In a world where high-paying tech jobs and fast-paced corporate life often define success, Simone Landis took a bold leap. The 29-year-old San Francisco native left her secure job at Meta in search of purpose, only to discover that finding herself would take more than a passport and a plane ticket.
Landis, who worked in event planning within Meta’s global security division, had enjoyed the dynamic energy of coordinating large-scale corporate gatherings out of the Bay Area headquarters. But when the COVID-19 pandemic forced all in-person events to halt, her vibrant role shifted to data analytics — a change that dulled her passion.
“Suddenly, my job became something entirely different than what I signed up for,” Landis recalled. “I stayed because of the steady paycheck, but I knew deep down I wasn’t fulfilled.”
From Tech Career to Bali Dream
By fall 2022, after saving diligently for two years and feeling increasingly disillusioned with corporate life, Landis quit Meta, ended her lease, and booked a two-month trip to Bali. Inspired by the romanticized ideal of a spiritual escape — a modern-day “Eat, Pray, Love” — she hoped the journey would spark clarity about her future.
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“I chose Bali because it has this reputation as a healing, spiritual place,” she said. “I imagined yoga retreats, meaningful conversations, and a creative rebirth.”
And Bali did offer those things — at least on the surface. Landis enjoyed vegan cuisine, daily yoga sessions, and the island’s lush natural beauty. But the experience didn’t match the life-changing reset she had envisioned.
The Harsh Reality of Escaping for Answers
“Bali was more commercialized than I expected. Everywhere I went felt catered to Western tourists chasing the same dream,” she said. “Instead of feeling connected, I felt isolated.”
Despite her plans to create travel content and meet new people, Landis found herself paralyzed by social anxiety. The weight of her expectations — to find purpose, clarity, and direction — left her feeling more confused than ever.
“I thought I'd meditate and suddenly have a vision for my future,” Landis said. “But instead, I ruminated over what I didn’t have — a career, a partner, a plan. It felt like everyone else my age was moving forward while I was stuck.”
Returning Home: A Humbling Reset
After two months abroad, Landis flew back to the Bay Area and moved into her childhood home. While her parents weren’t living there full time, the return still felt like a regression.
“It was humbling and honestly embarrassing,” she said. “I gave up everything to find myself, and the only place I ended up was back in my old bedroom.”
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But it was in that familiar space that Landis began to rebuild. She resumed part-time work at an event-planning agency — the same side job she held while at Meta — and slowly reignited her passion. Her renewed dedication and initiative paid off, leading to a promotion and increased creative responsibilities.
A New Path Forward
Landis isn’t done evolving. She’s now planning to pursue yoga teacher training and dreams of combining her two passions — wellness and events — to lead international yoga retreats in the future. “Maybe I’ll even return to Bali,” she said, smiling.
She continues to live in her childhood home, a reality she notes is more common than many people admit — especially in the Bay Area, where the cost of living can be prohibitive.
“Sure, it’s not what I imagined at 29,” she said, “but I’m grateful for the space and time to figure things out on my own terms.”
No Regrets, Just Realizations
Though her Bali experience didn’t offer the spiritual clarity she hoped for, Landis doesn’t regret the journey. Instead, it taught her that no destination can fix internal confusion.
“I went looking for answers in Bali, but what I really needed was time alone with myself,” she said. “You can’t run away from what’s inside. I’m finally on a path that feels authentic — and that’s worth everything I left behind.”
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Tags: Simone Landis Meta, quit job for Bali, Bali spiritual reset, post-pandemic career change, moving back home at 29, Bali disappointment, yoga retreat Bali, career burnout Meta, finding purpose after quitting job, corporate burnout recovery
