Hi Reader,

I had the unexpected pleasure of seeing Usher perform at the Intuit Dome this week - and it was definitely a Top 5 concert for me.

As some of you know, choosing an unconventional career path can be a lonely endeavor.

One of the first members of my "post-Wall Street tribe" was Paul Millerd, a fellow misfit and writer.

And together on 10/1, we're celebrating his new book Good Work: Reclaiming your Inner Ambition.

Join us as we reimagine our relationship to work (and make some new friends along the way).

When HENRYs become NENRYs

The HENRYs are a coveted demographic.

They're young, educated and tend to be concentrated in big cities.

They are High-Earners with an asterisk. Not Rich Yet.

HENRY.

HENRY's are typically in their late 20s and 30s and earn between $300,000 and $500,000.

Just as I familiarized myself with this acronym, I discovered a new term:

The NENRY.

From our sponsor:

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Here are this week's top reads:

// one

Admitting what is obvious

4 minutes | Every

This essay hit hard. Despite writing for nearly a decade, I struggle to call myself a “writer.” There are many reasons why that's the case, not limited to imposter syndrome and weird internal mental models about status. But when you admit the obvious, freedom ensues. Then you become unstoppable.

→ Read the article​

// two

Kayaks and superyachts

5 minutes | The Imperfectionist

Many of us would like to navigate our careers as if we were the captain of a big ship, seeking control, predictability and narrative coherence. But what if life’s more like a kayak – risky, uncertain and messy. Doing big things requires not only doing the work but also trusting that we’ll eventually reach our destination.

→ Read the article​

// three

Pursuing what you want without spending much time considering why you want it

3 minutes | Reddit

Many young professionals are eager to get “there.” Whether it’s money, power, or success, they’re laser-focused on the outcome and will do anything to make it happen. But not having clarity on why they’re doing it can make success feel hard, lonely and leave them wondering: “Was it truly worth it?”.

→ Read the tweetstorm​

This Week on The Examined Life Podcast

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This week's episode: How do you find meaning after an IPO? ​

Below the Fold
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LAST WEEK'S MOST READ

• ​A home ownership blind spot (RadReads, 625 clicks)
• ​The Mr. Beast memo is a guide to the Gen Z workforce (Kyla Scanlon 482 clicks)

​

And finally, every kid’s dream at the playground.

With gratitude,

Khe

PS, here's how we can help you:

​Apply for our Coaching programs: Are you an executive or founder undergoing a career change? We’ll give you frameworks and accountability for this transition.

​The Life Operating System: Your home base for personal productivity. It combines tasks, notes, project management and a CRM in one place.

​Supercharge your Productivity: Learn how our $10K Work method can help you improve your mind, career and relationships.

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