How Two Young Tech Professionals Left It All Behind to Explore the World

A Life-Changing Decision

Darien Tan and Joanna Wong, both 26 years old, made a bold move in September 2024 when they decided to leave their high-paying tech jobs to travel the world. The couple's journey began with a shared realization that their careers were not fulfilling their deeper desires.

The Wake-Up Call

The catalyst for this life-altering decision came after a near-death experience during a company retreat in San Francisco. Tan, who had just started a sales position in a hospitality tech company, was involved in a severe car accident that made him question his life's direction. "If I were to die at that point, would I have been happy with the life that I chose to lead?" he reflected.

Leaving Behind Stability

With a combined annual income of approximately 250,000 Singapore dollars (around $185,000), the couple felt financially secure but emotionally unfulfilled. Wong had been working as a user experience designer and experienced burnout, leading her to seek a change in lifestyle.

Embracing the Unknown

Starting in Bali, they spent a month recovering from their burnout and contemplating their travel goals. They set a monthly budget of 3,000 Singapore dollars and relied on their savings, along with some freelance income, to sustain their travels.

The Journey Continues

Since leaving Singapore, Tan and Wong have explored Indonesia, Thailand, and China. They are continually reassessing where they want to live, understanding that their environment significantly impacts their life choices. They are not in a rush to return to Singapore, embracing the freedom that this journey offers.

Their approach to life is about spending their savings on experiences rather than deferring happiness for a future that may never come. "We are happy with the idea of our savings dwindling," Tan said. Their philosophy revolves around doing what they want in life, rather than following a traditional corporate path.