Starting Over in My 40s: Leaving the Hustle for a Slow And Simple Life

Thinking of starting over?
A few years ago, I left the hustle to embrace a slow and simple life. It wasn’t easy, but it changed everything. Here’s my journey.

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Chapters:
00:00 thoughts of starting over
00:48 pursuing ustopia
03:08 slow and simple life in thailand
05:10 adapting and letting go
07:06 starting over at any time

Starting Over: Leaving the Hustle for a Slow and Simple Life
Have you ever thought about starting over—not in a dramatic way, but in small, meaningful shifts? A few years ago, I realized the life I was living didn’t align with the one I truly wanted. So, little by little, I made changes. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but it led me to a slower, more intentional life.

Finding Balance Between Slow Living and the Hustle
We often see slow living as an ideal and hustle culture as an endless grind. But what if there’s a middle ground? For years, I was caught in the rat race as a full-time teacher in the Philippines. My son was growing up fast, my husband was working in the U.S., and we were both exhausted. It felt like life was slipping away.

We didn’t want to chase an illusion of perfection—we just wanted a way to slow down while still building a future. That’s when I realized starting over wasn’t about escaping everything; it was about making small shifts toward what truly matters.

So, we took a leap. I transitioned to remote work, homeschooled my son, and we moved to Thailand. There was no perfect plan—just a commitment to figuring it out as we went.

A New Life in Thailand
At first, leaving the hustle behind sounded ideal, but the transition was tough—navigating visas, adjusting to a new culture, and searching for a home. Change felt overwhelming, but piece by piece, things fell into place.

We embraced sabai, the Thai concept of ease and contentment. Instead of chasing the next thing, we learned to appreciate what we had. By simplifying life and keeping our living costs low, we created a sustainable lifestyle that feels fulfilling—without feeling like we gave up anything.

Adapting and Letting Go
The biggest gift of slowing down has been time—time to explore, to pause, to just be. My husband and I still work full-time, but we’ve learned to carve out space for slowness—visiting cafes, taking walks, and simply sitting by the river.

Despite living in a foreign country, we never felt isolated. We built a small, close-knit community and found support in unexpected places. But this journey isn’t just about adjusting to a new place—it’s about growing into new versions of ourselves.

Now, another transition is unfolding. My son, who has been part of this journey, is now 20 and studying abroad. Letting go is bittersweet, but I trust that just as we built our own path, he will find his.

Starting Over at Any Time
Starting over doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. It can be as simple as slowing down, simplifying, and living with intention. If you feel that pull, know that change doesn’t have to happen overnight—it can unfold in its own time.

For us, this shift led to a life with more presence, peace, and space for what truly matters. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What about you? If you could make one small shift toward the life you truly want, what would it be? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your though