Haley and Shane Mahabadi, a married couple in their late 20s, embarked on a bold journey, leaving behind their corporate careers and a six-figure income to travel full-time across Southeast Asia.
The Mahabadis, formerly based in Denver, meticulously planned and saved for years before taking the leap to explore Southeast Asia. Shane left his position as a manager of strategy and analytics at a well-known corporation, where he enjoyed career growth and a supportive work environment. Meanwhile, Haley resigned from her role as a creative director, choosing instead to freelance and manage her own hours.
This significant lifestyle change was inspired by a transformative backpacking trip they took through Southeast Asia after college in 2019. Haley expressed concerns about the monotony of corporate life, feeling ‘chained to the desk’ with little freedom or flexibility.
The couple decided they didn’t want to look back in their fifties regretting not having traveled when they had the chance. They embarked on their full-time travel mission this year, starting with visits to Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
They are supporting their travels through savings, Haley’s freelance work in social media management and content creation, and exploring potential new income streams. Shane reflected on the decision, acknowledging the risks but also the potential rewards of such a venture.
The drastic reduction in living costs in Southeast Asia has allowed them to stretch their savings further. They also benefited from years of accumulated credit card miles, reducing expenses on major international flights.
While the travel is currently planned for a year, the couple is open to extending it if they can develop successful income streams. They express a desire for a flexible lifestyle, even after returning to the United States.
During their travels, they’ve engaged in various activities such as hiking, swimming, and motorbiking in Vietnam’s Ha Giang Loop, experiences that have reinforced their decision to pursue this path. For Shane, the worst-case scenario still offers the invaluable reward of a year of global adventures.
Haley and Shane Mahabadi’s decision to leave corporate America for a life of travel underscores a shift in priorities from financial security to life experiences. While their journey is not without risks, it is driven by a desire for freedom and adventure, illustrating an unconventional path that many dream of but few pursue.
Source: Businessinsider
