Summer Chilling: Enjoying the Calm Before the Storm

It’s always good to have some time off. I spent most of the Summer of 2024 resting and reading in Vancouver with my parents. Especially as they are getting older. 

It was really nice as Vancouver is incredibly pleasant during the summer. Warm, sunny and perfect weather unlike the rest of the year. And way nicer than the sweltering hot summers in Europe and Asia. Unlike a lot of VCs and startup-ers who brag about working in the summer which is a sign of massive insecurity, people just need a break.  

With things relatively quiet on the business front in Silicon Valley and most people on some form of holiday, this is the perfect time to step out. Especially with doting Asian immigrant parents who took care of food, cleaning and laundry. All I did was do the occasional business calls, but spent the bulk of the time reading, listening to podcasts and writing. I made sure I got plenty of rest and hard exercise in the sun. 

I also spent lots of time re-tooling, re-evaluating and rethinking my investment thesis as well.  It’s fun and weird sitting in my old room while doing so. This is a very good time to reflect, think and plan for the future. 

Especially needed in light of the nutty year so far and what everyone believes will be an even crazier and busy autumn of 2024. Most of us who grew up in North America have this seasonality wired into us due to our school systems. Quiet relaxing summers and crazy busy autumns, falls & springs. More so, if you are a parent now where you experience this again. 

I’m a firm believer in “resting ethic”. Sometimes you have to sprint but in the long run it’s a marathon. You need rest to prepare for busyness and challenges ahead of you in the year. So don’t feel guilty for taking a break. Your mind and body needs this if you want to stay competitive for the long run.