“Kim Jaewoo’s ‘Time in Silicon Valley’”

After encountering books like ‘Lift Off,’ chronicling the saga of SpaceX, and ‘Elon Musk: Architect of the Future,’ exploring Elon Musk’s life, my interest in Silicon Valley has naturally increased. Spending a considerable amount of time reading books as I welcome the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, I felt a renewed sense of excitement after delving into the stories of Elon Musk and SpaceX.

Someone once said, “If you have a dream, you’re forever young.” Looking back, I too had dreams in the past. However, as I immersed myself in my career, I gradually became entangled in reality and settled for a life content with the status quo. Recently, while reading books, I find myself rekindling those “dreams.” Though living a life similar to Elon Musk’s might be impractical, I realized the importance of keeping a fervent desire alive within oneself.

“Dr. Kim Jaewoo’s ‘Time in Silicon Valley'”

With a rapidly growing interest in Silicon Valley, I visited the Seoul Library and stumbled upon this book. Judging by the title alone, I expected it to provide sufficient information about Silicon Valley. However, upon reading, I found it a bit disappointing. While the overall content of the book is not bad, it doesn’t primarily focus on Silicon Valley. Instead, it emphasizes the concept of “multi-switching,” encouraging readers to try various things, even if it means facing failures.

The book suggests that just like in Silicon Valley, where failure is considered natural, young people in South Korea should not fear failure but continuously strive for success. It conveys a message urging constant challenges rather than sticking to a single endeavor.

“Multi-Switching”

The core concept the book revolves around is “multi-switching.” It explains this as a recent popular idea akin to the concept of a “sub-character” and advocates for quick trials of diverse things rather than sticking to a single pursuit. Many successful ideas and companies have originated from this concept, such as Starbucks providing a third space, Blue Bottle selling high-quality coffee, and Airbnb starting from renting out spare rooms.

Ultimately, the book conveys the message that the era of focusing on one thing with unwavering dedication has passed. Just like the heroes who survived in the Three Kingdoms era, adapting to a changing world and moving swiftly are crucial. The author seems to believe that qualities like “direction,” “change,” “agility,” and “speed” are necessary.

“Personal Network”

The book introduces the idea that Silicon Valley allows for diverse interpersonal exchanges, and there’s rarely an attempt at something alone. Especially, Silicon Valley businesses often collaborate, and the book emphasizes the synergy that comes from working together.

Even in my relatively short life, I’ve realized the importance of a “personal network.” People need to gather to accomplish something, and trying new things often starts with people coming together. A person with a rich personal network is likely to try new things and have a higher chance of success.

“The Importance of Learning English”

In my younger years, I couldn’t understand why I needed to study English, but as I age, its importance becomes more apparent. Communication is essential to become a global talent, and now that English has the status of an international language, it’s crucial to be familiar with it.

Personally, I majored in English literature in college and continued working in a job that required constant English use. Therefore, I don’t feel a significant amount of stress regarding English. As I age, I recognize that my ability to communicate in English is an advantage, and I appreciate the importance of English in my life.

“The Urgency and Switching”

To align with the book’s core message of “multi-switching,” I’m making efforts on my own. Welcoming the New Year of 2024, I’m studying the basics of computer science and starting to learn coding, something I neglected for a long time.

Although I once majored in computer engineering and even received a degree, I completely forgot the content due to changing my major to English literature. However, now that I’ve studied English to a considerable extent, there isn’t much pressure. While I’ve dabbled in learning other foreign languages like Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese, I believe relearning technical subjects like coding will be more beneficial.

I don’t know when or how it will be useful, but I’m gradually and busily preparing for my version of “multi-switching.”

“The History of Urgency and Switching”

Throughout history, urgency has driven change and led to victories. Looking at the situations unfolding in South Korea, things don’t seem optimistic. Issues like the lowest birth rate, high-interest rates, and inflation are prevalent. Particularly, the real estate problem has turned into a time bomb rather than a source of wealth.

Looking ahead, it’s not just the future of South Korea that worries me. Considering my age, I’m starting to worry about what I’ll do and how I’ll live after leaving my current job. In this situation, I hold onto a desperate mindset, preparing for a time when I can move forward globally. Like Kim Jaewoo, who travels the world for work, I also aspire to work and explore globally.

‘Time in Silicon Valley’