Concentration Camp 2.0 – New City, New Life

On Wednesday, I ended my month-long "playing and singing" life in China, flew across the ocean, and returned to reality.

Compared to previous trips, this domestic journey was much smoother, as it was already the third time I had returned home for vacation this year. I've become numb to many jarring phenomena. Although I still feel uncomfortable, I'm powerless to change anything, and the thought that this isn't where I live now makes me feel much more relaxed.

I wonder if it's because I'm getting older, but I've clearly felt a decline in passion and energy. Even on vacation, I feel increasingly tired, and there's never enough time. I wanted to write down some thoughts about things, but every time I started, I couldn't find the time to finish them. Tomorrow I'm starting a new job, and I don't know if I'll have the chance to complete them. That's life; some things, if you don't finish them at the beginning, you may never have the chance again. Energy is limited; you need to focus.

Three years ago, I wrote an article titled "I'll set up a concentration camp for myself and end this isolated lifestyle.My work was met with ridicule at the time, but I still felt that such a highly disciplined "concentration camp" was necessary. Unfortunately, due to various factors, it wasn't implemented very well. Ultimately, the reason was that I couldn't step out of my comfort zone.

My decision to leave Washington, D.C., after seven years, may be a turning point in my life. I've enjoyed and accumulated enough experience; it's time to showcase my abilities and talents to the world.

Looking back at my past trajectory, I used my precious time as a student to accumulate social experience before going abroad. After going abroad, I became arrogant and complacent, indulging in pleasure and acting carefree until now. The initial advantages I gained in high school and university have almost been exhausted. If I don't make any changes, I may be stuck in the status quo. Although there's nothing inherently bad about it, I just don't feel like this is what I want.

A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives. (This was mentioned in a previous article...)Why did I choose Grab? The article explained the reasons for this decision. But on a larger scale, I wanted to see what role I could play in this society. I've been coasting along for so long that I've almost forgotten my own abilities.

I'm currently on a plane to Seattle, taking a short break. I'll be starting my new job tomorrow. I've traveled all over the United States to arrive in a strange city. No big house, no excessive luggage, a new environment in a new city. I'll put down my burdens and move forward with ease.

This has been a worrying yet exciting journey. The change in my mindset has filled me with confidence and ambition. I feel more aggressive, more focused, and have clearer goals. Compared to my previous mindset of just getting by, it's more like I'm declaring war, announcing my existence and return to the world.

As part of the concentration camp, the requirements and standards for oneself were already established, but they are too shameful to be written here.

I'm so lucky to have taken this step. Wish me luck!