Overview
Jay Wey shares his personal and professional journey, discussing his transition from athletics to social media and entrepreneurship, financial habits, family dynamics, and the unique balance between his passions and responsibilities.
Early Aspirations and Family Background
- Initially dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player; secretly wanted to be a stand-up comedian.
- Grew up in Sunnyvale, California, with his parents and older brother.
- Spent high school years living in his current family home.
Athletic and Academic Journey
- Began competitive basketball at age 12; also played elite high school baseball.
- Played college basketball at Division Two, then Division One at USF.
- Played professional basketball in Taiwan for two years before physical strain led him to consider alternative careers.
- Majored in business administration but focused primarily on basketball during college.
Career and Financial Overview
- Currently a social media personality and entrepreneur, making about $120,000 annually.
- Social media brand deals generate about $10,000 per month, with the largest deal being $20,000 for a weekend's work.
- Runs a startup but draws no salary, being compensated in equity.
- Wife works in biotech, sends money to her family, and saves the remainder.
Financial Strategies and Lifestyle
- Emphasizes being frugal and views “cheap” as being smart with money.
- Covers living expenses (food, entertainment, utilities) with social media income.
- Utilizes free living arrangements at his mother’s house and free EV charging nearby.
- Invests excess funds (about $5,000/month) in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Avoids spending on luxury brands, is not frugal about dining out or occasional entertainment.
Social Media and Startup Balance
- Handles brand promotions with flexibility, often turning down deals due to time constraints.
- Social media work mainly on weekends due to startup demands.
- Experiences periods without social media activity because of focus on the startup.
Family Dynamics and Cultural Perspectives
- Living rent-free with his mother is seen as normal in Asian culture, allowing for mutual family support.
- Addresses stigmas around adult children living with parents in American culture.
Major Life Updates
- Recently learned his wife is pregnant; the news has not yet changed his financial or personal habits.
- Baby planned partly to add a “new character” for their online content; gender unknown at this time.
Current Career Focus and Outlook
- Feels emotionally and financially committed to his startup despite encouragement to focus on social media.
- Sees himself at a career crossroads, wanting to see his entrepreneurial venture succeed.