The Real Boss Move? Owning the Plot Twist
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
By Joyce Tsang
The whole notion of “boss moves” might naturally remind one of terms like hustling, ambition, high risk–high reward, or simply, something not meant for everyone. But to me, the essence of what makes a boss move is none of that. It’s not about how ambitious you are—it’s about making decisive, transformative choices that are unique to you, your lifestyle, your existing approach to life, and the simple act of taking the first step to create change.
For me, these boss moves often came as a result of things going absolutely downhill despite careful planning. They forced me to be highly creative and, at times, to take a back seat to what life threw at me, reacting instinctively.
Whether it was being accepted into my dream university but having to choose another option because my family couldn’t afford it—an experience that turned out to be some of the best years of my life, equipping me with skills that still propel my career today; or getting married just as COVID hit, when all my plans were disrupted but I pulled through despite most of my bridesmaids not being there, literally days before the city went into lockdown; or deciding to move from full‑time employment to business ownership, acquiring another business, failing with it, and then pivoting to become a “slasher” all over again—each experience gave me insights into how I can better build my business today.
As a content marketer and founder, I went from being a BA Visual Arts graduate struggling to find a job, to climbing the corporate ladder as a Content Director at an advertising agency, and ultimately quitting because I hated the work environment. In hindsight, that journey allowed me to tell my authentic story so well that it became a business in itself—attracting clients and proving demand for my services even before I officially launched Joyce Tsang Content Marketing, the boutique consultancy I now proudly call mine.
The Power of Focusing on Your Story
Like all good stories, it follows what we call the hero’s journey format. The protagonist encounters a problem, faces a great change, embarks on a new adventure, experiences failure and defeat, and is then uplifted by motivation and new acquaintances along the way—ultimately arriving at an outcome far better than where they began.
If you approached your decisions with this mindset, the perspective would be very different.
Instead of focusing solely on an end goal—where failing to achieve it immediately registers in your mind as defeat—focusing on your story places you in the role of an observer, seeing your journey through a holistic lens. As I once read, when you’re struggling to make a decision or feel like there’s nothing to hold on to, imagine you’re an audience member watching your own TV show. What would you shout at the screen? Perhaps: “It’s so obvious! You should do [x]!”
You Can Be Courageous and Comfortable Too
Taking a boss move does bring a lot of change—and ripple effects to both your personal and professional life. But the truth is, if you’re passionate about what you’re doing, that change can actually bring a new kind of comfort. Yes, you may be navigating outside the box, but the rewarding feeling of doing something you love—so much that you’d do it anyway, even without pay or while sacrificing a bit of sleep—gives you a renewed sense of purpose that softens the discomfort of trying.
I’ve been fortunate in that I didn’t struggle much to figure out what I truly love to do: creating content, strategizing, and storytelling. It fits perfectly under the content marketing umbrella—a job and expertise that also allows me to earn a living. But for others, especially the high school students I often speak to during entrepreneurial tours, that clarity doesn’t come as easily.
The key is to identify what you’re genuinely good at—and most of the time, your community knows that better than you do. Pay attention to what people remember you for, what they ask you about, or what they refer you as. These are clues you can gather to start shaping a skill you can hone. In today’s world, anything that feels “too niche” might actually be the perfect content creation angle to gain traction and grow your audience by telling your story online.
Growth Does Not Equal Scale
“Scaling” was a trap word for me throughout 2024—which is why I acquired a business in the first place. That mindset came at a cost. While I did scale that year—building a team and expanding into new industries and partnerships—I also lost a lot of money.
I was so fixated on the idea of scale that I lost sight of growth. Now that I’ve closed that business, become a slasher, and run my boutique consultancy on the side, I’m still just as busy—but I’ve learned to compartmentalize my time and focus on growth. I’m earning well, doing what I love, taking on new challenges, and meeting incredible people.
That shift has driven deep personal growth. It’s also been the fastest way to grow my community. In turn, this helps me relate more to my clients, sparking conversations that are highly valuable to them as they explore how to tell their own stories through the lens of content marketing.
Now, your turn.
So, focus on your story. See it through a holistic lens and hone your passion. Prioritize personal growth, and don’t get lost in the pressure to scale. Make your boss move based on what your circumstances are calling you to do. Reframe challenges as opportunities for transformation.
I know—because I’ve been there, and I’m still living it.
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