On My Own Terms is the podcast for career change, life pivots, and redefining success in today’s fast-changing world.
Hosted by John Lim—whose journey spans banking, entrepreneurship, tech startups, and e-commerce—it explores what it takes to build a meaningful career, especially in Asia where traditions run deep. From launching Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag business to navigating layoffs during the tech winter, John has lived the challenges of reinvention.
Each episode dives into real conversations with career changers, entrepreneurs, and unconventional thinkers, uncovering mindset shifts, strategies, and practical tips. If you’re exploring new career paths, adapting to the age of AI, or rethinking what success means, you’ll find inspiration, insights, and action steps here.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive bonus content from podcast episodes, on career switch and growth in your inbox here: https://bit.ly/3VU2e47
On My Own Terms is the podcast for career change, life pivots, and redefining success in today’s fast-changing world.
Hosted by John Lim—whose journey spans banking, entrepreneurship, tech startups, and e-commerce—it explores what it takes to build a meaningful career, especially in Asia where traditions run deep. From launching Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag business to navigating layoffs during the tech winter, John has lived the challenges of reinvention.
Each episode dives into real conversations with career changers, entrepreneurs, and unconventional thinkers, uncovering mindset shifts, strategies, and practical tips. If you’re exploring new career paths, adapting to the age of AI, or rethinking what success means, you’ll find inspiration, insights, and action steps here.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive bonus content from podcast episodes, on career switch and growth in your inbox here: https://bit.ly/3VU2e47
What happens when you walk away from a successful 10+ year corporate career to start over — as a student, in a new country?
Meet Janissa Ng — a former Senior Account Director from Singapore who took a bold leap to rebuild her career in sustainability. After over a decade in corporate communications, she left everything behind to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany, eventually crafting a remote, purpose-driven portfolio career on her own terms.
In this episode of On My Own Terms, Janissa opens up about her journey of starting over, finding freedom through flexibility, and redefining what success means in your 30s and 40s. If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or wondering whether it’s too late to start over — this conversation is your permission slip to rethink what success looks like.
💬 In this episode, we talk about:
What inspired Janissa to leave her corporate career and move to Germany
How she managed studying abroad debt-free in mid-career
The challenges of starting over and finding purpose again
Building a remote, portfolio-style career in sustainability
The reality of burnout and how to create meaningful work-life balance
Why it’s okay to stop chasing titles and start designing your own path
This is an honest, heartfelt story for anyone in their 30s or 40s who’s questioning their path, craving change, or looking for meaning beyond the 9-to-5.
🎧 Watch till the end for Janissa’s lessons on freedom, identity, and building a career that feels truly yours.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:01 Meet Jan: Sustainability Communications Consultant
04:34 What Made Jan Leave Singapore to Start Over in Germany?
05:25 How Do You Turn Passion for the Planet Into a Real Career?
13:54 Was Going Back to School After 10 Years Worth It?
34:35 Is Singapore Really Ready for Sustainability and ESG?
35:53 How ESG Really Works Inside Companies
38:05 Can Startups Solve What Big Corporates Can’t?
40:10 Building ‘Human and Heard’ — A Venture Rooted in Purpose
51:13 Lessons on Burnout, Freedom, and Redefining Success
Where to find Janissa:
Website: https://bit.ly/4nYc3N5
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janissang/
*Executive branding sprint (ideal for people in career transitions) at exclusive rate for podcast audience (YOU) → Quote “Podcast Executive Branding” when you contact Janissa
🎯Find practical tools and resources to guide your journey:
Check out: https://bit.ly/3CTMZRW
📩 Follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onmyowntermspodcast
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-my-own-terms-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnMyOwnTermsPodcast
Email: johnlimcy@gmail.com
Support the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/onmyownterms
📌 References (AI):
ChatGPT (OpenAI): Conversational AI platform for idea generation and workflows. https://chatgpt.com
WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature): Environmental organization where Janissa previously worked, focused on wildlife conservation and sustainability. https://www.worldwildlife.org
About the host John Lim:
Born and bred in Singapore, John is a husband, father and a curious business and tech enthusiast. John began his career in banking, co-founded Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag events company, led regional business development for a tech startup, and took a leap into e-commerce just before the Covid pandemic hit. Just when he thought he was crushing it at his dream company, he got laid off in the tech winter. In his journey, he's embraced uncertainty, growth, and reinvention—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same.
#CareerTransition #Sustainability #RemoteWork #MidCareerChange #SingaporePodcast #WomenInWork #OnMyOwnTerms #Germany #Singapore