On the Runway

On the Runway (Trên Đường Băng) is the most famous work by Tony Buổi Sáng - a mysterious blogger whose true identity remains unknown to this day. This collection of essays from the author’s Facebook page became a bestseller with an extraordinary appeal to young readers. More than just a book, it’s a companion sharing invaluable lessons about life, career, and meaningful living.

Book Structure

The book is divided into 3 parts corresponding to the 3 stages of a flight - a brilliant metaphor for life’s journey:

1. Preparing Your Luggage - Equipping knowledge, skills, mindset
2. In the Departure Lounge - The waiting period, accumulating experience
3. Boarding the Plane - Beginning the entrepreneurial adventure

Each part contains relatable short stories - from “Quan’s story,” “the corn cob fuel story,” “the ferryman sister”… Reading feels like listening to a close friend share experiences, both entertaining and educational.

The Unforgettable Lesson: Generosity

Among the 7 valuable lessons in this book, generosity (hào sảng) left the deepest impression:

“Live generously, without calculation, ready to give, ready to let go.”

This isn’t about being wasteful or showing off. Tony’s concept of generosity means:

• Give without expecting returns: Share knowledge, time, and care without demanding reciprocation
• Be magnanimous with others: Don’t nitpick in relationships
• Be generous with yourself: Dare to invest in yourself and meaningful experiences
• Be willing to let go: Don’t cling to the past or things that no longer serve you

This lesson is especially valuable in youth - when many calculate immediate benefits and fear losing out. But in reality, generous people build lasting relationships and live happier lives.

Other Lessons from the Book

1. Preparing for the Journey

Tony emphasizes the importance of investing in intellect, physical health, and skills. If earning only 6 million VND/month, allocate:

• 300,000 VND monthly for learning (books, courses, languages)
• 1 million VND for startup capital
• 1 million VND for travel (entrepreneurs must know the feeling of luxury)
• Live frugally but smartly

2. Say No to “One-Minute Enthusiasm”

A common ailment among young people: Starting everything enthusiastically, then losing interest after a few days. The book emphasizes perseverance and discipline.

3. Don’t Refuse Sales Opportunities

Many fresh graduates demand high salaries and easy work - a contradiction. Sales is the fastest path to develop communication, negotiation, and customer understanding skills.

4. About Salary

Tony advises: “Dedicate yourself. Don’t worry if others don’t see your efforts. Don’t be smart thinking ‘no matter how hard I work, salary stays the same.’ This mindset keeps you poor.”

However, also be wise in choosing the right work environment.

5. Live Healthily and Ethically

Like a house foundation - whether a cottage or skyscraper, a solid foundation ensures longevity.

Memorable Stories

The “Internet Addiction” Story

Tony tells of a 30-year-old office worker earning 5 million VND, no girlfriend, no life purpose. Daily routine: eat - work - go home and troll online. The story ends with: “Throw away your laptop and go pick up trash outside” - a wake-up slap for those living virtually.

The “Corn Cob Fuel Startup” Story

Tony asked online about a corn cob fuel export project. Mr. Thanh from Tien Giang enthusiastically advised, claiming he’d exported several batches successfully, guaranteeing results. Tony believed him and prepared for months.

Upon arrival, Thanh’s mother said: “We don’t have any Mr. Thanh here, only young Thanh who’s in 8th grade, taking his semester exam today.”

The kid came back laughing: *“I just Googled and imagined to advise you, uncle. I don’t actually know anything. I’m still in school!”

The lesson: Don’t trust any “internet experts”!

Reading Experience

Reading this book in 2022, right after finishing the National High School Graduation Exam - a crucial transition from adolescence to adulthood - left an unforgettable impression.

Tony’s advice is never distant or clichéd. The writing style is witty, humorous, yet practical. After each story, you see yourself in it - sometimes as Quan who’s lost, sometimes as the internet addict, sometimes as the dreamer entrepreneur who knows nothing yet.

At the end of each chapter, Tony leaves blank lines for you to write your thoughts. Rereading those old notes now, I see how much I’ve changed and matured.

Why 5 Stars?

• Age-appropriate: Read at the perfect time transitioning from high school to university when seeking direction
• Practical lessons: Not just theory, but concrete stories and examples
• Easy to read and understand: Approachable writing style, not academic
• Long-lasting impact: The lessons remain valuable to this day

Memorable Quote

“Live generously - not so others see you as good, but so you yourself see that life is worth living.”

Final Thoughts

“On the Runway” is a must-read for those in the preparation phase - preparing for university, first job, or any new journey in life. It reminds us that success doesn’t come overnight, but requires a persistent accumulation process. And most importantly, live to be useful - to yourself and to others.

This book taught me that the preparation phase is just as important as the achievement itself, and that cultivating generosity as a character trait will enrich both your life and the lives of those around you.