After 2 layoffs and a breakup in New York, I booked a one-way flight to Asia. Travel changed how I define success.
Business Insider
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
After experiencing a breakup and two layoffs within a single year, Macie Strum decided to redefine her notion of success by embarking on an eight-month journey across Asia, Australia, and Europe. Having felt trapped by the traditional "American dream" expectations she had absorbed from society, Macie chose to leave her life behind, sublet her apartment, sold her belongings, and boarded a one-way flight to South Korea. This marked the beginning of her quest to redefine success on her own terms, away from the rigid checkpoints of conventional achievement.
During her travels, Macie encountered new perspectives that challenged her previous understanding of success. In Southeast Asia, she grappled with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, questioning whether her journey was leading anywhere. However, as she ventured deeper into countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, she noticed a shift in her mindset. Local life revolved around routine, family, and living in the present, contrasting sharply with the pressure she had felt back home. Connecting with fellow travelers who were also redefining their lives helped her realize that uncertainty did not equate to failure. This journey of self-discovery ultimately led her to Sarajevo, where she now builds a career as a freelance journalist while maintaining her passion for travel.
Macie's story highlights the importance of reevaluating societal expectations and embracing a more flexible approach to life and work. By stepping away from traditional markers of success, she gained clarity on what truly matters to her. Her experience underscores how travel can serve as both an escape from societal pressures and an opportunity for personal growth. For readers interested in business and finance, her narrative offers insights into the value of redefining success on individual terms, emphasizing the pursuit of purpose and fulfillment over conventional milestones. Strum's journey reminds us that life is not a race to be won but a path to be navigated with intention and self-awareness.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/26/2026