Helen Zhao '11

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An article on cnbc.com by Helen Zhao '11 details the odyssey she embarked upon after quitting her dream job and how it changed her perspective on work, life and leisure. Spoiler alert: it's all about balance.

"After realizing firsthand that nothing is as glamorous as it seems, I stopped aspiring to be like others and began to prioritize my own needs," Zhao writes. "I decided to sleep in and relax at cafés in Cartagena, for example, instead of hustling to embark on a Caribbean island boat tour I didn’t really want to take. I don’t regret it...

"Before returning home, I spent nearly two months in Bali," Zhao writes. "I found true work-life balance and a magical, extravagant, free-spirited lifestyle I’d never experienced.

"I began freelancing and applying for jobs from beautiful cafés and restaurants, while enjoying a slower pace of life, surrounded by lush nature and stunning views."

It's also about appreciation for what one has. "I never felt like I had enough success or money while living and working in Los Angeles and New York City. But in South America and Southeast Asia, where I encountered mind-boggling levels of poverty, I realized how privileged I am."