I quit my job at 29 and traveled solo. I didn't tell my parents until I'd finished my business plan.

"In February 2023, at 29, I quit. I wanted to head into my 30s with a clearer sense of purpose. I didn't tell my parents, but my friends and colleagues were supportive. Suddenly, I had nothing to do, and that early idleness felt panic-inducing. I was so used to running around, talking to people, and being needed. I felt completely lost for a few days."

"I biked across the city from one end to the other, covering more than 10 kilometers. Another time, I biked 30 kilometers just to go kayaking. I felt exhausted, but also energized. I spent the first year traveling across Asia. Because I'd been practicing Reiki, Japan felt like a natural first stop. On a trip to Tokyo and Kyoto with friends, temples and traditional inns sparked something within me. I knew I wanted to go back again on my own."

At 29, Cassi Zheng left her role as a brand director in Shanghai after experiencing chronic pain, fatigue, and panic attacks from relentless daily demands. She initially felt lost in the sudden idleness but began experimenting with activities like long bike rides and kayaking that left her exhausted yet energized. She spent a year traveling across Asia, drawn to Japan by Reiki practice and inspired by temples and traditional inns, and visited Thailand and South Korea with friends. The travels and slower pace helped her reset and led to a career shift into aromatherapy with Aurawell.

Read at Business Insider