Recently, I celebrated my sixty seventh birthday. I find it hard to believe I am 67 years old (68 or 69 in Korean age) already and have realized that the old adage “time flies” is very true. Now that I am retired and sipping and ice café latte on the beach in Busan, I ‘ve come to appreciate not only all of the people in my life but the fact that things turned out better than I originally thought years ago when I started my legal career.
Looking back, like anyone else my life had ups and downs. But if you told me 40 years ago that I would work for the Samsung Group in Seoul and witness the “Miracle on the Han” or that I would end up as General Counsel for the US subsidiary of the world’s largest electronics company I would have laughed. Back then I never thought I would find and marry the love of my life in Korea nor become a father of fabulous children who are now amazing adults. Back then I never thought about grandchildren. Now I have four! I have to say things somehow conspired to make my dreams come true and then some. Of course I had to take chances. I had to act on the goals I set and when the doors opened up I had to walk through them. But once I was ready opportunities did present themselves.
Everyone (whether retired or not) should celebrate their lives and in fact be grateful for the people and things in their life. When I was traveling in Spain recently I noticed a slower pace of living. People were enjoying long dinners, meeting up with friends in the local plazas, or strolling along the tree lined streets or promenades. I see many people in the US or even in Korea who are too rushed to be bothered with such pastimes. But in the end, life is about family and friends. Sure, having a good job or working hard to start a company is important but now and then it pays to slow down. Stop and smell the roses. Take a deep breath.
I believe every person has things or people in their life to be grateful for. Whether it is friends, family, wealth, health, a job that puts bread on the table, a promising or potential career, the ability to fulfill your dreams or even the ability to dream at all…there are numerous things to be grateful for. Look around you. If you are reading this, you must be alive and cognizant of your surroundings. Congratulations! A large number of people are just floating through life without being aware of the people or things in their life. If you are not happy with where you are in your career, there are numerous tools (on-line and elsewhere) to help you achieve your goals once you set them. Remember you must set them and take action. Never before in the history of mankind has so much information been made available to the average person. You don’t even have to go to the local library if you don’t want to.
So I just want to remind everyone to stop and smell the roses. Take time out of your busy day to reflect upon the friends and family in your life. Be appreciate of the job you have or the career you have. Be grateful for the co-workers you have, the partners you have or the colleagues you have. Many of whom actually do have your back. Not happy? Take steps to accomplish your goals. Ask yourself the hard questions. What do you really want and why? Map out your goals and sub-goals and work towards your dream. Walk through the door when it opens. Or even crawl through a window.
Count your blessings.
Over time nothing stays the same including dreams. Have you adjusted for the change?
I recently returned from a month long trip to Spain. My wife and I visited Spain for a few days 14 years ago and always wanted to return. We loved it. Madrid was spectacular, Barcelona was nice and of course Toledo was cool. But moving to Korea, establishing a new career and going through the Covid pandemic prevented us from returning until now. We vowed to ourselves we would stay in Spain longer than 4 or 5 days this time and travel to as many cities as possible. This time we saw 14 cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Toledo. We spent 10 days in Madrid and 8 days in Barcelona. We traveled to other cities such as Granada and Seville too. Some cities we loved and some did not live up to expectations. Why? Our perception of them changed.
We noticed on our trip to Spain this time that despite traveling during the non-tourist season the crowds in many of the cities (especially Madrid, Cordoba and Toledo) reminded us of high season in Europe. The tour groups were everywhere. In fact, in several situations the crowds were so large we decided not to go into the local gothic cathedral or visit the nearby palace because it was too exhausting. Some of our favorite museums were packed with tour groups (including Korean tour groups) that prevented us from seeing some of the paintings we really wanted to see. Though all in all the trip to Spain was amazing we realized we loved the smaller less traveled cities or out of the way places more than the big cities which were packed with tourists.
Madrid was no longer our favorite city in Spain (though still majestic it was no longer as quite as impressive as we remembered). Madrid itself really did not change. Our perceptions of if it changed. We felt the crowds were larger. The city was not a spectacular as before because it was not no longer new. We fell in love with Barcelona’s Mediterranean vibe this time around and spent a great deal of time walking around the gothic quarter. We realized we loved the alley ways of the city more than just looking at Gaudi architecture. Cities like Ronda, Salamanca, Cadiz and Girona became our favorites. We found our perceptions had changed. In essence, the more time we spent in Spain the more we realized our likes and dislikes changed a little from our previous visit.
This reinforces my belief that our perceptions change over time. Whether you are establishing a career, chasing a dream, going into retirement or even managing risk, your perceptions are changing. Maybe your view of risk has changed. Maybe your dream career is no longer what you thought it was. Maybe retirement is not as special as you thought it might be. Reality in fact does not change as much as our perceptions of it has. How we view life changes over time. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. Do you want to end up chasing the elusive brass ring only to find it meaningless at the end? Do you want to end up in a career you no longer love or find interesting? What to do?
I think for those still working or ready to retire you need to have an honest conversation with yourself about your likes and dislikes. What you found interesting or exciting 5 or 10 years ago you may no longer be interested in. Why did you really start that career? Are you really ready for retirement? Are the risks you company faces different from the risks it faced 5 years ago or has your perception (or the company’s perception) of the risks changed? To avoid being caught off guard or realizing after it is too late that the path you wanted to take might not be the right path for you I suggest the following actions:
The above list is just a sample of questions you should ask yourself. Think really hard about your goals, dreams and plans. Are your dreams what you really want? Have your interests changed? Remember, as time goes by, your perceptions might have changed. The earlier you address them the better.
As I sit near the beach close to my home, I am contemplating the tragic deaths of those who died in a recent crowd surge in Itaewon. The latest reports have the death toll at 151 with the vast majority of those who died under the age of 30. Most were in their early 20s. Halloween in Seoul did not become the joyous occasion everyone anticipated. I can’t help but ask the eternal question- why? Why did so many young kids lose their lives while people like myself struggle forward and continue to move on one step at a time?
I think none of us will ever know the answer to the above-mentioned question. Why some people live and others die will remain unanswered- at least in our lifetime. And perhaps that’s how it should be. We don’t know the workings of the Universe, even as it relates to our lives. If so, what question should we then ask or what should we do? It is obvious we cannot control events but it is equally obvious we can control our actions toward those events.
I think all of us must be grateful for our lives and those family members and friends in them. Gratefulness is something we all should feel regardless of how a bad day we are having. After all, we are still alive! Unlike the poor families who lost their sons and daughters, our families most probably do not have to mourn. But what else? Is gratefulness enough? I think the human soul strives for more than gratefulness. It strives for a sense of worth or accomplishment. Gratefulness is part of it. But so is striving to do something worthwhile.
For those of us who retired, a sense of worth no longer comes from a job or job title. Even some who continue to work may not feel self-worth through a job. I’ve read that approximately 75 % of those who work do not like their jobs. If that’s the case, where doe one find self-worth? The answer is obvious. By following your dreams or your passion. Or, by doing something that can make a difference in someone else’s life, no matter how small. Make someone happy today.
It’s really about honoring those who came before us or died before their time. Celebrate their lives by taking action- follow your dreams and make the most of your life. After all, that was what they were trying to do. What does that entail? Well, you need to think about a number of issues and ask yourself tough questions. Many people tend to work in jobs they don’t like or take up professions they are not too excited about because it’s easier to do so than really figure out what makes them happy. Figuring out what makes you happy and taking steps to follow your dreams may not be as easy as you think. You need to ask yourself a number of questions such as:
Many people, unfortunately, go through life without thinking seriously about their dreams, aspirations, and passions. They tend to stumble through life in a zombie-like manner. To honor those who came before you or who have died before their time, I think it is incumbent on all of us to think about our lives and how to make our lives richer and more fulfilling. To honor those before you, follow your dreams.
Sitting at my desk overlooking the beach in Busan has started me thinking about my life, career, and of course the major events in my life. I can only express gratitude for all the opportunities that have come my way and am constantly amazed at how things unfold.
Last year, I retired from my current position at Lee & Ko and for all intents and purposes put up my lawyer hat. Perhaps I will do something else, whether it involves law or not who knows. But after turning 65, and looking back upon my 40-year odyssey as a lawyer, I cannot help but wonder how I ended up where I am.
Well, where am I?
Of course, physically I am in South Korea. But my work has taken me around the world. I worked for several multinationals, a major Korean university, and the second largest law firm in Korea. My career, which had its ups and downs, ended on a high note. Having authored several books, taught law at a local university in Seoul, and counseled several of the world’s largest electronic companies along the way, looking back my legal career was rather successful. Even though I did not receive stellar grades in law school, nor graduate in the top ten percent of my class (what one must do these days to work for a distinguished law firm) how did I end up having a successful career?
Several reasons:
The Universe opened several doors, which I was willing to walk through. When I first came to Korea in the mid-1980s, many thought it was unsafe. Folks back home still thought of South Korea as a third-world country. They thought of MASH when I talked about South Korea. But, I still walked through the door!
I was willing to do anything to follow a dream. Though I started out my legal career as a public defender in Tampa, Florida I wanted to get involved in international business and international law, especially in Asia. I went so far as to prepare for the GMAT and take undergraduate courses in economics and calculus in order to prepare for getting an MBA. Though I could have applied to various MBA programs I chose Seattle as it was a dynamic city with connections to Asia. I moved to Seattle from Florida and was accepted into the University of Washington’s MBA program. Though I put my legal career on hold while studying I constantly thought of an international career in business or law. That led to applying for an in-house position with Samsung and eventually being hired by Samsung in Korea as its first full-time US lawyer. And of course, I met my wife shortly after moving to Korea.
Imagine that!
Suggestions:
My career had its ups and downs, but I am eternally grateful for everything I have experienced, accomplished and have been given in my life. I’ve done more than I set out to do. So here are my suggestions:
So, what about your dreams and aspirations? Are you ready to walk through the door when it opens? Are you ready to take action, push yourself and prepare for opportunities that will come your way? Yes, opportunities will come. You just have to be ready to grab them.
My life as an ex-pat started in 1986 when I moved to Seoul, Korea. Hired by Samsung to work as a lawyer for the Samsung Group companies (the only foreign lawyer at the time) , I found myself in one of the world’s largest cities working for a dynamic, growing group of companies (we call them “Chaebols” in Korean) that would soon become known around the world for electronics and semiconductors amongst other things. Moving to Korea from the US was indeed a shock as I did not speak Korean at that time. I made the move as the job I was offered sounded quite fascinating as was the chance to live abroad in Asia. It was time for adventure.
From a career standpoint moving to Seoul to work for Samsung proved to be one of the most important decisions I ever made. I was exposed to a wide variety of international legal issues and problems, more than I ever could have experienced in the US. From a personal standpoint, my life also changed for the better as I made a host of international friends (Korean and ex-pats) and of course met my wonderful wife-who worked for Samsung at the time. As it turned out, taking the risk of working for a company I had little knowledge about in a country I had never been to before was the best career choice I could have ever made. I think taking risks is the best thing you can do when it comes to your career. In fact, moving overseas to another country can not only enhance your career but help you re-invent yourself.
Looking back on my life as an ex-pat in Korea, here are a few things I learned and experience
1. Housing
When moving from the US to Korea, one may not be prepared for the housing that is available. Samsung provided my housing as per the employment agreement, but it was certainly not what I expected. The apartment or condo (in Korea most people live in apartment complexes and not stand-alone houses) was small. The heating system was old and the kitchen was almost nonexistent. In fact, when I first moved into my apartment there was no heat. They forgot to turn the heat on before I moved in. I made do, bought a heater for the apartment, cooked simple dishes for myself, and learned to live comfortably in a small space. Once I learned to live comfortably, I realized I could probably live anywhere- at least in Asia. But many Americans would have trouble living in that kind of space. When you move to a new country you really need to have an open mind when looking at housing.
2. Friends
Making friends in a foreign country is important. Fortunately for me, there was an ex-pat living in my complex who I made friends with and who gave me invaluable advice for living in Seoul. As Samsung’s main English teacher at the time, his friendship would lead to my becoming friends with his friends leading to an expansion of connections in Seoul that would enhance my life in Korea. I not only learned about Korean culture from him and his friends but picked up a little Korean and started my lifelong love affair with Korea and its people. It’s important to make friends as soon as you can when you move to a foreign country to help provide a support group. I learned a great deal about Korean culture, food, and life in general from a few close ex-pat friends as well as Samsung colleagues.
3. Professional Life
Back in the 1980s, professional business life in Korea was quite dynamic. The various Chambers (such as the American Chamber of Commerce) were quite active leading to a chance to attend numerous meetings with ex-pat businessmen and businesswomen from all over the world. The multinational companies, financial institutions, and organizations were all present so it was rather easy to meet the Country Manager or CFO, etc. of a multinational just walking down the street. Lunch and breakfast meetings with other ex-pats, especially businessmen became quite common. I was not only able to get to know my Samsung colleagues (most of whom were Korean lawyers, paralegals, and general managers) but US and European ex-pats as well. If you are working abroad as an ex-pat, immersing yourself in the business community is very important for obvious networking reasons. Don’t just stay in your office or cubicle. Make friends, socialize and travel around the country. I joined the Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) which sponsored trips around Korea and offered lectures on Korean history and culture.
4. Language
Though I never did become fluent in Korean (I am still studying Korean to this day) I learned enough to get around Seoul. Ordering food at a restaurant can be a daunting task but once you learn a few words not quite so difficult. Trying to learn Korean really opened my eyes to the importance of language. I think it is important for any ex-pat, regardless of where you live, to learn a little of the local language. I admit I am envious of the Korean and Japanese businessmen I have met who are fluent in 3 or 4 languages. As soon as you land in your new country you should try and learn a little of the language. It really helps.
5. Family Life
Though the current trend in Korea is for workers to seek a work-life balance (which is different from the US) when I worked in Korea, working 6 days a week was common. Sunday was the day one could spend with their family. Women primarily were housewives and took care of the family, household expenses, and children’s education. As Korea deemed education very important (and indeed education lifted Korea out of poverty) Korean mothers made certain their children studied very hard. The term “tiger mom” comes to mind. One thing I learned after my children were born was the fact my wife knowingly and willingly put up with my “career at Samsung” and the long hours it involved. She never complained. She expected me to put in long hours as she took care of the house and the children. Things may be changing now but I think it bears repeating that when you move overseas, you will find that though people really want basically the same thing, culture will certainly color the concepts of family and work. And if you marry, the odds are there will be some cultural differences you and your spouse will have to get used to. Be flexible and open-minded.
6. Career and Retirement
As an ex-pat in Korea, I have found that after retiring there are few really pressing needs. There is no longer an office to go to or a deadline to meet. In fact, I am at a coffee shop overlooking one of my favorite beaches sipping an ice tea. Time, therefore, takes on a different meaning than for many people caught up in the daily rat race. But in fact, it should serve to remind you that long-term interests, issues, risks, and plans are more important than short-term gratification, issues, and interests. Things tend to unfold gradually not instantly. It may take a while to see 5 years or 10 years down the road but that is more important in the long run than thinking about what today or tomorrow will bring. So, if you move to another country, whether Korea or elsewhere you should still develop a long-term plan. Ask yourself the tough questions- Why have you moved abroad? What is your 3 or 5-year plan? What are your long-term goals? Some people move without a plan or thinking it through which can lead to disaster down the road. So, when moving abroad whether for retirement or for a job, or even to just re-invent yourself, develop a long-term plan.
In conclusion, I’ve found living in Korea as an ex-pat to be very rewarding from a career and personal standpoint. I highly recommend moving to another country for a variety of reasons- you will definitely find such a move will take you out of your comfort zone and will expand your horizons. Remember, wherever you go, there will be cultural differences. So keep an open mind and go with the flow. In essence, don’t sweat the small stuff.
I remember when I first arrived in Korea in 1986. I was a young lawyer, the first foreign lawyer to work in-house for Samsung. It was an exciting time as Korea and Samsung were rapidly changing. Samsung was expanding rapidly and Korea was in the midst of the “Miracle on the Han”. It seemed that we were creating companies left and right. The Samsung group was expanding and I was a part of it. A little cement and water and we had a new company! Growth was everywhere. Not only growth but change as well. I really didn’t think about it but Korean society was changing too. In fact, I realize now that change is constant, even in retirement.
The fact that there is change even in retirement was brought home to me recently. When I first came to Korea in 1986 I went mountain climbing with my Samsung colleagues. We climbed Mt. Sorak..ie Soraksan. Upon climbing up one of the peaks I discovered an old lady who had climbed up with a bucket of magkeoli ( Korean rice wine) to sell to thirsty climbers. I was amazed she had made it to the top to sell magkeoli but later found this to be a common occurrence in Korea. If I recall correctly, the old lady had on high heels too. I would later joke to my friends that once I retired I was going to sell magkeoli on Soraksan. Recently, I made it back to Soraksan and to the top of one of the peaks. I expected to see an old lady selling magkeoli…but no. No one was selling alcohol at all. Why? Selling alcohol had been banned. Things have changed.
Obviously, not only people but companies and organizations have to realize that change is everywhere and must plan for it. They have to be ready to handle the usual legal and risk issues that they normally face as well as those issues and liabilities caused by the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as supply chain issues. Change means of course that the normal areas of risk whether legal, operational, geo-political or financial will all of course have to be dealt with. Therefore, a company’s crisis management plan must consider pandemics such as Covid. But also, the normal everyday areas of risk that can and will result in loss of business must be addressed as well.
So, even in retirement, I have noticed changes around me. Customs change. Even laws, rules, and regulations governing our lives change. Cities and neighborhoods change as well. Whether you are working or retired, you cannot count on your life to be static as usual. Life is really never as usual. There really is no same old same old. Everything around us changes, maybe slowly and maybe slightly, but it changes. You may be too caught up in work or in life to notice the subtle changes around you. But change is everywhere if you look. Are you ready for change?
