Working for a Billionaire Worth It?
ELLE US|February 2024
What started as a dream job began to look increasingly like a nightmare.
By Carrie Sun
Working for a Billionaire Worth It?

At 7:48 p.m., I texted a friend who asked me how my first day of work went: No time to even pee. I thought it was the best job in the world. I was the sole assistant to the billionaire founder of the hottest hedge fund on Wall Street. My boss, let’s call him James, said he cared about ethics. My recruiter had told me that by all accounts, James was the nicest, and I was to manage his life.

I had spent much of my first day sitting across from James in his office, listening to him explain things to me and nodding my head. One nod after each of the ninetysomething responsibilities listed in my job description, which demanded that I be kind, proactive, sensitive, and efficient—above all, positive!

Could I be a lion in ambition and a gazelle in poise?

Three years before, I had dropped out of Wharton, worried that I’d been wasting my life. I grew up with very little—my parents were graduate students from China, working odd jobs to pay for tuition. In college, I’d majored in math and finance; I craved financial independence. After graduating, I worked as an analyst and was soon making over $300K a year. Yet the more I was surrounded by wealth, the more I found myself recoiling from it all. I couldn’t pinpoint why. But I knew I wanted to change careers. I started taking classes in philosophy, literature, creative writing. While I was in New York taking a summer fiction workshop, a recruiter reached out to me.

Bu hikaye ELLE US dergisinin February 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye ELLE US dergisinin February 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

ELLE US DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Peer Into Our Crystal Ball
ELLE US

Peer Into Our Crystal Ball

And behold the future of your skin, hair, and body. The ELLE beauty team talked to experts to learn about the most exciting innovations ahead.

time-read
5 dak  |
November 2024
THE BIRTH OF THE LITERARY IT GIRL AESTHETIC
ELLE US

THE BIRTH OF THE LITERARY IT GIRL AESTHETIC

A new book brings Joan Didion, Eve Babitz, and their still-influential style into focus.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
Love Lessons - JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON
ELLE US

Love Lessons - JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON

The actor and former pro-athlete - star of Tenet, The Creator, and now The Piano Lesson, in select theaters November 8 - talks about facing his fears, being ghosted, and meeting one actual ghost.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
KYLE'S WORLD
ELLE US

KYLE'S WORLD

Front-row fixture and budding designer Kylie Jenner expands her growing empire.

time-read
5 dak  |
November 2024
Kesha Frees Herself
ELLE US

Kesha Frees Herself

With a new album, her own record label, and a 10-year plan to upend the music industry, the liberated pop star says anyone with \"deep, dark secrets better run.\"

time-read
10 dak  |
November 2024
Making Her Own Way
ELLE US

Making Her Own Way

Actress Nico Parker is shining by embracing her individuality.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
WHERE THE WORLD'S BEST SKIERS GO
ELLE US

WHERE THE WORLD'S BEST SKIERS GO

From the steepest slopes to luxury spas, find your spot.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2024
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
ELLE US

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

A new launch from Michael Kors celebrates the beauty and grit of New York City.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
OUT OF OFFICE
ELLE US

OUT OF OFFICE

For Agua by Agua Bendita, resort isn't merely a season—it's a lifestyle.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
Fringe Fantasy
ELLE US

Fringe Fantasy

Alessandro Michele gets into a '60s groove with the Garavani Nellcôte bag from his debut collection for Valentino.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024