How Moving to Vietnam Transformed Our Health, Wellbeing, and Relationship with Work
After years of burnout, endless commutes, and healthcare anxiety in the US, we moved to Vietnam. Here's what changed—and why so many expats describe their move as "healing."
The Burnout We Left Behind
Before Vietnam, our lives looked "successful" on paper: good jobs, nice apartment, the whole package. But we were exhausted. 60-hour work weeks, $2,000/month in health insurance, two hours of daily commuting, and weekends spent recovering just enough to do it again.
Sound familiar? You're not alone. The WHO now officially recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon. And for many Western professionals, it's become the default state of existence.
The Breaking Point
For us, it was a health emergency that forced us to stop. We realized we'd been slowly destroying ourselves for a career trajectory that wasn't even making us happy. Vietnam wasn't just a move—it was a reset button.
What Actually Changes When You Move
Your Cost of Living Drops Dramatically
When you can live comfortably on $1,500-2,500/month, the pressure to earn at all costs disappears. You can work less, choose projects you care about, or build something of your own without the constant financial anxiety.
The Pace of Life Slows Down
Vietnamese culture values leisure differently. Coffee breaks last hours, not minutes. Lunch is for sitting, not scarfing at your desk. Weekends are genuinely for rest. This cultural shift is contagious—in the best way.
Healthcare Anxiety Evaporates
When a doctor's visit costs $40 and you can actually afford to take care of yourself, you stop ignoring symptoms. Preventive care becomes possible. Mental health support is accessible. The constant low-grade fear of medical bankruptcy just... goes away.
The Physical Transformation
We've watched dozens of expats go through similar physical transformations. Here's what typically happens:
- 1You actually have time to exercise.
Gyms cost $30-50/month. Personal trainers are $15-25/session. Morning yoga by the river is free.
- 2Your diet improves naturally.
Fresh, local food is cheaper than processed. Street food is surprisingly healthy. You start eating whole foods because they're the default.
- 3You sleep better.
Less stress, no commute, more daylight exposure. Most expats report improved sleep within the first month.
- 4You walk more.
City life here is walkable. You'll explore neighborhoods on foot, stroll through markets, and realize you haven't sat in traffic in weeks.
The Mental Health Shift
This is the part that's harder to measure but maybe most important. When you remove yourself from a system that was slowly grinding you down, something shifts internally.
"I didn't realize how tense I was until I'd been here three months. One day I noticed my shoulders weren't by my ears anymore. I'd stopped grinding my teeth. The low-level anxiety I'd assumed was just 'being an adult' had quietly disappeared."
— The NestAbroad Team
What expats commonly report:
- Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
- Better relationships (more time, less stress)
- Renewed sense of purpose and possibility
- Space to process past trauma or burnout
- Rediscovering hobbies and interests
A Typical Day Now
Here's what a "work day" looks like for us now:
- 6:30am - Wake up naturally, no alarm
- 7:00am - Vietnamese coffee at the local cafe, read or journal
- 8:00am - Light exercise or walk
- 9:00am - Work block (remote work or business)
- 12:00pm - Long lunch break, maybe a nap
- 2:00pm - Second work block
- 5:00pm - Done. Actually done.
- Evening - Dinner with friends, explore the city, whatever we want
Is it for everyone? No. Do you need some income source? Yes. But is it possible to live well, work meaningfully, and actually enjoy your life? Absolutely. We're proof.
The Invitation
If you're reading this and feeling something stir—that's not nothing. That's the part of you that knows there might be another way. Vietnam isn't the only answer, but for many of us, it's been the right one.
You deserve to live a life that doesn't require "recovery" every weekend. You deserve healthcare you can afford. You deserve time—not just for productivity, but for being human.
Ready to Reclaim Your Life?
We help burned-out professionals make the transition to life in Vietnam. Start with a free consultation to see if it's right for you.
Start Your Journey