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A New Path: From Corporate America to a Fresh Start in Vietnam
19/01/2026
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I am a Vietnamese-American engineer. I have spent many years working in corporate offices in the United States. Recently, I found myself part of the widespread layoffs (in January 2026) affecting our industry.
I am at what many would consider the height of my career. My mind is as sharp as ever, and my experience is vast, but the recent silence of unemployment allowed me to hear a voice I had been ignoring. I realized that I no longer wanted to spend my energy within the machine of U.S. corporate culture.
The Shift from "Corporate" to "Purpose"
Even though America is my home, I have made a big decision: I am moving to Vietnam--no matter what it takes. I only have enough savings to stay unemployed for about half a year. Like many of you, I feel the pressure of needing to find work soon.
I define "fun-employment" not as a lack of work, but as having the clarity to know where I want to go next. It’s that moment when the anxiety of "Will I be okay?" is replaced by the excitement of "Where will I end up?!" It is the freedom to prepare for a life-changing move and to re-align your skills with the things that actually matters to you. Sometimes, we need the world to stop for a moment so we can change the direction we are running.
I define "fun-employment" not as a lack of work, but as having the clarity to know where I want to go next. It’s that moment when the anxiety of "Will I be okay?" is replaced by the excitement of "Where will I end up?!" It is the freedom to prepare for a life-changing move and to re-align your skills with the things that actually matters to you. Sometimes, we need the world to stop for a moment so we can change the direction we are running.
A Message to Those Struggling
To those of you who are currently unemployed and feeling the weight of it—I know the struggle is real, and the road can feel incredibly lonely. I cannot provide tangible assistance or a magic solution to the current market. However, I can offer you a change in lens.
Picture yourself in the future: Imagine a version of you that is settled, employed, and stable again. That "future you" will eventually look back at this exact period of your life.
When you look back, how do you want to see yourself?
Do you want to envision a version of yourself that was down and mopey, defeated by the circumstances? Or do you want to see someone who remained hopeful and vigilant? Life is largely defined by our perceptions. This period is a chapter, not the whole book. Try to take it on with as much positivity as you can muster, knowing that the story doesn't end here.
I’m looking forward to the day I’m back on Vietnamese soil, contributing to Vietnam's prosperity. Until then, stay vigilant and stay hopeful.
Picture yourself in the future: Imagine a version of you that is settled, employed, and stable again. That "future you" will eventually look back at this exact period of your life.
When you look back, how do you want to see yourself?
Do you want to envision a version of yourself that was down and mopey, defeated by the circumstances? Or do you want to see someone who remained hopeful and vigilant? Life is largely defined by our perceptions. This period is a chapter, not the whole book. Try to take it on with as much positivity as you can muster, knowing that the story doesn't end here.
I’m looking forward to the day I’m back on Vietnamese soil, contributing to Vietnam's prosperity. Until then, stay vigilant and stay hopeful.
