Interview with Dr. Chun Eun-jin: Blindly Unemployed and a Year of Survival

I interviewed Dr. Cheon Eun-jin in early November.

Dr. Cheon Eun-jin first became acquainted with me as a subscriber to my YouTube channel, and she also helped with projects for the company I run for several months.

Earning a Ph.D. in the U.S., life as a researcher and professor in Hong Kong… Rejecting the title of Ph.D. in Neurolinguistics,
“One year since starting over ”blindly.”.

What attempts, achievements, and realizations were gained?

I am starting a series where I learned a great deal through interviews. (Planned to update up to 5 parts)

How to connect with Dr. Cheon Eun-jin
– Introducing Blog Cheon Eun-jin https://blog.naver.com/unleasher-jean/222969696726
– Instagram https://instagram.com/chun.eunjin


Part 1. This Was Not Where I Was Meant to Be

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That isn't where you're supposed to be.
It seemed like they thought I was a failure.
So everyone felt sorry for me.

Anyone can see that this is exactly your path.

Could you lower your head a little? I can't believe it. No, it's true.

To put it crudely, you're a doctor, right? America,

He earned a Ph.D. while studying in Hong Kong, but he has become unemployed.

So it has been exactly one year now, when I made the declaration

I imagine the reaction from those around you must have been intense.

The reaction is intense, isn't it? I'm actually the type to be a bit indifferent about it.

People around me felt so sorry for me.

Because, naturally, if you are going down this path, people around you will likely...

Going on the tenure track

Because I would think of it as the most ideal successful case.

It seemed like they thought I was a bit of a failure.

So everyone felt sorry for me.

The people trying to stop it

Was it something like, "What the hell are you doing? Go back"?

That isn't where you're supposed to be.

Go back to school

I told you to apply even now if a position opens up.

So, they can't let go of their lingering attachment even more than I can.

So, based on my background...

You could definitely apply right now, so why are you acting like this…

They say I have a scholarly style.

Anyone can see that this is exactly your path.

You might be thinking, "Why are they out of that path?"

Then why do they think he quit?

It seems they still don't know the reason.

No, after going through such a hard time

I invested so much time and effort into it

Unable to reap any of it

I just think about coming out empty-handed

It seems like you think you are wasting all that time.

The time I spent at the academy

Over ten years have passed.

Because I just think of it as nothing

I think they think it's a real waste.

But when I first met the doctor

The most surprising thing was that there was no particular plan.

I mean, they just quit. That's right.

Could you explain that to me then? (To be continued in the next video)

Part 2. What I Did for a Year After Leaving Without a Plan: I Realized I Didn't Know Anything About Myself. What Have I Been Doing With My Life Until Now...

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"Let's just give up!" I said, and ended up leaving without a plan...

I thought, "Let's give up!" and ended up leaving without a plan.

While doing the things they want to do

While doing what I love through self-branding

I'm making a living.

I was so envious of that kind of life.

Just before I returned to Korea

My mother passed away in a traffic accident.

After witnessing so many moments of death (Hong Kong protests, COVID-19, etc.)

Would it be okay if I just lived like this until I died?

Is this kind of life really okay?

Because I dreamed of becoming a professor

Am I going down this path?

The conclusion was no.

The professor isn't the goal I wanted. Let's drop it.

So you ended up coming out without a plan. Did you figure it out through your thoughts?

What was that process? Continuing this work until you die

Or I do it until I retire.

"Is that okay? Can you endure it?" Even to those questions, the answer was no.

However, when looking at the next step

They were having an even harder time.

In the most spare time for more things

So, stopping here for now...

It is so clearly correct.

But there wasn't enough time to make a plan.

Everyone tells me I'm doing well at work...

CEOs or people who are more famous globally

Seeing how those people live

I'm saying that because I'm doing so well.

I felt like I wouldn't be happy even if I did.

What if I just become an associate professor?

When I was a professor, I thought it would be fine once I became an associate professor.

Because retirement is now guaranteed.

I guess I can do the research I want to do now.

But usually, I think people just hope it will get better.

And he himself is giving himself such false hope.

Back then, when I was leaving, I was thinking, "What should I do when I get out?"

What did you think at the time?

To be honest about it at the time

Because I think about leaving academia

I've become a fool again. Completely zero set.

So, how should academia behave?

What needs to be done

I know these things well, but

I have to go out empty-handed again and start over from scratch.

Can I do something?

Who would like someone who was in school when they got older?

I did have that thought.

And so I started watching.

The markets. I also watch YouTube.

While doing the things they want to do outside like this

By doing self-branding

I am making a living doing what I love.

I was so envious of that kind of life. Wow, I wish I could be like that.

Before making a decision, whatever you do out there is definitely not this.

I won't starve to death, right?.

Because people don't die easily.

But there is also a bit of that.

In my case,

There are times when I just throw it out there a little.

Then, when I am thrown into a new environment

There is unseen potential.

There is something that comes out of that.

Then, with that...

And if you work hard, that will work too.

And through fate, we ended up doing other things as well.

In a somewhat unknown world

I also had the urge to throw myself a little and try throwing myself again.

There is nothing here

What kind of skills will you display when you are thrown there?

When you are in a slightly crisis-ridden situation like this

Will I save your life again, you whom I did not know before?

There were things like this as well.

I think I like challenging things like that.

It was the same when the doctor was doing it.

You went at that age and left.

What are you going to do if you come and nothing works out?

Even back then, there were voices of concern.

Because even back then, there were many PhD students.

There are plenty of demonstration instructors.

There were also people who couldn't find jobs.

How was your life over the past year, and what challenges did you take on?

I make a living doing what I love, you know.

But the very first part here is getting in the way.

The work I like

So, what do you like?

I can't answer that question.

And do I really not know myself this well?

I have that thought, and I'm only studying.

I just kept going down a single path

In a way, it's a program created by society.

Now, essentially returning to the starting point...

You have to immerse yourself in the person that is me.

I can't answer.

Who is the person you like? I don't know anything.

I thought I would be able to learn that know-how about myself quickly.

The key point is missing here.

No matter what else you try

Once again, you cannot find meaning there

Essentially, I'm back to the same question again, quitting, and ah

I feel like I would do something like, "This isn't my job."

This isn't a task that looks easy, you know.

Right? I'm kind of like when I'm researching a project

I named my project.

Time to re-nurture myself

Because when we raise children

What kind of tendencies this child was born with

Where that manifests

It makes you have various experiences just to see it, doesn't it?

I haven't experienced that.

Because I didn't have diverse experiences, I didn't know what I liked

I don't know what I'm good at.

So, I put it down and look at it with a nurturing gaze.

Ah, so you like this when you do things like this.

So this is how you feel when you do this.

And so, while raising the child again...

I have started writing an observation diary now.

Because I have to answer this question quickly

You can take the next step.

But economic pressure continues.

So, I keep looking elsewhere.

Then I ended up coming back again.

While going through this process, a

Let's look at me a little differently.

You, not as someone in your mid-40s

You know how I just encourage you on the shoulder, like I’m looking at my nephew.

Well, even if I do it this way and fail, ah

It's okay, this was all a good experience.

It will be nourishment for me.

Please look at me with that gaze, just like you do this.

Then, if you actually put it into your daily life...

What did you do?

If you unravel it into everyday life

There are at least some things that move me a little bit.

Oh, this looks fun. Oh, I want to try this.

I tried to experience those things no matter what.

Because it can look really fancy from the outside.

And I think it would be really fun and good.

It's not like that when you actually try it.

It's not that I like it

It just looked good when someone else did it.

And if there are any people related to that field

If I want to meet you, I'll try contacting you.

One of the things I remember trying like that

Can you tell me just three things?

First of all, I really love books.

I never thought I would try producing a book myself.

But I ended up trying that part now (Editor)

Also, regarding that new business, you actually launched it, right?

That's right. We tried launching it and seeing the reaction.

I think I went to quite a few gatherings.

And also, just by seeing them

You know, there are ways of life and ways of working.

Then your field of vision expands a lot.

I didn't have before

And something I couldn't see at the academies around me

Completely, really, really

It’s a bit… awkward to share my honest personal journal.

Because I am in the process of exploring myself.

So, it is very secretive and there might be ups and downs.

To other people, they were like, "What's wrong with this kid?"

That's how it was, though.

We all have that side to us humans.

Right? There were days when this was really good.

And on some days, it's not as much as I thought

You might feel that it is not the case.

Or perhaps you have somewhat grasped the situation

But this question is probably

I think it will follow me until I die. While contemplating this part

I was really frustrated.

Because, hey, I'm this old.

Are you still asking this question and still don't know the answer?

And you've spent a whole year and still don't know the answer? But

I have a tentative answer that I am currently coming up with.

However, the answer to this question continues

I think it will change dynamically.

It was a year ago, when I finally broke free and stepped into a new world.

I suppose you could say that I now have a family, much more than before.

And it became a little clearer.

As for me… based on the conclusions I have reached so far

Then, what kind of work do you like, Doctor?

What kind of work do you want to do in the future?

Thank you for your help

In the process of those people's lives changing, tremendously

He seemed happy.

And meaning that didn't exist

Suddenly, at that moment, meaning is attached.

From my perspective, it wasn't a big deal and was a very simple task.

I see a change in that person's life.

Then, suddenly, meaning begins to be attached to this work.

The key factor is also what tool is used.

When I first came out, I went around listening to other people's lectures.

While studying

When I was out and about, I kept trying to look at other people's things.

And they are trying to put someone else's stuff into me.

The equation that person succeeded in

It is not a strength within me.

The difficult process I have inevitably gone through in my life

And the people inside it

People from academia are starting to appear.

Because they are probably having the exact same concerns I did.

And the difficult process I went through, you all

You are going through it just like that.

But the solution to that is now

Someone might be able to provide it.

I am in a situation where I really need mentoring, and it is incredibly difficult.

Mentally and physically

And also regarding the vision

I want to provide some kind of service for the people inside.

You are clearly a useful person.

Even if it isn't necessarily school

You can work while having your expertise recognized in various ways.

Recently, for example

successful in monetization

It would be very helpful if you could give me an example like that.

Yes, that's right. When people first go to study abroad… (Next episode)

Part 3. Monetization: It Ultimately Starts Here

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Then how did you make a living for a year?
By any chance, did you have the funds to last for a while?
Honestly, yes, to be honest...

It was exactly 0 back then.

I was scammed out of all the money I earned in Hong Kong.

Oh, really?

… So that’s why I really made a living doing things like this.

I made much more profit than when I worked in Hong Kong.

And that too in a very short time, ah,

I'll endure for just two months, and I won't starve to death.

So, the one I have

I’ve listed all the ways to monetize.

So, well, for now, I guess I can speak English.

You can also teach Korean to foreigners.

Academic Writing

Or now, advice needed for this study abroad process,

Also, thesis consulting

List these things and

I uploaded everything to Kmong afterwards.

Each in its own category

You just have to wait to get picked.

Still, we can see the market's reaction.

Whether or not this is really necessary for people,

And you know, if you look at YouTube or things like that.

These are the methods of generating profit

Then, among the methods they are using

I wonder if I have anything

Ah... saving up money

It seems you didn't have an easy year.

Of course. Every single month... because

This is what the life of a freelancer is

The ups and downs are really severe.

In parallel and there

Now, the things that are coming out a little

Now, in order to keep connecting it to startup ideas

And now I'm trying that again... It was something I started for the money.

Also, that is what I can do for now.

Yes. That's right… A student thanks to the teacher

I learned something new about academic writing.

It feels like I'm taking a writing class while making this request.

This is what happens.

So regarding this part as well, at first I just... riding

I thought it was just editing,

Through the feedback from those friends, wow, this…

And that motivated me.

Yes. So, practically speaking, because I need to earn money...

I sell the talents I possess or Jeju, but

In that process

What I really have

I think there are many instances where I discover my strengths.

It looks like life has returned to normal.

Just managing the economy like that is enough, right?

Fortunately, not only will I be able to return

To be honest,

It was much more profitable than when I worked (as a PhD/professor) in Hong Kong.

Yes. And in a very short time, too. So

After enduring for two months, ah,

I won't starve to death.

I think I had that thought a bit early.

What was the most helpful thing among them?

Thesis consulting,

Through Kmong.

In the end, he couldn't abandon his background.

Right? If you try hard to throw it away

So, leaving that field now

I said I would never look at that place again.

That is actually the field where I can have the greatest strength.

I ended up confirming that again through Kmong.

Ah, if it were the old days

I cannot be satisfied within that system, but

In the system I create

In order for me to help them

In a direction where I can do my best

I think I can find meaning.

The work (that I was doing) over there

Just because I do the same thing doesn't mean it's meaningless.

I’ve come to think that now.

Then enter Korea

When you come, when you start this life of unemployment

How long did you have the funds to last?

Honestly. Yes, to be honest...

Back then, it was really bread (zero,0) right next

It was on the level where the moon was scary. Yes, because

I was scammed out of all the money I earned in Hong Kong.

Really? So it was real bread. Bread

I was having a mental breakdown in that state.

To someone who is newly becoming unemployed like this

It feels like a scam is definitely coming.

Did I tell you that I was scammed too? Looking back...

Thanks to you, I was able to quickly verify that route (method).

If it weren't for that, I would just slowly wonder again, "Who am I?"

While only asking these kinds of philosophical questions

You might have spent time again.

But that's not it.

Because I have to make a living right now.

So, I looked back on the past year.

What is the best thing you have done?

The best thing I did was, uh,

To myself

It gave me diverse opportunities for experience. For now, I quit.

That decision was very wise.

What I keep thinking about these days is...
There are so many interesting things in the world.

If I

With that track

If I had kept doing it, this person would have had no idea at all.

First off, I'm so glad I quit.

You know how there is that line in movies.

Life is like a box of chocolates. (Forrest Gump)

So, just a few things from there

I was living while tasting it.

As if my whole life were this

The trial and error itself is rather

It made me feel alive.

(In academia) there was a feeling that things were falling into a bit of a rut.

It doesn't seem to be growing anymore, and

It seems like it's stagnating.

Ah, I was wondering if I was really alive...

It is growing.

You are still alive after quitting your job.

So, what makes me feel alive is

I think it's the most important factor.

When living life, even if it's a bit tough...

Then, looking back at the year in reverse...

Ah, I regret this a bit.

You didn't have to do it.

Are there any things like this that felt like a waste of time?

Earlier, during the monetization process… (Next part)

Part 4. A Year of Survival as an Unemployed Person Blindly Chasing a Dream - Part 4 / The Pathetic Me, the First Step Against Fear! A Story of Setting Off to Find My Own Path

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If you are watching this video, I really want to tell you this.

I want to say just one thing to them.

I felt so pathetic.

If you are watching this video, I really want to tell you this.

Because there is too much work.

It was buried only there

When I came out thinking, "Ah, I don't think this is the right way"

I don't know where to start.

I kept going, clinging to the company, but this is not my path.

When you are about to take a small first step

What advice

I didn't have time to plan and come out.

So, my mother's death played a very powerful role.

I was no longer in a position to live abroad, and,

The subject I majored in is not common in Korea.

But if, for me, while I was working

If time is available

While utilizing that strength

I think we'll try to bring our alter egos to life.

So I

What I went through while raising myself

While working, I assumed that diverse experience.

Make good use of your time and try a lot.

What I want and can do well there

And the parts where there is market need

I think I will try to find the intersection quickly.

Then I think you won't have to try so recklessly like I did.

Very stably

While working a regular job, I take home the income

A direction where I can also realize my self,

And ultimately, the situation got bigger in this part

Later, if I don't want to anymore

Able to quit one's job.

In that sense, I think Kmong can be a really good tool.

Absolutely. I think the testing bed is a very good platform.

There are so many people who feel anxious because life really doesn't go their way.

If you could say a word for those who are anxious and worried

From the perspective of the Doctor, who is a step ahead of others

Author Ma's book, "Wandering People Are Special"

I looked back on it after reading the book.

Did I ask this question only now? No, that is not the case.

I found out he'd been doing it since his 20s.

And while doing that, you

How to keep going

I felt like I was asking the same question over and over again.

And I felt so pathetic.

At some point, my perspective changed a little.

Because you are someone who is thirsty for growth

You are always checking on yourself.

Now you are this much

So, if I had grown more than yesterday...

It doesn't have the perspective of yesterday.

So, in that grown-up form now

What kind of life do you want,

You were asking what you have to do right now.

So, the fact that I cannot tolerate periods of stagnant growth.

So I found out.

If there is anyone who thinks they should take that path

Please do not worry too much

Actually, in our own way, there is nothing we can do.

So, if you try even a small action, the answer will come from there.

If you take action, and people don't starve to death easily.

So, I also need time to actually throw myself into the role.

That is the coincidence

I wonder where they are taking me again.

I think it is also necessary to have time to experience it.

Of course, I am the head of the household and I have other family members.

This is quite difficult.

Then, during vacation or something

You know, there are times like this when I can let myself go a little.

Then, now, obtain your spouse's consent and

If you're married, well, if you're single, it's great.

So, leaving the job

I consider this vacation a time to find myself.

I'm just giving it a try.

I just quit my job.

So, assuming that, what are you going to do?

Try spending time like that

I find it much more meaningful than just spending a vacation

I think there is boldness that comes from this.

When I actually tried it

There is a boldness that comes from taking action and experiencing things.

When I only thought of it as a scenario in my head

Never obtainable

I think I can experience those things.

Those times

If you try increasing the frequency a little, you will find that you are worrying in your heart

Couldn't we get out of that stage a bit?

When you make a fresh start

You met me and we became connected again like this.

I have been in contact with you since I was in Hong Kong.

I met him as soon as he arrived.

He was the very first person I met.

Everything you said truly entered my heart.

It resonated as if it had gone out, so we ended up meeting.

I came out like this to study society outside.

I think you have been the best teacher I've ever had.

You are one step ahead of the path I want to take.

And while doing so, as I catch up and learn...

A perspective I couldn't see,

So, for one year

In order for me to change my identity as a scholar

I tried really hard to get my gaze on it, but I got hit by it.

Working closely with the Madam, I learned a lot by watching over her shoulder.

And some things need to change.

It doesn't change all at once just by trying.

But if you are exposed to the environment together

There is something that seeps in without you even realizing it.

But I think you played a really big role in that aspect.

Starting a second life

It feels like home. It feels like your own home base, doesn't it?

And if you come back this way again

It is a problem situation where I think I can find the answer.

Even after bumping into each other

If I lose my way

I think things might ease up a bit if you come back and talk together.

Part 5. The Finale. I Realized This Is More Important Than a Job Title / Interview with Neurolinguist Dr. Cheon Eun-jin Part 5 (Final) – A Year of Survival as a Blindly Unemployed Person in Their 40s

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There is just one thing I want to say to them. If you are currently going through a similar period of wandering, I would like you to ask yourself this one question: Is what I want right now this job title, or the essence of this profession? If you are seeking the essence of the profession, it doesn't necessarily have to be that specific place.

There is just one thing I want to say to them.

If you are currently going through a similar period of wandering

I would like you to ask that one question.

Whether I want this job title right now

Or is it the essence of this profession?

If you desire the essence of this profession

It doesn't necessarily have to be there.

You can do it as much as you want outside.

If I have to become a professor

We have to proceed strategically. Right.

But that's not it.

I research and teach

Regarding certain aspects that are newly and continuously being addressed

I am attempting to answer the questions that have not yet been resolved.

Attempting research,

And about that.

If you are someone who enjoys the process of finding the answer itself

You can do as much as you want by coming out there.

I don't necessarily have to be locked up in the lab to do that.

You can also do it while making a profit.

That's right. The same goes for actual business.

How the same person conducting research

Are you suddenly starting a business? Everyone around me is saying that.

However, if you look at the actual business process, the research process and

They are very similar.

I observe the phenomenon well

necessary services or

You have to find the parts that people are lacking.

This also requires an observation process.

You have to find it there and set up your own hypothesis.

This is exactly the same as the experiment process.

We set up a hypothesis and conduct a pilot study.

I wondered if this would work.

Even when doing business

It goes through that experimental phase.

Before selling it, I wondered if it would really work.

If the hypothesis I set was clearly correct, it comes back as profit.

So, if that subscriber from back then (who gave up their studies due to health reasons) happens to see this video

I really want to tell you this.

What I really wanted to do was research.

If it is compassion to teach, you can do it as much as you want outside as well.

You don't necessarily need a Ph.D., and

I don't think we live in an era where it is recognized as a degree.

If you build up your skills, people outside are calling you an expert.

I'm asking for your help.

I mean. Is that title of wanting to become a professor really that important?

Or I, the work that professor does,

Whether you want to pursue the essence of that profession

I'm doing well at school.

I shouldn't have heard this

With words telling me to run out into society

It might sound like coercion.

I mean, he has kids and a wife and children.

That old man is talking such childish nonsense.

So, everyone is different.

That's right, because

To him, the worries I had lacked depth.

You consider such concerns to be a truly childish question, don't you?

To me, it is a question I consider a matter of life and death.

If you don't have this

I feel like there is no meaning to life in any way.

To him, that is a childish question.

This is not a message for him.

My message is

This is a necessary question for those who share the same concerns as me.

Since I'm answering this question, I'm also...

The point is that the path became clearer a little faster.

Having really similar thoughts

Because there are people who are having such concerns.

In the hope of being of help to them

Even if it is a really small minority

For them, this is really...

It is truly a life question about life itself.

I am certain. Thank you for today.

I really hope this helps.

Because there is too much work.

It was buried only there

When I came out thinking, "I don't think this is the right path"

I don't know where to start.

Could it be that I am the one who can help them now?

I want to live a second life

Those are the people I want to serve.

Anyway, the background I had

So, all my friends are currently abroad.

I have become a professor

or at school

Or there are friends who are on sites like Amazon Meta.

When you look here, people say, "Wow, these are really leading companies."

To a school like that… wow… but

Actually, they need good talent too, you know.

I want to play a bridging role here.

There are people like this here

There are such abilities

There are people who haven't been able to appeal yet.

In a way, you could say he is the coordinator of the academic world.

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