Highlights:
- Susan Lindgren walked away from her stressful corporate career to prioritize her health.
- What she intended as a year off turned into a life-changing journey abroad.
- Now, she enjoys a healthier lifestyle in Vietnam.
This story is based on an interview with Susan Lindgren, a 58-year-old residing in Da Nang, Vietnam. She has lived there for a year and a half, and we’ve edited it for clarity.
After spending 25 years as a business software consultant, burnout hit me hard.
At my last workplace, I was juggling multiple software implementations for corporate clients all at once. It felt like each project was a full-time job of its own.
My commitments became iffy—I was constantly weighing birthday parties and dinner plans against work obligations. My work life took precedence, reducing my personal enjoyment significantly.
Before I knew it, my mental health took a toll, and soon my physical health followed suit.
The anxiety peaked one day when I had a serious scare about my health, leading me to believe something was seriously wrong, maybe even my heart.
I visited the doctor, where I learned that I had high blood pressure and a racing heartbeat, both caused by stress. After two similar episodes, the doctor recommended that I take a step back from it all.
Thinking I could solve these issues with some new habits, I sought help from a psychologist. It took just a few sessions for her to drop a hefty truth bomb on me.
We weren’t just discussing my job—this was about my life. She mentioned other clients who brushed aside their well-being, ultimately ending up in dire situations.
Choosing Wellness Over Work
I initially planned just a year off to do everything I had been too busy to accomplish—spending time with family, getting certified as a health coach, and volunteering abroad.
In Tanzania, participating in a clean water initiative, I had a moment of clarity. I remember my last night there, brimming with joy and suddenly not wanting to leave.
One of the young women asked, “So why don’t you keep traveling?”
My reply was delayed because I couldn’t conjure an excuse that made sense. I had no job, spouse, or children holding me back. So, I returned to the States, rented out my tiny condo, and started globe-trotting through Africa, South America, and Asia.
When I first touched down in Vietnam in 2017, I spent an entire month soaking in the culture and beauty of the country. But my wanderlust didn’t wane; I kept moving and returned to my family intermittently.
March 2020 forced border closures, so I found myself stuck in Vietnam for five months. There was so much to love—the beaches, the natural beauty, and fresh, healthy food all around.
Now, in February 2024, I felt a pull back to Vietnam.
Settling into Life in Da Nang
Making friends abroad is a breeze. When you’re in a foreign place, it feels like everyone is in a similar boat, and there are endless events to join in on. There’s always something cool happening!
It’s so spontaneous—I might bump into someone on my coffee run and suddenly find myself attending an exciting event together.
Back home, I was committed to staying healthy—joining a marathon club, chugging green juices, and hitting the trails daily.
Here, maintaining well-being feels effortless. People generally spend time outdoors, and junk food is not the norm. I ditched supplements, and my health never felt better! I’ve signed up for acroyoga classes, am excitedly dancing salsa, and exploring waterfalls with friends decades younger than me—all while feeling incredibly lively.
In the US, small talk inevitably centers around your job, car, or home. Here, the focus shifts to people’s character and presence, and it’s refreshing!
Travel has broadened my horizons beyond anything I’d imagined was possible. Now, I earn rental income from my US property and investment returns.
I’ve found camaraderie among digital nomads with remote work and traditional retirees who settle in places they adore. I fit somewhere in between, relishing the freedom to choose both my location and how long I linger.
I enjoy my base here and can easily slip away for weekend adventures. Yet, if I feel like heading to Thailand, I can pack my bags and depart as early as tomorrow.
I’m rethinking what’s truly important to me. Gone is the mentality of always hustling for money. Instead, a perfect day is waking up, walking to the beach, and sipping a fresh coconut—it’s a depiction of true wealth.
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