualization is important to us since it improves our well-being and makes our life worthwhile. We have a lot of potentials to tap into, and I'm excited to see what we can do in life. I'd be humiliated if I didn't grow since it would be a waste of time not to see what life has to offer. Not only for myself but also for others. Self-actualization is beneficial to us, but it has a broader meaning. The best in other people, as well as the best in me, must be invoked. A completely personal purpose that ignores other people and societal circumstances are insufficient. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On improving our habits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 1:59


    We can change our habits and get healthier. Physical, dietary, and mental health are the three aspects of health. Frequent exercise is essential for physical fitness and maintaining a healthy body. Every week, I go for at least thirty minutes jogging along the river. Instead of sitting all day indoors on weekends, I would go cycling or swimming. These activities aid in the release of dopamine in the brain, which helps to regulate our mood and prevent depression. I get too busy or lazy to get out and disturb my fitness routine at times. To stay motivated to exercise, I'd need to make a calendar and join a community. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Be healthier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2022 9:57


    I honestly believe that working for a better lifestyle is critical. It's a requirement for our professional, relationship, and survival goals in this unpredictable world. If we didn't work hard to attain our values, we'd be embarrassed by ourselves and feel bad about it. We want to be healthier, not for the sake of pleasing others. We're pursuing this goal since the situation we're in appears to need it. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    On a positive mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 10:14


    Because my thoughts determine my destiny, having a positive mindset is critical. Our review has the potential to narrow our horizons. I can put in the effort to become a great public speaker, author and take the examinations to become a qualified professional. No one but myself stands in my way of achieving my objectives. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Healthy mind, healthy body

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 7:26


    According to dualism theory, I frequently consider the body and mind to be two distinct entities; mental and physical entities are separate. Reading and exercise, on the other hand, are not mutually exclusive. Fitness can help you grow both your body and mind as one. Our health influences our mental state. At the same time, our thinking has an impact on our health. Our respiration, muscles, immune system, heartbeat, and other bodily functions are continually influenced by our ideas, influencing our thinking. Our body and mind are part of a complicated interconnected system, and it's difficult to isolate any element of it from the others. Taking care of our body allows us to take care of our thoughts. My goal is to develop fitness by combining the physical and mental aspects of wellness. Nowadays, I spend most of my time thinking and working in front of a computer, which has resulted in health problems and sadness. Physiology training would help me to think more clearly. Exercise releases natural hormones that help to control my mood. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My imposter syndrome, insecurity and depression

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 11:39


    Imposter syndrome is common among I.T. professionals, and I am one of them. The feeling of personal inadequacy and self-doubt. Working as a software developer for the most prestigious consulting firm at EY made me feel like a phoney. My bachelor's degree did not have a computer science component. My first job was in marketing, which had little to do with information technology. Before being assigned to the banking project, I worked primarily as a frontend javascript web developer. When assigned with the fintech project, though, I became the principal android app developer. I studied Kotlin on my own and built apps using online tutorials. To be clear, I submitted thoroughly tested high-quality code. But it was a terrifying thought: what if they discovered I wasn't the most knowledgeable expert in the room? What if they discovered I'd never heard of this industry-standard library? What if they knew I wasn't aware of various design patterns? My profession requires a great deal of knowledge in cloud computing, networking, architecture, security, and so on. Being an expert in everything was practically impossible. I had to be agile since technology changes so quickly. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My career transition to software engineer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 9:11


    In 2014, when I received the letter about my work visa rejection in Australia, it was life-changing. After a year on a working holiday visa, I was fortunate enough to receive an extended job offer from my company to work as a marketing manager in Brisbane, allowing me to continue my stay for at least five more years. Unfortunately, the immigration authorities denied my work visa application. I was disappointed, and the explanation for my visa rejection was that I did not have a solid marketing background, nor an appropriate business degree. It was a valid statement; it was a pity that my high school decision had a long-term impact on my career path. As a result, I had no choice but to leave the country that I didn't belong to, leaving my Australian friends and colleagues behind, and never see them again. I lost my job when I returned to Hong Kong. Many organizations did not recognize my experience as an Assistant Marketing Manager. I knew I didn't want to return to my old path of working in a laboratory. After sending many CVs, I received no response to any of the job applications. The most frightening aspect of being unemployed was the loss of social status, not the lack of money. It was difficult to explain my failure to my old friends in Hong Kong, and I felt embarrassed to contact them. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My memory in Brisbane

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2022 10:41


    In 2013, I spent a year working holiday in Australia, and it completely transformed my life. It wasn't anything I anticipated, but life is full of surprises. When I was studying chemistry as an undergraduate in Hong Kong, I knew I wanted to work abroad, but the chances were low. There were few options for exchange, and I was envious of the business school students who could simply fly abroad to study. I travelled to Brisbane for my graduation trip, after finishing my last exam and before officially graduating. The trip provided me with an opportunity to brush up on my English, and I worked as free labour at a tourist adventure centre. It had been a fantastic journey. I was making new friends, hugging koalas, and having a good time at the beach. I recall being on the Gold Coast and resting on the sand. I was enjoying the sunshine. Suddenly, a thought came to me, and I wondered, why is life so unjust? Why do I have to suffer in Hong Kong with all the public exams stressing me up? Here in Australia, people lie on the beach, surf all day, and enjoy their lives! In Hong Kong, the rivalry was fierce, and our living conditions were small, whereas Australia appears to be an affluent country with many natural resources. I gazed up at the sky; Australia's sky was much bluer than Hong Kong's. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My time as an undergraduate student

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2022 11:23


    I studied chemistry for three years and earned a bachelor's degree. The greatest conflict at the time was between ideals and reality. In an ideal world, I would be able to devote all of my time to scientific research. I became fascinated with quantum mechanics, which was the most difficult subject I had ever studied. In the microscopic realm, Schrödinger's cat seemed counterintuitive. With several dimensions and multiple variables differentiation equations, the math was extremely complicated. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My love of Chinese philosophy in high school

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2022 8:52


    I spent a lot of time in high school thinking about life and developing my character. I became interested in the art stream as a science student since I could study them without taking the exams. Chinese literature influenced me a lot because the poetry and essays had persisted for thousands of years and contained a great deal of wisdom. I recall one of the legends about Su Qin, a powerful political strategist in ancient China's Warring States period. He returned home in poverty and frustration after failing to persuade the Emperor of Qin. His family members, moreover, showed no respect for him. His wife no longer treated him properly, his sister-in-law no longer cooked for him, and his parents refused to speak to him. As a result, he decided to lock himself in his room and read his teacher's books. To stay awake and study, he would stab himself in the thigh when he fell asleep. After studying diligently, he travelled and persuaded six kingdoms to join forces against Qin, the country that had brought him misfortune in the first place. When he went home, he was wealthy and accomplished; his wife was scared to look him in the eyes, and his sister-in-law crawled on the ground in terror. "Even my parents didn't want to recognize me as their son when I was impoverished," he sighs. My family members are terrified of me now that I have grown wealthy and accomplished. How could we ignore money and status in life?" This narrative was realistic and encouraging for me to succeed. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    My memory in secondary school

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 7:39


    In high school, I spent the majority of my time dating girls. I wished I had spent more time and effort studying, but hormones damage a boy's brain during puberty. Unfortunately, there was no course at school that taught me about love and how to love. My family would not discuss this matter openly at home, so I learned the hard way through trial and error, which was unfortunate. I was too shy as an introvert to tell the girl I liked her. I was attracted to a gorgeous girl, and that was my first love. It was so innocent and naïve. Cupid shot the arrow at me, and I fell for her. Jessie was her name. She was a classmate who appeared to be a nice sweet girl. I stared at her occasionally and fantasized about all the love stories that may happen to us. But it never happened because I was too embarrassed to ask if she felt the same way about me. Life is funny; instead, other girls fell for me. I had an ordinary, quiet, composed appearance. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    A brief history of my childhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2022 7:21


    It's natural to begin my life tale with my mother. I would not live in this world or write this book if it weren't for her. Before I was born, I had no idea what had happened in the world. According to an interview with my mother, I was an accident rather than a plan. It's probably true because I'm an only child, and none of my aunts had any children. My mother could have chosen to abort me, but she decided against it since life is a miracle. I was born on July 31st, and I was fortunate enough to survive. My early memories are forgotten, and I only vaguely recall my mother's mantras, such as "money isn't everything," yet "everything needs money." My mother is an accountant who takes pride in her education and ability to solve problems mathematically. And she is convinced that my current intelligence stems from her genes rather than my father's. Overall, I believe she is a smart person, although she did not have an official educational degree from a university back in the day. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    Continuous improvement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 12:18


    Thank you for taking the time to listen to my podcast and go through my life journey. You most likely have your own set of problems to solve and hurdles to overcome in your life. That's why you wanted to listen to my podcast to find out how I dealt with them. You want to understand why you're stuck in life, and I've shared my personal experience with you: I failed twelve times in my first twelve love relationships. It's not that I wasn't attractive in between those relationships. After failing six times, I changed my appearance, switching to a nicer haircut and wearing more appropriate attire. Despite this, I continued to fail. I assumed next time would be better than my previous two relationships, but it did not end in marriage. What is the reason for this? I don't want you to go through the same horrible experiences that I had. That is why I create this podcast to assist you in avoiding a similar disaster. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    The lost message

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2022 7:43


    A WhatsApp message popped up on the screen and woke me up one night while sleeping in bed. I thought it was an emergency, but it's simply a girl who wants to say hi, "How's life, Victor?" Joanne, who was my girlfriend in Hong Kong, sent me the message. "Did you get my message?" she inquired. “Why didn't you respond?" "I changed my phone number when I relocated from Hong Kong to Singapore," I explained. My thoughts of her came into my mind as I began to wonder what had happened to the lost message. --- This is a chapter of my book: The Dilemmas of Life: How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life Get a full copy now on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHXLD4G

    The importance of public speaking

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2021 6:46


    What is your greatest fear? Some people are afraid of dogs, some people are afraid of spiders, but for most people, we are afraid of public speaking. We are constantly worried about being judged by others and being laughed at. However, I am taking a class to learn public speaking because I understand the benefit of it. It is an important skill to master, and it has an impact on three levels: personal, professional and societal.

    How do you tell your colleague he smells

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2021 5:33


    Sometimes we need to handle difficult conversations. This includes managing difficult clients, giving evaluation to under-performing members and escalating problems to senior executives. In this episode, I want to share my experience and impact on my communication styles.

    Leadership styles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2021 5:31


    Let me ask you a question, what is the reason, for you, to quit your job? And let me guess, it is because you don't like your boss. This is the common reason for people to resign. I got interested in research on the topic of leadership style, because I had a really bad boss.

    What money cannot buy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2021 6:09


    When I was a kid, my mum always said to me, "Money is not everything, but everything needs money." This is the financial education I got from my mum. How true is this statement? I was too young to understand it at that time, but when I have grown up, I found the wisdom of the statement.

    Effective leadership in a technical role

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 4:49


    At some point in your career in a technical role, you would be promoted to a leadership role. Then you realise, having technical skills in your domain of expertise alone, is not enough to survive in the tech industry, but also, you would be facing a lot of challenges to deal with, and different crises to handle every day. So, here's the bad news and good news. The bad news is that you don't naturally equip yourself with the skills to manage your team from your technical experience. The good news is that, if you have an open mindset to learn, you can continuously improve to become a better leader.

    The importance of communication

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 6:37


    I want to communicate with you on the importance of communication as a software developer. It may sound obvious, but it would impact significantly on your career. If you ignore what I said in this podcast, maybe you would not get the high paying job that you want in the interview process, maybe you would not get the promotion that you want as you were perceived as an incapable leader, maybe you won't get the support that you want from your team members. You would not want to put yourself in such a competitive disadvantage position for your career and there is a couple more scenario that you would need good communication skills. I am going to share some tips on how to improve in this podcast.

    What they don't teach you in school

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2021 5:50


    I have 3 degrees from the university in Hong Kong: a bachelor of chemistry in faculty of science, a master degree in computer science at engineering school and an MBA, master of business administration. I want to share with you my learning about what they don't teach you in school.

    Claim The Dilemmas of Life - How to overcome the dilemmas and live a better life

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel