What's Happening?
Carey Bentley, a former corporate executive from Los Angeles, transitioned from a high-stress job to starting a coaching business in Bali with her husband, Demir. The couple moved to Bali in 2016, seeking a slower pace and a more sustainable lifestyle. They founded the Lifehack Method, a coaching business aimed at helping professionals achieve more without burning out. The business thrived, but managing time zones became challenging, prompting a move to Medellín, Colombia, in 2019. There, they started a family and appreciated the local healthcare system. In 2024, they returned to the U.S. to be closer to aging parents, settling in a rural community outside Atlanta.
Why It's Important?
This story highlights the growing trend of professionals seeking alternative lifestyles and work environments outside the traditional corporate structure. Bentley's journey underscores the potential benefits of remote work and entrepreneurship, such as improved work-life balance and reduced stress. Her experience in Bali and Colombia demonstrates how different cultural approaches to work can influence business practices and personal well-being. The move back to the U.S. reflects the importance of family ties and the challenges of balancing personal and professional aspirations.
What's Next?
Bentley and her family plan to eventually return overseas, possibly to Asia or Europe, once their children are older. This decision suggests a continued interest in global living and the benefits it offers, such as exposure to diverse cultures and languages. The couple's experience may inspire other professionals to consider similar lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of building a financial runway and validating business ideas before making such transitions.
Beyond the Headlines
Bentley's story raises questions about the sustainability of corporate work environments and the potential for burnout. Her success in Bali and Colombia suggests that alternative work models can lead to healthier lifestyles and more fulfilling careers. The narrative also touches on the cultural differences in work-life balance and the impact of these differences on personal and professional growth.
