I Walked Away from My Career at 29 to Travel Alone. My Parents Only Learned When My Business Blueprint Was Done

Feeling the Burnout

Working as a brand leader at a startup for sports beverages in Shanghai, my daily routine included interacting with over 30 individuals—from sports enthusiasts and suppliers to colleagues seeking approvals.

I was perpetually exhausted. Physical ailments plagued me, fatigue was a constant companion, and panic attacks were frequent visitors. By February 2023, at age 29, I had reached my breaking point and decided to resign.

Embarking on a Personal Odyssey

Entering the third decade of my life, I craved a clearer sense of direction. Although I refrained from sharing this decision with my family, the understanding and encouragement from friends and colleagues provided solace.

Suddenly, with no obligations, a profound sense of aimlessness set in. The abrupt transition from a hectic lifestyle left me bewildered and at a loss for the first few days.

I embarked on various new adventures. One day, I cycled across the city, spanning over 10 kilometers, and on another occasion, I endured a 30-kilometer journey just to enjoy kayaking.

Nurturing Connections

My first year was spent traversing Asia. Given my background in Reiki, Japan appeared as a logical initial destination.

In Japan, accompanied by friends, the serene temples and historic inns in Tokyo and Kyoto ignited a profound connection within me, compelling me to return alone.

From Bangkok's bustling markets to South Korea's festive New Year's Eve on Jeju Island, each locale echoed with personal memories—much like Guangzhou from my childhood in the '90s.

Venturing Solo

On the dawn of the New Year, I embarked on an independent journey to Kyoto. Having previously lived alone through academic pursuits and travels abroad, Japan presented a uniquely introspective setting.

I spent a solitary birthday wandering through Tokyo's Nezu Museum gardens, reflecting on appreciating the present rather than yearning for absence.

A European Expedition

Eighteen months post-resignation, I embarked on a European adventure. In Sicily, a chance encounter with a local climber led me to his family café, showcasing the island's openness and vibrant spirit—so unlike Shanghai's frenetic pace.

Discovering Emotional Liberation

By the end of last year, I initiated efforts for a new entrepreneurial venture. Yet a friend's invitation to a five-day aquatic retreat in Bali proved irresistible. Engaging in dynamic oceanic movement allowed raw emotions to surface.

Unexpected tears flowed, initially inducing embarrassment, but reaffirmation from the instructor offered freedom. The experience, divergent from my controlled upbringing, permitted genuine release.

My sabbatical eased my dependency on external affirmations, encouraging intrinsic self-value over quantifiable markers of accomplishment.

Returning to Innovation

As I celebrated turning 30, I finally revealed my year-long hiatus and the new aromatherapy venture to my parents. Despite their initial astonishment, the tangible business strategy and product samples eased their concerns.

In May 2024, my partner and I launched Aurawell, marking a pioneering period post-resignation. I introduced the brand through a meditation event in an unconventional space, heralding a fresh chapter.

Taking this pause was one of my most astute choices, allowing me to decompress, reassess life directions, and embrace personal passions, unshackled by societal demands.