Cindy Moon: The Gen Z Entrepreneur Prioritising Mental Wellbeing Over Corporate Success
Cindy Moon, a 28-year-old originally from Korea, has made headlines for her bold decision to quit her six-figure marketing job to invest in her mental health and pursue her passion for skincare. Over the last few years, she has transitioned through various corporate roles, including management consultant and content marketing lead. However, the relentless pressure of the corporate world eventually took its toll, leading her to reassess her career aspirations and life choices.
After relocating from Sydney to Melbourne for a marketing position, Moon experienced initial success, earning over $100,000 within a year after taking a significant pay cut. Despite securing promotions, she found herself feeling isolated and overwhelmed by long working hours and the stress of proving her worth in a demanding environment. It was during these challenging times that Moon began to grapple with her mental health, realising that material success was not the sole indicator of a fulfilling life.
In February, after nearly two years in her role, Moon decided to take a leap of faith. She resigned from her job and returned to Sydney, where she prioritised her well-being over a steady income. Her story reflects a broader trend among Gen Z workers who increasingly value work-life balance and mental health, with many willing to leave jobs without secure alternatives.
Upon returning to Sydney, Moon initially sought another marketing role. However, faced with a series of rejections, she embraced the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship. Fueled by a long-standing passion for skincare—a cultural staple in her native Korea—Moon decided to launch her skincare line, Muun Skincare. Inspired by her experiences in Korean skin clinics, she recognised a market gap for effective skincare products in Australia—insight sparked by conversations with friends during her visits home.
Moon has invested $30,000 of her life savings into Muun Skincare, marking one of the biggest risks of her life. Though she anticipated challenges, including shipping costs and product expenses, she remains committed to her vision. The journey has already tested her finances and personal goals; she and her fiancé had planned to marry next year, but they now contemplate delaying the wedding if her business does not take off.
Despite the financial gamble, Moon has a strong belief in her venture. "I’m building something that’s mine. Even if it fails, I’ll know I did it on my own terms," she asserted. This sentiment underscores her determination to create a successful business that resonates with her values and passions.
As she paves her way as a young entrepreneur amidst ongoing economic challenges in Australia, Moon’s journey serves as an inspirational reminder that success is not merely defined by traditional metrics such as salary or job title. Instead, it’s about finding fulfillment, passion, and a sense of purpose in one’s career choices. For Cindy Moon, that means pursuing her dream in skincare while prioritising her mental well-being—an ethos that resonates with many of today’s generation.
