I left my home in Mexico City to chase the American dream in New York City. The demanding hustle culture was unsustainable.

The author moved from Mexico City to New York City.

Courtesy of Santiago Barraza Lopez

• I grew up in Mexico City, but decided to leave and move to New York City to chase success.
• New York City demanded everything of me, forcing me to overwork and never stop.
• The American dream is demanding, and I decided I didn't want to chase it long-term.

Leaving Mexico City, the place I grew up, wasn't impulsive. It was calculated — shaped by ambition and the stubborn belief that opportunity still lives somewhere else.