I used to watch these kpop audition shows some years ago. The format was similar: take extremely passionate young folks who want to make it as singers, have them perform, vote, and the winners move on.

To this day I’m at awe how these young folks handle the pressure, the emotions, the up and downs and cutthroat competition where advancing may change the trajectory of their entire careers. And the show dials up competition to the max, competing against other teams, your own teammates, everyone.

I still sometimes listen to the music they produced during these times, and as how the vast majority did not get to experience success, there is a bit of guilt there. Because the cuts, the folks that don’t get to go on to the next level is absolutely brutal. Having been laid off before, I don’t know if the feeling is similar, but during those times I couldn’t even watch the show.

At work I’ve also definitely been through extremely competitive environments. But for the most part at the end of the day you’re still collaborating to move your company forward. You found ways to deal with your differences and work together. To not take things too personal, to be well aware of processes and communicate at a high level. To manage expectations of everyone around you. While it can get bad, tears can flow, it’s not quite like the audition shows.

As I listen yet again to one of my favorite performances to come out of one of these audition shows, I can’t help but hope the participants are enjoying success somewhere some way.