The Human Side of Product: A Journey to Reset
The Beginning: Finding My Place
When I moved to Canada in 2016 to pursue my graduate program, I carried with me not just my but also a profound sense of uncertainty. Freshly graduated as a university student, I found myself surrounded by talented peers who seemed to have it all figured out already. Every day was an exercise in managing insecurities while trying to learn and grow.
The Path to Product Management
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My journey wasn't linear. After graduating in 2019, I worked as a project coordinator at a digital agency for two years. When COVID-19 struck, I became unemployed, prompting me to reinvent myself as a freelance UX/UI designer, QA specialist, and content creator. This uncertainty led me to discover my ability to impact others' lives through meaningful solutions.
I later entered product management at a live event company, where I led a cross-functional team to launch and optimize digital solutions that benefited event guests and various internal teams. This experience paved the way for my role as a product owner and eventually a product manager at a Canadian national corporation, where my impact continued to grow.
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The Decision to Step Back
Sure - this industry is ever growing, and there is always something new to offer. "Fast-paced," "high-growth," and "time-sensitive" aren't just buzzwords – they're the daily reality in the tech industry. Every company and every individual strives for optimization, increased velocity and keeping up with the evolution. Gradually, I became someone who equated slowing down with falling behind, a mindset that would eventually exact a heavy toll.
Through my therapy, I discovered myself living with anxiety since long before I knew it existed in me. My lack of self-care finally made my body gave out before my mind was ready to acknowledge the problem. What started as manageable stress escalated into severe symptoms. Some of them were:
De-realization – the world around me felt unreal. I felt like I was an NPC in the world.
Cognitive dysfunction – I suffered from memory loss and difficulty processing information. It can be extremely dangerous - there was one time I should have stopped for the red light - no brainer - until a car passed in front of me. My eyes saw the ‘red‘, but my brain didn’t process the “red“ as ‘stop‘.
Physical manifestations – shortness of breath, muscle pain, and palpitations.
Emotional numbness - I felt like a robot and lost my sense of happiness, sadness, fear, anxiety or anger.
When my doctor advised immediate leave, it became a turning point. Through therapies, I realized that I needed more than just time off – I needed to heal from the root cause. The decision to resign wasn't easy, complicated by worries about others' perceptions, financial stability, and career implications. But ultimately, I chose my health – because without it, nothing else is possible.
The Recovery Journey
This period of recovery became a time of profound self-discovery. Rather than rushing back into workplaces, I chose to focus on personal growth and learning. I:
Rediscover my love for reading, exploring topics from personal investment to psychology.
Learn to step outside my comfort zone, including becoming more proactive about self-advocacy.
Discover inner peace through art therapy, using creativity as a gateway to my subconscious mind and finding it a profoundly thought-provoking experience.
Embrace physical activity despite not being naturally athletic – finding my rhythm in weight training and Pilates, and even attempting running (though my patience for that tends to run out as quickly as I do!)
Absorb in new knowledge. Currently, I am taking Google's Data Analytics program and Duke University's AI Product Management course.
Finding the Right Support is the Foundation of Recovery
One of the most crucial aspects of my recovery was finding the right therapeutic support. Through trial and error, I learned that finding the right therapist is a deeply personal journey. Here’s what I think is important:
Comfort Level: The ability to openly express thoughts and feelings in a secure environment is fundamental
Empathy and Understanding: Look for genuine empathy and deep understanding of your situation
Cultural Fit: A therapist's cultural background can significantly impact their ability to understand your experiences and decision-making process. In my case, finding a therapist who shared my ethnic background made a profound difference
Therapeutic Approach: Different approaches work for different people – from goal-oriented CBT to talking therapy or art therapy. Take time to discover what resonates with you
Building Your Support System
Recovery isn't a solo journey. A robust support system can make a significant difference:
Personal Connections: Partners, family members, friends, and even neighbors can provide crucial emotional support. Don't underestimate the power of simply sharing your experience with those you trust.
Professional Resources: Mental health professionals are trained to help you navigate challenging time. Don't hesitate to try different therapists until you find the right fit.
Workplace Resources: Many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs and other benefits. Take advantage of any financial support available through your workplace benefits. These resources exist to help you; using them is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.
Looking Forward
This experience has transformed me into a braver, more adventurous person. While I haven't yet returned to workplaces formally, I'm embracing this transition period to explore new possibilities - approaching my next chapter with optimism and curiosity.
The journey has taught me that taking care of oneself isn't just about recovering from burnout – it's about building a foundation for sustainable success in whatever path we choose to pursue.
Disclaimer: This is my personal journey and should not be taken as medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider's professional guidance.