American woman left stressful corporate job after health scare, found new life in Vietnam: 'Take the leap'

Speaking in the video, Susan explained that her decision had been shaped by health concerns brought on by unrelenting stress.

Susan, an American woman who once worked as a software consultant in California, described how she left a demanding corporate career in the United States and began a new life in Vietnam. Her experience was first shared on her Instagram account @whatsusandoes and amplified in a viral video by content creator @Rosstheflaneur.

Speaking in the video, Susan explained that her decision had been shaped by health concerns brought on by unrelenting stress. “I was a software consultant. The stress was relentless, and I could not sleep through the night. I kept telling myself to work harder. Eventually, my body rebelled. The doctors said it was stress-related. I even saw a psychologist, and she told me, ‘I’ve seen people like you, and they’ve died,’” she recalled.

The intensity of her professional life had left her with few alternatives. “My plan was to take a year off work, figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and then return. That was ten years ago,” she said. What began as a temporary break ultimately became a permanent relocation.

Susan had reached a crisis point after her workload overwhelmed her health, resulting in an emergency hospital visit. Recalling the incident, she said her psychologist had issued a clear warning: “I’ve seen people like you, and they’ve died. You need to reconsider this job.” That advice, she explained, was decisive in her decision to leave her role.

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She settled in Da Nang, a coastal city in Vietnam, and described the lifestyle there as more sustainable and personally rewarding. “The food is so fresh, and there’s food everywhere. It’s inexpensive, nourishing, a meal for two dollars,” she noted, contrasting it with the pressure and pace of her previous work environment.

Reflecting on her new life, Susan described it as centred on meaningful connections and a healthier balance. “It all started with making that first decision: take the leap. You’ll make friends. You’ll change the way you think. Life is so rich. Enjoy your life, wherever you want to live,” she said.

Her account, which detailed a shift from constant deadlines to a slower and more deliberate routine, drew thousands of responses online. One viewer commented that her story was “both inspiring and relatable” for those caught in stressful employment. Another remarked, “Two dollars for a fresh meal sounds like paradise.” Others highlighted the courage involved, with one user writing: “Not many have the guts to walk away from a career like that.” A further response observed, “Stress can kill, but freedom gives new life.”

Susan has continued to post about her experiences under the handle @whatsusandoes, with her story frequently cited as an example of how burnout can lead to reassessment of priorities. “Vietnam gave me the space to breathe and build the life I truly wanted,” she said, reflecting on her move.