I know this is a diverse group, and I’d like to help everyone get to know each other. If you’re up for it, take a minute to introduce yourself in this thread. One or two sentences about what you do, what your biggest challenge is, and a link to your work. Our readers will be able to get to this thread from the weekly newsletter, so let’s keep it going!
Hi, my name is Neal Moore, a Brit based in Singapore (which is lucky right now!). For work I help people and organisations tell better stories for business at www.mooreslore.com, for fun I write about music and art at www.vintagemedia.co. I was lucky enough to win a place at the La Salle College of The Arts WritersLab starting this week to develop my screenwriting skills, which I guess I could write about too. Anyway, please to meet you!
Congratulations on getting a place at WritersLab, Neal! That's such good news especially considering the long process you've already gone through trying to make a feature film. For everyone's benefit, Neal tried to make a feature film about the Bromley Contingent. If you want the gory details, or are just a fan of punk and the Sex Pistols and that era of music and culture, it's all here: https://www.vintagemedia.co/post/how-i-almost-made-a-film-about-the-bromley-contingent
Hello guys! Gelo Dionora here. I'm a communications manager for a boutique creative agency and a freelance lifestyle writer for different print and online publications in the Philippines.
I saw "Foolish Careers" via LinkedIn. The title got me hooked because I felt like "Foolish Careers" sums up how I've navigated my professional career so far--landing full-time jobs at PR/advertising agencies, taking breaks for my mental health (but eventually taking up freelance projects anyway because I just love writing, reading, and learning), and juggling many writing gigs at once.
While I don't have specific personal projects in the works lately, I've been busy getting to know as many artists, writers, creatives, etc., as possible, because I just love learning and understanding what makes artistic people driven and inspired. I've been meaning to write and/or contribute features and thought pieces to other publications, so if you guys have any writing ideas or projects that we can collaborate with, game! I'm most especially interested in culture, fashion, the arts, and mental health. Great to meet everyone!
Hiya! Pooja, Chambal Media. We do grassroots feminist media content from the media-dark hinterlands of northern India. We're intersectional, we're diverse and how! Khabar Lahariya, our news network, run by Dalit women reporters & editors, is out flagship brand. More planned for 2021! https://chambalmedia.com/
Foolish Folk: This is a network of women reporters and stringers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Check out their showreel: https://vimeo.com/403663600
Ooh lots! Expansion for the news network and also moving into worlds beyond news - so more media products like films, research, campaigns, podcasts and more! (My side hustle's writing - though I'm not sure I can call it hustle legit ha ha). Thanks for the network, Timi. So many coolios here. Like you. :)
Jeremy Torr here. Ex-British, Ex-Australian, ex-Singaporean and now a proud Tasmanian. In previous lives I worked variously as a journalist, editor, media trainer, bicycle maker and sailor. I have no training for most of these. I enjoy writing and good reading, and also working with other writers to improve our mutual skill levels. Take a look at https://jeremytorr.medium.com for an idea of what I like doing when I'm not working. Cheers.
Hello everyone, I'm Olivia. I'm a filmmaker - writer, director, and producer based in Singapore and originally from Indonesia. I've directed a few short films, including a romantic comedy short film and an experimental dance short film.
I'm currently writing an animation series project and also co-directing an animation comedy short film. Besides these projects, I'm aiming to finish a TV pilot script.
In the daytime, I work in a publisher's branded content team, specialising in social media and digital analytics.
I'm always open for collaborations. Please feel free to check out my works at https://oliviagriselda.com.
Thank you Timi :) The TV pilot script is an inter-generational comedy about an elderly woman who's dealing with her recent divorce with the help of her teenage granddaughters. I developed the premise at an online scriptwriting class and I can't wait to flesh out the story :)
Hi Fools! Oli here, running a tech PR and content agency and constantly wondering what random career paths I could have taken (or might still). We're working across the spectrum of tech, from gaming and esports to cybersecurity which appeals to my ADD brain. When not working I love ambitious cooking projects (fermenting, smoking, curing, pickling, brining etc), playing guitar and wrestling with my Goldendoodle, Nanook. Very excited for Foolish Careers' journey. Timi, hoping you soon write a feature about a PR Guy that switched careers to become a fighter pilot...
Hi team, good to meet you all. I'm Fraser from Far Features https://www.farfeatures.com/. I spend my time mainly in the documentary space. Enjoying the reading Timi!
Hola! Celine Veloso here. Chief-of-Staff at a boutique digital agency on weekdays and Reiki energy healer, meditation teacher on weekends. Last year, I collaborated with scratch DJ Arthug to produce reiki-infused affirmation music. If you're curious what that sounds like, you may find the album "SCRUBBING GOOD VIBRATIONS" on Spotify or Youtube. I'm looking to explore more creative projects and collaborations where I can promote Reiki as a complementary healing therapy to the mainstream.
Hello! I am a writer and editor in the tech space by day and a literary novelist by night. I'm considering releasing my first novel via Wattpad and would love to meet other writers who have done that! You can find me at http://ellegriffin.com or follow my newsletter at ellegriffin.substack.com.
Hi everyone 🤗! Thibaut here, french living in Singapore, developer turned marketer turned entrepreneur. One area i want to develop in 2021 is storytelling, as in creating scripts and stories (as opposed to "random copywriting hacks" 😉). I have so much to learn in the space and would love to chat about it with you guys!
Hi, everyone! My name's Wayne Rée. I'm the author of the short story collection, Tales From A Tiny Room, as well as co-creator of the comic, Mr Memphis, and the narrative podcast, Ghost Maps. I've also contributed stories to publications such as Infinite Worlds Magazine and LONTAR: The Journal of Southeast Asian Speculative Fiction.
I'd worked full-time as a copywriter in agencies for around a decade, but made the switch to freelancing close to a year ago, choosing to work only on projects that I believe in or, at the very least, with collaborators whose work I admire. Since then, I've done everything from scripts to masterclasses and panels.
Hi Wayne, welcome! Really like this: “Choosing to work only on projects that I believe in or, at the very least, with collaborators whose work I admire.” What gave you the confidence to be picky? I use that word as something to aspire to :)
Health problems! :D I had chest pains early last year while working on a particularly difficult client, and the doctors basically told me it wasn't for any physical reasons. That's when I realised that I'd devoted way too much time to projects that I not only didn't care for, but were detrimental to my own well-being. Even then, I don't think it was until maybe my third freelance job that I truly had the confidence to go, "Holy shit, I can do this!" (Also, lots and lots of encouragement from my partner and friends, all of whom saw the difference in me almost immediately.)
Hi everyone! Wow, people have so many interesting jobs, projects and businesses! My name is Lisa Wallin, and I'm based in Tokyo, Japan. I work as a senior editor for Tokyo Weekender https://www.tokyoweekender.com/ but also do a heap of freelance work, usually travel consulting and writing for local governments and businesses across Japan. You can find more about that here: https://www.lisa-wallin.com/
My biggest challenge is following through on personal projects. I have so many ideas and recently I've realized I want to do more content on my own blog/website/Youtube. I definitely find it easier to commit with external motivators, though!
Hi everyone! My name is Marla Darwin, from the Philippines. What occupies most of time is running and designing for NS Design, a small design studio that specializes in brand identity and packaging design. I started this together with my husband. The entrepreneurial life can be a special sort of heaven and hell when you're doing it with your spouse lol. We've always been a WFH outfit but we also work out of Studio Kapitbahay, a shared space with other creatives––it's a refurbished 1960's house in a suburb in Metro Manila. I sometimes contribute articles for local publications (I once had a column about millennial motherhood that ran for nearly 5 years).
My husband recently joined forces with friends to be part of a beer brewing company. Craft beer is a new ball we're juggling in the circus of our lives but we have big dreams for it. It's called Palm Tree Abbey and they're in the process of building a new setup that can accommodate more volume. I do the designs for their beer labels.
It helps that I have a partner alongside these ventures. Living and parenting together have calibrated us to do our work in bursts, instead of long stretches. Then we cover for each other when the other isn't available for certain tasks. I don't think this is sustainable for a lot of people, but managing multiple hats is second nature to us and makes life more interesting.
Hi! I'm Tim, a Singapore-based freelance journalist / producer / filmy dude / photographer / podcaster. At the moment, I'm mostly business reporting for BBC online, but I usually have a few side projects bubbling away, and I'm always open to discussing projects. Here's my portfolio site - http://timothymcdonald.news/ and here's my podcast site. http://thehumidity.sg/ - and you can also find that pod on all the major platforms. I'm currently working on a bunch of new episodes. Good luck with the pod and newsletter, Timi!
Hello, all, I'm Yen! I'm a British-Malaysian writer, publisher, and mentor (previously musician and tour & project manager). My biggest challenge is concentrating on one thing... I seem to need to have a few things going on to be motivated. You can read me at https://yenooi.substack.com/. Brilliant seeing such varied backgrounds in this list!
Thanks, Timi! I'm working on a creative writing PhD with Chinese science fiction at the moment, to explore how 'cultural writing' can be applied to decolonise a Western genre like science fiction. It's really exciting reading current SF from China and by East Asian writers internationally. It's also helping me discover my own identity and voice through my own writing. For anyone who's curious, here's a recent academic paper that I wrote on Chinese SF: https://sfrareview.org/2020/09/04/50-2-a11ooi/
My name is Georgina (you can call me George / Georgie). My background is in advertising and marketing technology, and these past 2 years have seen me dive into my own foolish (ly wonderful) career of executive life coaching - helping others let go of their fears, embrace their wild, foolish and creative natures and take the leap of faith in themselves. Well done Timi for trailblazing and shining the light for others to follow!
My name is Blue Siytangco and I’ve had multiple jobs and careers that span a wide spectrum. I’ve been a librarian, a baker, a microbiologist, a construction estimator, a physical therapy technician, and now I’m a martial arts instructor/past life regression therapist/spiritual life coach/Daoist priest.
Hi everyone, my name is Andrea Edwards and my brand is The Digital Conversationalist. I work with global MNCs to inspire their leadership teams and wider employees to embrace a social leadership mindset, with service, integrity and giving the central tenet for participation. I've also published a book '18 Steps to an All-Star LinkedIn Profile' (which was added to two Book Authority’s listings as the ‘100 Best LinkedIn Books of All Time’ and ‘22 Best New LinkedIn eBooks To Read In 2021’) and will be soon launching a new brand and book entitled 'Uncommon Courage' which is my commitment to create conversations that make people think about the bigger issues facing our world and what we can all do about it. Based in Phuket, Thailand, I am so happy to see Foolish Careers Timi. Just perfect and I know you'll do a beautiful job xxxxx
Never happier than when on location with the sun in my eyes and a script in my hand, my passion for storytelling has not diminished an iota after 20 years of working behind the camera. My story began in the competitive advertising industry where I shot commercials for the likes of Coca-Cola, Johnson&Johnson whilst working with agencies such as Saatchi and Saatchi and McCann Ericsson. After moving to Singapore, I followed the industry's shift to online content and landed the job of my dreams – directing a travel show.
Hi, my name is Neal Moore, a Brit based in Singapore (which is lucky right now!). For work I help people and organisations tell better stories for business at www.mooreslore.com, for fun I write about music and art at www.vintagemedia.co. I was lucky enough to win a place at the La Salle College of The Arts WritersLab starting this week to develop my screenwriting skills, which I guess I could write about too. Anyway, please to meet you!
Congratulations on getting a place at WritersLab, Neal! That's such good news especially considering the long process you've already gone through trying to make a feature film. For everyone's benefit, Neal tried to make a feature film about the Bromley Contingent. If you want the gory details, or are just a fan of punk and the Sex Pistols and that era of music and culture, it's all here: https://www.vintagemedia.co/post/how-i-almost-made-a-film-about-the-bromley-contingent
Hello guys! Gelo Dionora here. I'm a communications manager for a boutique creative agency and a freelance lifestyle writer for different print and online publications in the Philippines.
I saw "Foolish Careers" via LinkedIn. The title got me hooked because I felt like "Foolish Careers" sums up how I've navigated my professional career so far--landing full-time jobs at PR/advertising agencies, taking breaks for my mental health (but eventually taking up freelance projects anyway because I just love writing, reading, and learning), and juggling many writing gigs at once.
While I don't have specific personal projects in the works lately, I've been busy getting to know as many artists, writers, creatives, etc., as possible, because I just love learning and understanding what makes artistic people driven and inspired. I've been meaning to write and/or contribute features and thought pieces to other publications, so if you guys have any writing ideas or projects that we can collaborate with, game! I'm most especially interested in culture, fashion, the arts, and mental health. Great to meet everyone!
Hi Gelo, welcome to our little corner of the Internet!
Hiya! Pooja, Chambal Media. We do grassroots feminist media content from the media-dark hinterlands of northern India. We're intersectional, we're diverse and how! Khabar Lahariya, our news network, run by Dalit women reporters & editors, is out flagship brand. More planned for 2021! https://chambalmedia.com/
Foolish Folk: This is a network of women reporters and stringers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Check out their showreel: https://vimeo.com/403663600
Pooja, welcome! It’s so cool to have you here. What new things are you launching in 2021?
Ooh lots! Expansion for the news network and also moving into worlds beyond news - so more media products like films, research, campaigns, podcasts and more! (My side hustle's writing - though I'm not sure I can call it hustle legit ha ha). Thanks for the network, Timi. So many coolios here. Like you. :)
Too kind! I’m just a nerd, standing in front of other nerds, asking them to nerd out.
Ha ha love that!
What's a nerd?
Hiya folks.
Jeremy Torr here. Ex-British, Ex-Australian, ex-Singaporean and now a proud Tasmanian. In previous lives I worked variously as a journalist, editor, media trainer, bicycle maker and sailor. I have no training for most of these. I enjoy writing and good reading, and also working with other writers to improve our mutual skill levels. Take a look at https://jeremytorr.medium.com for an idea of what I like doing when I'm not working. Cheers.
Well, fancy meeting you here stranger ....
It's true, you meet the best people on Foolish Careers ;)
Hello JT, and welcome!
Hello everyone, I'm Olivia. I'm a filmmaker - writer, director, and producer based in Singapore and originally from Indonesia. I've directed a few short films, including a romantic comedy short film and an experimental dance short film.
I'm currently writing an animation series project and also co-directing an animation comedy short film. Besides these projects, I'm aiming to finish a TV pilot script.
In the daytime, I work in a publisher's branded content team, specialising in social media and digital analytics.
I'm always open for collaborations. Please feel free to check out my works at https://oliviagriselda.com.
You may also connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviagriselda/
Thank you and see you around!
Welcome, Olivia! So glad to have you here :) If you’re able to talk about your TV pilot script - what is it about?
Thank you Timi :) The TV pilot script is an inter-generational comedy about an elderly woman who's dealing with her recent divorce with the help of her teenage granddaughters. I developed the premise at an online scriptwriting class and I can't wait to flesh out the story :)
Hahaha! What could possibly go wrong :)
Hi Fools! Oli here, running a tech PR and content agency and constantly wondering what random career paths I could have taken (or might still). We're working across the spectrum of tech, from gaming and esports to cybersecurity which appeals to my ADD brain. When not working I love ambitious cooking projects (fermenting, smoking, curing, pickling, brining etc), playing guitar and wrestling with my Goldendoodle, Nanook. Very excited for Foolish Careers' journey. Timi, hoping you soon write a feature about a PR Guy that switched careers to become a fighter pilot...
Welcome, Oli! Didn't know about the guitar - neat.
Hi team, good to meet you all. I'm Fraser from Far Features https://www.farfeatures.com/. I spend my time mainly in the documentary space. Enjoying the reading Timi!
Hola! Celine Veloso here. Chief-of-Staff at a boutique digital agency on weekdays and Reiki energy healer, meditation teacher on weekends. Last year, I collaborated with scratch DJ Arthug to produce reiki-infused affirmation music. If you're curious what that sounds like, you may find the album "SCRUBBING GOOD VIBRATIONS" on Spotify or Youtube. I'm looking to explore more creative projects and collaborations where I can promote Reiki as a complementary healing therapy to the mainstream.
Hi Celine, welcome! Feel free to share links to your music collab!
Thank you, Timi! Loving your stories :) Looking forward to the next ones.
Links to the music below:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1AIqCeqqG6Ri2IZWhL5BhM?si=l1VE_NQwQYSGnK2QZE6dDQ
Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB4LgcrTQxlT7kmwmeFGptQDbitj9hjjS
Hello! I am a writer and editor in the tech space by day and a literary novelist by night. I'm considering releasing my first novel via Wattpad and would love to meet other writers who have done that! You can find me at http://ellegriffin.com or follow my newsletter at ellegriffin.substack.com.
Hi Elle, welcome and good to meet you.
Hi everyone 🤗! Thibaut here, french living in Singapore, developer turned marketer turned entrepreneur. One area i want to develop in 2021 is storytelling, as in creating scripts and stories (as opposed to "random copywriting hacks" 😉). I have so much to learn in the space and would love to chat about it with you guys!
Welcome, Thibaut! Many scriptwriters and storytellers here ... it’s a great idea, I will chew on it. 💡
Hi, everyone! My name's Wayne Rée. I'm the author of the short story collection, Tales From A Tiny Room, as well as co-creator of the comic, Mr Memphis, and the narrative podcast, Ghost Maps. I've also contributed stories to publications such as Infinite Worlds Magazine and LONTAR: The Journal of Southeast Asian Speculative Fiction.
I'd worked full-time as a copywriter in agencies for around a decade, but made the switch to freelancing close to a year ago, choosing to work only on projects that I believe in or, at the very least, with collaborators whose work I admire. Since then, I've done everything from scripts to masterclasses and panels.
You can find me at http://waynereewrites.com/
Hi Wayne, welcome! Really like this: “Choosing to work only on projects that I believe in or, at the very least, with collaborators whose work I admire.” What gave you the confidence to be picky? I use that word as something to aspire to :)
Health problems! :D I had chest pains early last year while working on a particularly difficult client, and the doctors basically told me it wasn't for any physical reasons. That's when I realised that I'd devoted way too much time to projects that I not only didn't care for, but were detrimental to my own well-being. Even then, I don't think it was until maybe my third freelance job that I truly had the confidence to go, "Holy shit, I can do this!" (Also, lots and lots of encouragement from my partner and friends, all of whom saw the difference in me almost immediately.)
Hi everyone! Wow, people have so many interesting jobs, projects and businesses! My name is Lisa Wallin, and I'm based in Tokyo, Japan. I work as a senior editor for Tokyo Weekender https://www.tokyoweekender.com/ but also do a heap of freelance work, usually travel consulting and writing for local governments and businesses across Japan. You can find more about that here: https://www.lisa-wallin.com/
My biggest challenge is following through on personal projects. I have so many ideas and recently I've realized I want to do more content on my own blog/website/Youtube. I definitely find it easier to commit with external motivators, though!
Hi everyone! My name is Marla Darwin, from the Philippines. What occupies most of time is running and designing for NS Design, a small design studio that specializes in brand identity and packaging design. I started this together with my husband. The entrepreneurial life can be a special sort of heaven and hell when you're doing it with your spouse lol. We've always been a WFH outfit but we also work out of Studio Kapitbahay, a shared space with other creatives––it's a refurbished 1960's house in a suburb in Metro Manila. I sometimes contribute articles for local publications (I once had a column about millennial motherhood that ran for nearly 5 years).
My husband recently joined forces with friends to be part of a beer brewing company. Craft beer is a new ball we're juggling in the circus of our lives but we have big dreams for it. It's called Palm Tree Abbey and they're in the process of building a new setup that can accommodate more volume. I do the designs for their beer labels.
Links:
http://nsdesign.ph
http://instagram.com/palmtreeabbey
Wow, Marla, that’s a lot of juggling! How are you splitting your brainspace between the design studio and the craft beer venture?
It helps that I have a partner alongside these ventures. Living and parenting together have calibrated us to do our work in bursts, instead of long stretches. Then we cover for each other when the other isn't available for certain tasks. I don't think this is sustainable for a lot of people, but managing multiple hats is second nature to us and makes life more interesting.
Hi! I'm Tim, a Singapore-based freelance journalist / producer / filmy dude / photographer / podcaster. At the moment, I'm mostly business reporting for BBC online, but I usually have a few side projects bubbling away, and I'm always open to discussing projects. Here's my portfolio site - http://timothymcdonald.news/ and here's my podcast site. http://thehumidity.sg/ - and you can also find that pod on all the major platforms. I'm currently working on a bunch of new episodes. Good luck with the pod and newsletter, Timi!
Thanks, Tim! Folks - Tim has an awesome tagline for his podcast: "Tales from the sweaty latitudes." Listen to his conversation with a headhunter here: https://www.thehumidity.sg/episode/headhunters-in-cars-getting-lunch- (not the kind that can get you a job)
Hello, all, I'm Yen! I'm a British-Malaysian writer, publisher, and mentor (previously musician and tour & project manager). My biggest challenge is concentrating on one thing... I seem to need to have a few things going on to be motivated. You can read me at https://yenooi.substack.com/. Brilliant seeing such varied backgrounds in this list!
You must tell us more about your research on Chinese science fiction.
Thanks, Timi! I'm working on a creative writing PhD with Chinese science fiction at the moment, to explore how 'cultural writing' can be applied to decolonise a Western genre like science fiction. It's really exciting reading current SF from China and by East Asian writers internationally. It's also helping me discover my own identity and voice through my own writing. For anyone who's curious, here's a recent academic paper that I wrote on Chinese SF: https://sfrareview.org/2020/09/04/50-2-a11ooi/
Welcome to this little corner of the Internet, Yen!
Hello everyone,
My name is Georgina (you can call me George / Georgie). My background is in advertising and marketing technology, and these past 2 years have seen me dive into my own foolish (ly wonderful) career of executive life coaching - helping others let go of their fears, embrace their wild, foolish and creative natures and take the leap of faith in themselves. Well done Timi for trailblazing and shining the light for others to follow!
Hey, y’all!
My name is Blue Siytangco and I’ve had multiple jobs and careers that span a wide spectrum. I’ve been a librarian, a baker, a microbiologist, a construction estimator, a physical therapy technician, and now I’m a martial arts instructor/past life regression therapist/spiritual life coach/Daoist priest.
Welcome, Blue! I didn’t know about the microbiologist bit.
Yup. I worked for Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas School of Public Health.
Hi everyone, my name is Andrea Edwards and my brand is The Digital Conversationalist. I work with global MNCs to inspire their leadership teams and wider employees to embrace a social leadership mindset, with service, integrity and giving the central tenet for participation. I've also published a book '18 Steps to an All-Star LinkedIn Profile' (which was added to two Book Authority’s listings as the ‘100 Best LinkedIn Books of All Time’ and ‘22 Best New LinkedIn eBooks To Read In 2021’) and will be soon launching a new brand and book entitled 'Uncommon Courage' which is my commitment to create conversations that make people think about the bigger issues facing our world and what we can all do about it. Based in Phuket, Thailand, I am so happy to see Foolish Careers Timi. Just perfect and I know you'll do a beautiful job xxxxx
Thanks so much, Andrea, and don't forget to share your links!
Ooops, here's my Website xxx https://andreatedwards.com/
Never happier than when on location with the sun in my eyes and a script in my hand, my passion for storytelling has not diminished an iota after 20 years of working behind the camera. My story began in the competitive advertising industry where I shot commercials for the likes of Coca-Cola, Johnson&Johnson whilst working with agencies such as Saatchi and Saatchi and McCann Ericsson. After moving to Singapore, I followed the industry's shift to online content and landed the job of my dreams – directing a travel show.
Now with borders closed, and the travel industry facing a crisis, my world has been turned upside down. But in that quiet, I have found the courage to explore a new passion. That is how my podcast “The Brown Box” came to life - https://open.spotify.com/show/2gkri0Esb5XwH29Vx95Gm0?si=CbvJ7SX7S2CmXgyc3HzFLQ
Although I miss being ‘on the road’, podcasting has opened a whole new exciting world for me and breathed life into my desire to tell stories.
A lovely intro, Rani, and thank you for sharing your podcast.
Hello Tanmoy, I’m so glad you’re here! Respect for what you’re doing with Sanity.