Heyy Reader, Hope you are doing well. As I get back on track with this newsletter I figured we start with some life updates and my learnings that I think you might find helpful...

Highlights for this week:
​🚒 Getting laid off from my 9-5 job: a reflection​
​❇️ 3 things I'd tell anyone before a layoff
🤖 AI Prompt: Reverse engineer your writing style
🦄 Creator Highlight of the week

​🚒 Getting laid off from my 9-5 job

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that I got laid off from my 9-5 two months ago.

As I saw the advancements in AI in the tech space, I realized that the reality of the world is that companies do not need so many people to do the same tasks. Fewer people with AI can do the same job and so reduction of workforce everywhere is something that we are all being witness to. So I kinda knew this was imminent.

After I lost my job, I was filled with mixed emotions:
1. Gratitude: Snapchat saved me in many ways. As a newcomer to Canada graduating from university, the hiring manager took a gamble and gave me a chance. This led to some amazing experiences where I got to work with my dream clients like Coca Cola & Hershey's. Additionally I met some of the most kindest human beings. Zero resentment, just grateful for the opportunity I got.
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2. Fear of uncertainty: "What do I do next?" This was the thought in my head. One part of me felt like getting another job would be the best option. I was already in the process of interviewing at another social media company and doing well in the interview process. But then I realized something...
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3. Realization: Why am I going back to another job when I just got this opportunity to try something new? It was time to go full time as a creator. Its something I've always wanted to do but I never could because the 9-5 job consumed all of my time and energy. My 5-9 had shown potential over the years in the shape of my partnership with Adobe, the Creator Juice podcast and the 5to 9 Creator business helping individuals with their personal branding. So was this a sign from the universe for me to give it a shot?
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Then almost like a God send, when I needed some encouragement, I got it from my dad (who does not really share his emotional side always so this was truly a blessing at the right time) He sent me this text:

And so I found the confidence to give this a shot. Going full time as a creator.

My mission: Help smart and creative professionals by helping them find success in their life through productivity improvements, coaching and personal brand support.

I know this is not going to be easy and there is a lot of risk... but end of the day if I don't do this now, I never will. And looking back I dont ever want to have the regret or thought of "I wonder what would have happened if I had gone all in."

So stay tuned on updates cuz this is going to be a bumpy ride haha

Click the image below if you want to see my series on Instagram "Rebuilding my life as a creator" or click here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3.

❇️ How to be prepared for a layoff?

There is no right or wrong way here. This is what I realized based on my experience. There are a 3 things that I recommend:

1. Rainy day fund: Save up 6 months worth of expenses. This includes Rent, Utilities, Food and any other recurring expenses that you know of. Having this will give you some peace of mind. The idea is not that you use it immediately if things go south but if you need to, you have it.
2. Mental Health: No matter what happens, you will figure it out. You always have. Think about the last time you went through a really messed up situation but somehow you found a way to overcome the challenges. Remind yourself that even in this situation, you will find a way.
3. Build your 5-9 along with your 9-5: I've been saying this since 2021 but I believe any person who is even a little bit creative, entrepreneurial or smart should try to build something alongside their 9-5 job.
   a. One way to think about this "What can you help someone who is a few steps behind you with?". Not matter what life stage you are in, there will always be people who need assistance to get to where you are. That is one of the easiest ways to try and build a business.
   b. The other way is to simply document your life and your art online. Doing this consistently over a long period of time is bound to help you. Even if it seems like its not helpful at first, as you continue to learn more and improve, you will find new ways to potentially create a new income stream.

🤖 Prompt: Reverse-engineer my writing style

Today's a fun prompt I found which will help you use AI to analyze the way you write...

ChatGPT or Claude Prompt: Analyze the following writing samples and reverse-engineer my communication style. Study the writing at a deep level and identify the patterns that make it feel uniquely mine. Examine sentence structure, pacing, rhythm, vocabulary, tone, personality, formatting preferences, persuasion techniques, storytelling patterns, emotional triggers, transitions, and recurring stylistic habits. Then create a comprehensive Voice Card that another writer or AI could use to consistently reproduce my writing style.
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The Voice Card should include: a concise summary of the voice and what makes it distinctive; a breakdown of sentence structures, rhythm, pacing, vocabulary choices, tone, persuasion methods, formatting tendencies, and recurring writing patterns; a list of specific voice rules that define how the writing is constructed; a detailed Do's and Don'ts section; examples showing "sounds like me" versus "doesn't sound like me"; a list of signature phrases, hooks, frameworks, transitions, and stylistic quirks that appear repeatedly; and a copy-paste prompt that can be used to recreate this voice in future writing tasks.
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Finally, write three original examples in my exact voice: a LinkedIn post opener, a tweet/X post, and a short paragraph explaining a business concept. End with a confidence score (0–100%) for how accurately the voice has been modeled, explain the reasoning behind that score, and identify what additional writing samples would most improve accuracy.
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Writing Samples:[SAMPLES]

Source: Superhuman

🦄 Creator Highlight of the week

Every week I highlight new creators that I find. This week it is Andi Abaya @filmedbydoy who is based out of the Philippines.

He makes Cinematic videos about his life experiences and thoughts. He also shared the process behind is complex edits which is definitely a treat to watch. Show some love and support by checking out his profile and leaving a comment. It will only take a second but could make his day.

🧞‍♂️Your wish is my command

Thanks for reading! When you signed up for this newsletter, my promise to you was to help you empower your individuality and help you fulfil your true potential. What did you think of today's newsletter? Reply to this email and let me know what you'd like to see more of.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time!

​​VJ​​

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