My name is Mei Lin, and I am a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Taipei, Taiwan. Three years ago, I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever. I founded a headhunting firm specializing in the tech industry. This is my story.

The Birth of an Idea

Growing up in Taiwan, I was always fascinated by technology. My father was an engineer, and I spent countless hours in his workshop, tinkering with gadgets and learning about the latest innovations. After graduating from National Taiwan University with a degree in Computer Science, I worked for several tech companies. However, I soon realized that my true passion lay in connecting talented individuals with the right opportunities.

Taiwan’s tech industry was booming, but there was a significant gap between the demand for skilled professionals and the available talent. Companies were struggling to find the right people, and many talented individuals were unable to find jobs that matched their skills. I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap and decided to start my own headhunting firm.

The Leap of Faith

Starting a business is never easy, and for me, it was a leap of faith. I invested my life savings into TechTalent and borrowed money from family and friends. The initial days were filled with excitement and anxiety. I rented a small office in Taipei, and with a team of just three people, we began our journey.

The first few months were tough. We struggled to get companies to hire us, and finding suitable candidates was a constant challenge. The tech industry is highly competitive, and convincing companies to trust a new firm was no easy task. There were days when I questioned my decision and wondered if I had made a mistake.

The Struggles and Triumphs

One of the biggest challenges we faced was dealing with the bureaucracy involved in starting a business. The paperwork, permits, and regulations were overwhelming. Renting an office was another hurdle. The high rents in Taipei made it difficult to find a suitable space within our budget. But we persevered, and slowly, things began to fall into place.

Our first big break came when we successfully placed a senior software engineer at a leading tech company. This success gave us the credibility we needed, and soon, more companies started approaching us. We expanded our team and moved to a larger office. The hard work was paying off, but the journey was far from over.

The Ups and Downs

Running a business is like riding a roller coaster. There are highs and lows, and you have to be prepared for both. There were times when we faced setbacks, such as losing a major client or struggling to find the right candidates for a critical position. But each challenge taught us valuable lessons and made us stronger.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the impact we have on people’s lives. Helping someone find their dream job and watching them thrive in their new role is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

A Call to Women in Tech

As a woman in the tech industry, I have faced my share of challenges. The industry is still male-dominated, and breaking through the glass ceiling requires determination and resilience. But I believe that women have a unique perspective and can bring valuable insights to the table. I want to encourage more women to pursue careers in tech and entrepreneurship. The road may be tough, but the rewards are worth it.

The Present and Future

Today, my company is a thriving business with a team of 20 dedicated professionals. We have helped hundreds of individuals find their dream jobs and have built strong relationships with some of the leading tech companies in Taiwan. The journey has been challenging, but I am proud of what we have achieved.

Looking back, I am grateful for the support of my family and friends, who believed in me and stood by me through thick and thin. I am also thankful for my team, whose hard work and dedication have been instrumental in our success.

An Ode to Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. There will be moments of doubt and fear, but if you believe in your vision and stay committed, you can overcome any obstacle.

To all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, especially women, I want to say this: Follow your passion, believe in yourself, and never give up. The journey may be tough, but the destination is worth it. Embrace the challenges, learn from your failures, and celebrate your successes. You have the power to make a difference and create something meaningful.

As I sit in my office, reflecting on the past three years, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The journey has been a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am grateful for the experiences, the lessons, and the people who have been a part of this journey. And as I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities and the opportunities that lie ahead.