Life Update v2025.07

This July, I'm leaving behind five years of working as a Product Manager in Korea to embark on an MBA journey at Berkeley Haas. It's neither a break nor a desire for more study; I'm quite sure the next two years will be the most intense and rewarding period of my life.

Financially, it’s a leap into the unknown. My company isn’t supporting me, and I haven’t received a full scholarship. I’m betting all my savings from seven years of careful budgeting, as well as the relationships I’ve built in Korea.

Moreover, external conditions aren't favorable. The job market is uncertain, with layoffs and the rise of AI. Yet, I’m choosing purpose over security, growth over comfort. The chance to create meaningful, impactful change justifies every risk. Yes, I’m crazy enough to take the risk for the vision.

Question

As I've written before in My Meaning of Life, my aim is to build products that fundamentally change the way people live.

There are many ways to change the world, but as someone who has been working as a Product Manager for the past five years, I've come to believe that technology can significantly improve people's lives. (...) This is my own way of expressing my love for society. Creating products that transform people's lives through technology is what I love most—it’s how I make an impact on the world and the path I will continue to pursue.

But exactly which product? That will be a result of combining the currents of the time with my own aptitude, abilities, and luck. Some call it Ikigai; others refer to it as a founder's Personal Fit.

For over a decade, ideas have floated through my mind: philosophical tools for reflection, an online-first e-book system to democratize knowledge, ecosystems that provide both safety and freedom for anyone daring to take on new challenges, and social networks that truly enhance the value of human relationships... Each concept excites me in different ways, but I still haven’t found the one idea I’m ready to fully dedicate myself to. What I do know is that the answer lies in technology–and that’s why I want to immerse myself at the very forefront of technological advancement.

Answer

That's what drew me to an MBA, and specifically, to Berkeley Haas.

Berkeley offers more than just proximity to Silicon Valley; it's also the university that has produced the most entrepreneurs, a gathering place for people sharing similar interests and dilemmas. There's no better place for me to explore these questions. Over the next two years, I hope to define my path, discover my own answers, and gain the knowledge needed to realize my ideals. After passionately dedicating five years to something I love, now I want to recalibrate myself, channeling my intensity in the right direction. I want to plunge into the turbulent world of AI and the tech market and immerse myself fully. Even if I risk drowning, I'll gladly dive in, willingly submerged for the sake of the future.

As I prepared for my MBA, I asked myself two questions during difficult times:

1. Even if I return to where I am now after two years without any tangible achievements or the results I hoped for, will the experience alone be enough for me?
2. If I don't go now, will I regret this decision upon retirement?

The answer to both questions was 'yes.' And that was enough.

Although I have a vision for the future, I know my path after the MBA remains uncertain. I believe entrepreneurship will be key to realizing my dreams, but I also recognize the need for further growth and experience. If everything were predictable, perhaps this journey would lose its meaning. "Execution over Perfection"–isn't action always more valuable than completeness in Product Management? I vividly recall every uncertain release I've made as a product manager–initially riddled with imperfections, yet refined through continuous iteration and user feedback. That experience taught me the value of moving forward, even amidst uncertainty.

That’s why I’m choosing to take this leap now, while I have the courage and drive. Changing the world is never easy; it demands a lifetime of dedication. The sooner I dive in, the more opportunities I’ll have to learn, adapt, and make a difference.

Even if, after two years of intense exploration, I find myself back at the starting line, I know I won’t regret it. Life is not a finite race with a clear finish, but an infinite game filled with milestones and growth. The real challenge is to make the journey itself meaningful and bright. I may not know exactly who I’ll become by the end of this experience, but I’m certain I’ll return with a deeper understanding of myself and the world, and be better prepared to create products that truly transform lives.

So as I stand at the edge of this new chapter, I invite anyone reading—whether you’re at a crossroads or simply questioning your next step—to consider what a meaningful life means to you, and how you can achieve it. The future is always uncertain, but the willingness to act in the face of that uncertainty is what shapes both our lives and the world around us. Here’s to making our journeys shine, wherever they may lead.