Quitting high-paying jobs, American tourists find 'wealth' in Vietnam

Journey from pressure to Vietnam

After 25 years of dedication to the software consulting field with high salary and dream position, Susan, 50 years old, from the US, faced both physical and mental exhaustion. The pressure of work made her decide to stop at the age of 40, starting the journey to find herself through volunteer activities and traveling around the world .

In 2017, Vietnam was just a stop on Susan's itinerary. However, the three-month trip from North to South left a deep impression. She still remembers the feeling of a cold, rainy but bustling, safe Hanoi, with friendly people and unique cuisine . "I loved every minute of that first trip," Susan shared.

Susan on a trip to the mountains of northern Vietnam.

What makes Vietnam different

Returning to Vietnam many times since then, Susan realized that it was the intangible values that kept her here. The hospitality, humility and open-heartedness of the Vietnamese people were things she could not find in many other places.

Hospitality and sincerity

One of Susan’s most memorable experiences was a visit to Que Son, about 40 km from Hoi An. After meeting a young girl by chance and being invited to her home, she was warmly welcomed by the family. They gave her their bedroom, took her on a tour of the village and invited her to cozy family meals.

The moment that touched Susan was when the father, through his daughter's interpretation, said: "Your father told me that if there is anything your family has done that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable, we apologize in advance." This thoughtfulness and thoughtfulness, along with the words "You are always welcome here" from a ride-hailing driver, made her deeply feel the warmth of the Vietnamese people.

Meaningful trip with mom

In 2020, Susan took her mother to Da Nang. The month-long trip was not only a beautiful memory but also the last time she was with her mother. In Vietnam, her mother witnessed her daughter living happily, surrounded by wonderful friends. "My mother supported me to stay in Vietnam, which made me feel relieved and happy," Susan said. Her mother's support became the motivation for her to decide to pursue a nomadic life in Da Nang after her mother passed away.

Susan and her mother had a meaningful trip to Vietnam before she passed away.

Redefining "wealth" in Da Nang

The experience in Vietnam completely changed Susan's concept of wealth. She realized that "wealth of the soul" is much more important than a big house and a luxury car in California. "Community connection, health, joy, laughter, traditional family values are the real assets for me," she affirmed.

Susan’s life in Da Nang is now very simple. Every day starts with a cup of coffee, followed by a walk on the beach, and dancing with the locals. She loves the naturally healthy Vietnamese lifestyle: going to the market to buy fresh food every day, participating in community physical activities and always having quality time together.

Susan's journey is proof that happiness sometimes lies not in material things but in connections and simple experiences. "I never knew that there was another world, another life that could make me happier. Vietnam helped me change that perspective," Susan shared her gratitude for daring to step out of her comfort zone to find herself again.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/bo-viec-luong-cao-du-khach-my-tim-thay-su-giau-co-o-viet-nam-398065.html