I thought my only choice was to grow up, get a job, and start a family. Instead, I moved to Thailand.

Martina Smidova quit her job and moved to Koh Samui, Thailand, in search of a slower and more meaningful life.

Amanda Goh.

• At 25, Martina Smidova felt there had to be more to life than the daily grind of a 9-to-5 job.
• She quit her corporate job in the Czech Republic to travel around Asia before settling down in Thailand.
• Living in Koh Samui made her realize she didn't have to follow a conventional life path.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Martina Smidova...