.png)
Growing Up But Having Fun | Jin’s August 2026
- 5 minutes ago
- 7 min read
This month felt like one big mix of adventure, change, and figuring things out along the way. Between spontaneous trips, family and friend time, good food, and a pretty major career change, a lot happened in such a short amount of time. I definitely felt the highs and lows of growing up, from being excited for what’s next to feeling scared of change and completely burnt out. But through it all, I’m realizing that growing up doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. If anything, I’m learning to appreciate the little things more, whether that’s a spontaneous trip, a wine night with a friend, or simply spending time with the people I love. So I guess this month was all about growing up, but still having fun along the way.
Lifestyle: Travel & Relationships
Back to Back Travels
Chicago
This month, I wrapped up my Chicago trip, and it was such a fun one! Between attending Lollapalooza, exploring the city, and getting to spend time with my friend, it was the perfect mix of music, food, and catching up. I covered most of the trip in my last blog, so I won’t repeat everything here, but Chicago definitely left me with some great memories.
SF
I also made a spontaneous one-night trip to San Francisco, mostly because I wanted to take advantage of my brother’s Delta standby perks before his internship came to an end. I already had so much travel booked this year that I hadn’t really gotten the chance to use them, so it felt like the perfect excuse to squeeze in a quick SF trip and visit Stephanie.
It ended up being such a fun little getaway. Stephanie planned everything and took me all around the city, which made it so nice to just shut my brain off and let someone else take the lead for once. One of my favorite parts was the dim sum she and Herman took me to. It might honestly be some of the best dim sum I’ve ever had.
I also got to spontaneously hang out with Homen, which made the trip even more special. And, of course, I had to try balut the Vietnamese way! Stephanie’s mom prepared it for us, and I was especially excited to try it since I had only ever had it Filipino-style at a Food Fair.
As always, SF was a good time. I’m so thankful to Stephanie for making the city feel like a second home and always welcoming me with open arms. She somehow manages to put together the most fun itineraries, and I’m already looking forward to the next visit.
Atlanta
My last trip of the month was a quick trip to Atlanta to visit my brother before his Delta internship came to an end. It ended up being such a special family reunion because my mom also flew in from Korea, and it had been a while since the three of us had taken a trip together, especially in the U.S.
It was so nice to once again shut my brain off and just enjoy being together. We ate good food, relaxed, caught up, and I even helped my brother prepare for his final internship presentation. Nothing too crazy, but honestly, those simple family moments were some of my favorite parts of the trip.
Of course, the food was a highlight too. My favorites were a Michelin Guide Korean restaurant and a couple of pho spots. Apparently, when my family travels together, we just end up eating Asian food anyway, but I’m definitely not complaining!
Theme Parks
Six Flags
In between all the traveling, I also got to spend a day at Six Flags with Mish and Kels! It was my first time going, although definitely not theirs, but we quickly confirmed that all three of us are thrill seekers. We went on pretty much every ride without being scared, which made it even more fun. We also somehow made the three-person situation work by taking turns being the solo rider when needed. Honestly, we had a pretty good system going.
But the real highlight? The boysenberry ICEE. It was SO hot outside, and that ICEE hit the spot. I don't think I've ever finished an ICEE that quickly, and I genuinely don't think I've ever had one that delicious.
Disneyland
I also got to do a Disneyland trip with Dianne and Abida, which was such a fun reunion! I was especially excited to reunite with my beloved cold brew slush from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 😂 Since all three of us love rollercoasters, we made sure to hit all the scarier rides together before doing all the classic Disney rides and soaking up the magic. It was such a fun day with the girls and definitely reminded me why Disneyland never gets old.
Love
Chainsmokers Anni
This month, Joseph and I got to celebrate our Chainsmokers anniversary, aka the day we first met at a Chainsmokers concert. We were both separately invited by our mutual friend, and I like to say this was the night Joseph fell in love with me at first sight, haha.
We didn't do anything particularly special to celebrate, but honestly, we didn't need to. It was just another excuse to spend time together. He finally got to try fish tacos at one of my favorite spots for Fish Taco Wednesdays, which was especially exciting because he's never in LA on a Wednesday!
It's kind of crazy to think that it's already been three years since we first met. Three years, one concert, and apparently one love-at-first-sight moment later, and here we are. ❤️
Candlelight
I also got to go to a Candlelight Concert with Joseph! I had been seeing ads for these concerts everywhere and was always curious but never actually had the chance to go. We ended up going to one at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, and it was such a fun experience.
The last time I was at the Queen Mary was for my high school prom, so it was kind of funny being back years later and in a very different stage of life. 😂 The concert was a Studio Ghibli theme, which was perfect because it’s one of Joseph’s favorites. The music, candlelight, and whole atmosphere were so beautiful, and somehow the entire concert flew by. We both had such a good time!
Work
Work has actually been a pretty crazy shift this month, and I can finally share some big news. I had been secretly interviewing for other jobs at different companies, because honestly, the best time to interview is when you already have a solid job. I had also been feeling pretty burnt out, and after a lot of conversations both internally and externally, I realized I was ready for a change.
I can finally reveal that I used to work in the beauty industry, specifically in professional hair, and I genuinely loved the industry. The company culture was great, I had so much fun, and most importantly, I made some really amazing friendships along the way. But at this point in my career, I felt ready to expand my skill set, take on new challenges, and continue growing in ways that weren't really available to me in my current role.
So, I decided to take the leap and pursue a new opportunity. Leaving a job that I genuinely enjoyed and where I made some of my closest work friendships is definitely bittersweet. I never expected to make such meaningful friendships through work, and I'm so grateful that I did.
It still feels surreal that I'm starting a new chapter, but I'm also really excited to see where it takes me. Here's to growth, new experiences, and figuring out what's next!
Lows & Lessons:
One thing I’m learning this month is that growth comes with a little bit of pain. As excited as I am for this next chapter, I was honestly pretty sad and scared to leave my job. There’s definitely been some imposter syndrome too, especially knowing that this new role is a promotion and comes with a lot of new responsibilities.
What helped me the most was hearing how highly the people around me spoke of me when I told them I was leaving. Their words gave me such a huge confidence boost and reminded me that maybe I am more capable than I give myself credit for. I’m learning to trust myself more and have confidence in everything I’ve worked toward.
I keep reminding myself that this feeling isn’t new. I felt the exact same way 3+ years ago when I started my current role, and look at how much I’ve learned since then. I’ve gained so many new skills, experiences, and knowledge, and I know I’ll continue to do the same in this next chapter.
I’m also feeling extremely burnt out after balancing so much personal travel with work, especially while trying to wrap everything up and leave on a good note. I’ve been doing my best, but I’m definitely ready for a break. I’m so excited to finally go on vacation and have a full week to rest and reset before starting my new job. I think I really need it.
Songs on Repeat:
FALLEN ANGEL - JENNIE brand new chanel$ - SlayyyterHootie Frutti - KATSEYEMy Pick of the Month: Wine Bar
Stephanie and I got to go to a wine bar this month, and it reminded me just how obsessed I’ve become with them ever since Maryland. Honestly, I think I might enjoy a cute wine bar night more than going out on the weekends now. Maybe that’s growth? 😂
There’s just something about dressing up cute, sipping on some wine, yapping for hours, and catching up with good company in a cozy, chill atmosphere. Give me good wine, good vibes, and someone I can talk to forever, and I’m happy.
Looking back, this month was definitely a lot. I was constantly traveling, feeling burnt out, saying goodbye to a chapter of my career, and getting ready to start something completely new. But in between all of that, there were so many little moments that made me really happy. Good food, spontaneous trips, laughing with friends, quality time with family, and simply being around the people I love.
I think that’s what I’m taking away from this month. Growing up can feel scary, overwhelming, and sometimes bittersweet, but it can also be really exciting. I don’t have everything figured out, and I probably never will, but I’m learning to trust myself, embrace the changes, and enjoy the ride a little more. I’m growing up, but thankfully, I’m still having fun along the way. ❤️
Talk to you next month,
-- Jin
Comments