Susan Lindgren Quits Corporate Job, Finds Freedom in Vietnam
URGENT UPDATE: Susan Lindgren, a former corporate consultant from Santa Monica, California, has transformed her life after quitting her job due to severe burnout. Now residing in Da Nang, Vietnam, she shares her inspiring journey of reclaiming her health and happiness.
After 25 years in the high-pressure world of business software consulting, Lindgren reached a breaking point. The stress from managing multiple corporate clients led to alarming health issues, including elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate. “I was always prioritizing work over my plans,” she recalls, emphasizing the toll it took on her joy and well-being.
In a critical turning point, Lindgren sought help from a psychologist who urged her to rethink her life choices. “We weren’t talking about my job, but about my life,” she remembers. This wake-up call propelled her to take a year off and explore what life could be like beyond the confines of corporate America.
Initially planning only a year of travel, her journey began with a humanitarian project in Tanzania. On the last night of her trip, a conversation sparked her realization: she didn’t want to return home. “I had no job, spouse, or kids holding me back,” she explains, leading her to rent out her condo and embark on an extended journey through Africa, South America, and Asia.
Lindgren first visited Vietnam in 2017 and returned in March 2020 as the world faced pandemic lockdowns. She ended up staying for five months, discovering a lifestyle rich in health and community. “It was very livable, with its beaches, nature, and abundance of fresh, healthy food,” she states, highlighting the stark contrast to her previous life.
Now, living in Vietnam for over a year and a half, Lindgren finds herself thriving. The vibrant local culture encourages an active lifestyle, and she has traded in her supplements for fresh, natural produce. “I quit eating supplements, and I’ve never felt better,” she asserts. Her daily routine includes acroyoga, salsa dancing, and even rock scrambling with much younger friends.
Lindgren also notes a significant shift in societal values. “Back home, people ask about your house, car, or job. Here, it’s about personalities,” she remarks, appreciating the deeper connections she’s formed. With a steady rental income from her property back in California and her newfound freedom, she reflects on her redefined priorities: “Waking up, going to the beach, and drinking a fresh coconut feels like real wealth to me.”
As she continues to explore her surroundings, Lindgren enjoys the spontaneity of her lifestyle, often running into friends and joining impromptu events. “If I want to move to Thailand tomorrow, I could,” she says, relishing her ability to choose her path.
This compelling narrative of resilience and self-discovery resonates with many who crave a change from the relentless pace of corporate life. Lindgren’s story serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to prioritize health and happiness over conventional success.
For others contemplating a similar leap, Lindgren’s journey exemplifies the potential for transformation and joy that awaits beyond the office walls.
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