Harvard Graduate's Viral 'Museum of Failures' Strikes a Chord with Young Professionals
Grace Lee, a 30-year-old Harvard Business School alumna and former JP Morgan analyst, has captured widespread attention by sharing a remarkably candid account of her professional and personal challenges on Instagram. Her post, which she describes as her "museum of failures," offers a raw look at the often-hidden struggles that accompany ambition and success.
The Pressure to Perform at JP Morgan
Lee begins by recounting her difficult tenure at JP Morgan, where she felt significantly behind her peers. "I am actually dumb," she wrote, revealing that it took her three times longer to grasp complex concepts. In one telling instance, during a team presentation, she limited her role to merely introducing and closing the session—just stating names—because she "couldn't trust herself with actual content." Despite working long hours, she consistently battled feelings of incompetence, which deeply affected her self-confidence.
A Transformative ADHD Diagnosis at Age 30
A pivotal moment in Lee's life occurred when she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at age 30. She shared, "Spent decades thinking I was just lazy and undisciplined." Her academic achievements, leadership positions, and strict adherence to punctuality had effectively masked the condition, with perfectionism and anxiety driving her to overcompensate. Now, she is learning to harness the "100 ideas racing through my head" as a superpower, transforming what she once perceived as a flaw into a valuable asset.
The High Cost of Startup Culture and Burnout
While studying at Harvard, Lee invested approximately $200,000 into a startup that she eventually shut down after attracting around 1,000 users. She even pitched the venture to investor Kevin O'Leary. The experience took a severe toll on her health. "Averaged three hours of sleep for a year. Woke up one morning covered in stress rashes that lasted a month," she wrote. Fearful of being seen as "uninvestable," she kept her struggles private, ignoring her body's warnings. Her story highlights the physical and emotional dangers of hustle culture and the importance of prioritizing well-being over relentless ambition.
Career Instability and Ongoing Health Challenges
Lee's professional journey has been marked by instability. Over five years, she experienced multiple layoffs and saw companies she worked for close down, leaving her without equity despite her dedication to startups. Her health has also suffered, with fluctuations in weight, knee issues, and difficulties maintaining a consistent exercise routine. "I'm terrified of pregnancy because I have zero track record of staying healthy when life gets hard," she admitted, illustrating how career stress can profoundly impact personal health and life decisions.
The Courage to Share Publicly
Even the act of sharing her story was a struggle. Lee disclosed that she has recorded over 50 videos but posted only about 20. "The rest rot in my camera roll—I overthink, over-explain, and talk myself out of posting," she wrote. By going public, she aims to normalize failure, reduce the stigma around career difficulties, and help others understand that setbacks are an integral part of growth and development.
Key Lessons for Students and Young Professionals
In her concluding message, Lee emphasizes, "I don't regret these—they made me who I am." She reflects on understanding what doesn't work and why many ambitious individuals feel stuck despite outward success. "If you've ever felt like you're winning at a game you didn't choose, follow along," she invites, promising to share her ongoing learnings to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
Her narrative serves as a powerful reminder that success is rarely a straight path. Struggles, failures, and self-doubt are universal, though often invisible, experiences. For students and young professionals, Lee's reflections offer valuable insights on balancing ambition with well-being, viewing failures as learning opportunities, and recognizing that career growth encompasses both triumphs and setbacks.
