How Remote Work Changed My Life: From Burnout to Freedom

In 2021, I officially started working remotely while living in Vietnam.
At that time, the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to spread rapidly, and the country was heading into lockdowns.
The opportunity came thanks to a client whom I had worked with for several years. A person I deeply respected and who trusted in my capabilities.

It was a major shift, and honestly, one that changed my life forever.

Before Remote Work: The Daily Hustle in Saigon

Before embracing remote work, my days felt like a never-ending hustle.
I lived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (or Saigon, as many still call it), one of the busiest cities in Vietnam, where traffic jams are practically a daily ritual.

I would leave home extra early every morning just to beat the worst traffic. Even then, I would often find myself stuck in a sea of motorbikes and cars under the sweltering heat, breathing in the thick air of dust and exhaust fumes.

By the time I reached the office, I was already exhausted, and the day had not even started.
Long hours under fluorescent lights, back-to-back meetings, rushed lunches at packed cafeterias.
And by the time I got home, it was already dark.

There was hardly any energy left to spend time with my family, pursue hobbies, or even just relax.

I thought this was normal. It is just the way life was supposed to be when you wanted to build a career.

Traveling out of the city for 1-2 days is the way to escape those feelings temporarily at that time.

 

The Breaking Point

Little by little, the stress, the lack of time, and the physical toll built up.
By 2021, right before the pandemic hit Vietnam, I was already starting to feel the first signs of burnout, trouble sleeping, constant fatigue, lost hair, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction.

I knew something had to change.

I just did not know how, until the world itself changed.

 

 

A New Opportunity Amidst Crisis

When COVID-19 escalated and Vietnam enforced strict social distancing measures, businesses were forced to rethink the way they operated.

That’s when the client trusted me to introduce me to a new opportunity — a new CEO who reached out with a simple but life-changing question:
“Would you be interested in handling remote work projects for global, not just Vietnam, but many countries?”

I was excited,… but had fears and doubts too.

Until then, I had only worked with international clients with businesses based in Vietnam, following Vietnamese labor laws.

But this is different.

It was a chance to truly go global, breaking the boundaries of location, language, and comfort zones.

It was a leap of faith, stepping into full-time remote work when everything around me felt uncertain

Deep inside, I knew it was a chance to rebuild my career — and my life — on my terms.

 

How Remote Work Changed My Life

Today, after almost 4 years of working remotely, I can confidently say:

It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I wanted to say thank you for hundred times, for the following reason:

1. Less Stress

Without the daily 1-2-hour commute, my mornings became calmer.
Instead of waking up at dawn to fight traffic, I could start my day with a quiet cup of coffee, some light stretching, and even a walk around my neighborhood.

No more rushing. No more road rage. No more breathing in clouds of exhaust fumes.

Working from home also meant a healthier relationship with food and exercise. I wasn’t grabbing greasy fast food between meetings anymore, I could actually cook meals, drink enough water, and take breaks when needed.

Most importantly, I had space to breathe, mentally and emotionally.

2. More Time

Remote work gave me back one of the most precious gifts: time.

The hours I once spent preparing and lost in traffic were now spent with family, reading books, learning new skills, or simply resting.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like my life wasn’t just about work anymore.
I was living, not just surviving.

Of course, remote work comes with its own challenges like discipline, focus, and setting boundaries, but the rewards far outweigh them.

3. Finding a New Balance

Today, I still work hard. I still set high standards for myself. But I’m no longer chained to a desk or trapped in endless commutes.

Instead, I work with purpose, and when the laptop closes for the day, I fully shift back into living my life, connecting with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, traveling when possible, and nurturing my well-being.

4. An Unexpected Bonus: Love ❤️

Here’s something I’ve never shared with my colleagues:
Working remotely even led me to meet “Mr. Right”

You ask me how and why, and when?

Well… that is a long story that I will share with you in the next post, I promise.

And for sure, it was like a dream that I never wanted to wake.

 

My Advice to You

My advice to anyone considering a shift to remote work.

If the opportunity comes, and it aligns with your goals, grab it.
You might just find that it’s not only your career that grows, but your entire life can flourish too.

Here’s to building a life where work supports your dreams, not one where work is your life.

👉 If you’d like to hear more of my journey or tips about working remotely, flexible careers, and living a balanced life, feel free to follow me on my Social Media, including Blog and Vlog – Youtube.

And if this story resonates with you, don’t forget to leave a comment or a message. I’d love to connect.

Good luck!