Loose Ends

Annie and Zozo

Life doesn’t always tie up neatly — and that’s where Loose Ends begins. We talk about the messy parts of careers, business, mental and physical health, and everything in between — and what it really takes to feel okay while figuring it all out. A podcast by Zoe Wang and Annie Peterson Annie Peterson - IG: @anelissepeterson Former tech-strategist and Stanford engineer exploring how design shapes our behavior, and what we can do to live well in a world designed to keep us stuck. Zoe Wang - IG: @zozowang22 Exploring alternative paths after 10 years of the startup grind!

Episodes

  1. 10/23/2025

    Ep 1. Left 9-5. What’s next?

    In this episode, hosts Zoe and Annie explore the complexities of modern career paths, particularly the transition from traditional corporate jobs to alternative careers. They share their personal experiences of navigating the messy middle of life, discussing the importance of mental health, the need for a safety net, and the societal pressures that influence career choices. The conversation emphasizes the value of resilience, learning from failure, and the significance of pursuing creative outlets and personal projects. Listeners are encouraged to be open-minded and curious as they navigate their own career journeys. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds 02:58 Navigating Corporate Life and Leaving the 9 to 5 05:51 The Emotional Journey of Leaving Corporate Jobs 08:47 Reflections on Time Off and Personal Growth 11:45 Exploring Side Hustles and Financial Security 14:32 The Reality of Job Loss and Resilience 17:32 Challenging the Corporate Norms 20:27 The Importance of Independent Decision-Making 23:01 Building Something Meaningful 25:49 Future Aspirations and Philosophical Reflections 30:08 The Journey of Creation and Ownership 32:27 Social and Economic Mobility 34:35 Navigating Life Transitions 37:31 The Importance of Recharge 39:37 Tangible Advice for Career Transitions 49:55 Building a Safety Net for Freedom 53:23 Embracing Failure and Learning 56:39 Conclusion and Future Conversations Find us on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheLooseEndsPod

About

Life doesn’t always tie up neatly — and that’s where Loose Ends begins. We talk about the messy parts of careers, business, mental and physical health, and everything in between — and what it really takes to feel okay while figuring it all out. A podcast by Zoe Wang and Annie Peterson Annie Peterson - IG: @anelissepeterson Former tech-strategist and Stanford engineer exploring how design shapes our behavior, and what we can do to live well in a world designed to keep us stuck. Zoe Wang - IG: @zozowang22 Exploring alternative paths after 10 years of the startup grind!