Posts

From Stability to the Unknown — Why I Chose to Drift

From Stability to the Unknown — Why I Chose to Drift

Change has been a constant theme in my life, shaping who I am and where I stand today. Growing up in a densely populated, historic city in northern China, I always dreamt of exploring the world beyond my hometown. My journey took me from Sun Yat-sen University in southern China to the United States, where I pursued my passion for biology and eventually found my calling in bioinformatics and data science. Each step was a leap into the unknown, fueled by curiosity and the desire to grow. Relocating to Singapore with my family felt like another chapter in this journey of change. It wasn’t just a physical move; it was an opportunity to reassess my priorities and explore new possibilities. After years of dedicating myself to a career I loved, I found myself craving something different — the chance to travel, spend more time with family, and embrace the unpredictability of life, even if that meant occasionally forgetting what day of the week it is. Drifting isn’t about being lost; it’s a...
Post a Comment
Read more

What I Gained by Letting Go of the 9–5 Hustle

Image
What happens when your dream career and your dream of being a present parent start to clash? For years, I juggled both—chasing ambitious goals in fast-paced startups while raising two little ones at home. I believed that with enough planning and willpower, I could manage both worlds. But when I hit a major life transition, I realized something had to shift. This is the story of how I chose to slow down—not because I couldn’t keep up, but because I wanted to show up differently for myself and my family. The Past: Startups, Success, and Stretching Too Thin Early in my career, I left the big corporate world at Roche. I was eager to do work that felt meaningful, not spend my days stuck in slow processes and internal politics. Startups gave me the adrenaline I craved—a chance to be hands-on, solve tough problems, and work closely with a small team toward a common goal. Sure, there were trade-offs: less pay, no 401K, fewer benefits, and more responsibility. But as someone wired ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How I Rebuilt Purpose in Singapore as an Expat Mom on a Dependent Pass

Image
Are you like me—someone who didn’t even know what an “expat” was until a major life change sent you overseas? When my family relocated to Singapore, I found myself entering an entirely new chapter—not just geographically, but in identity and purpose. This is the story of how I transitioned from a biotech researcher in the U.S. to an expat mom navigating life in Singapore—rebuilding my sense of purpose after job loss, international relocation, and a major career shift. In this post, I’ll share how redefining purpose helped me adapt to expat life—and why that shift changed everything. A new chapter begins —relocating to Singapore as an expat family and finding new purpose as a mom on a dependent pass. 🌏 What Is an Expat, Really? An expat , short for expatriate , is someone who lives outside their native country—whether for work, family, adventure, or simply a change of pace. Unlike immigrants, who often intend to settle permanently, expats typically maint...
Post a Comment
Read more

Family Travel Essentials: Must-Have Tools for Traveling with Toddlers

Traveling with young kids can be magical… and mildly chaotic. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our travel toolkit—one trip, one tantrum, and one too-late-to-order-takeout moment at a time. Whether you’re flying to a beach resort or taking a road trip across the country, here are our must-have tools and tips that make family travel smoother, safer, and a lot more fun. In this guide, I’m breaking things down by sleep tools, entertainment , transportation must-haves , weather gear , and more . 🛌 Good Sleep = Happy Family Sleep is the foundation of good travel days with little ones. Here’s what we always pack to help everyone rest well—no matter where we are. Baby Monitor Yes, we pack the monitor. It lets us enjoy quiet grown-up time while still keeping an eye on the kids. But beware—some hotels don’t allow children to be left alone in the room, even if they’re asleep and being monitored. Once at a resort in Mexico, we left our baby sleeping, handed the monitor to my ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Penang Family Travel Guide: Best Things to Do with Kids in Malaysia

Image
After two months of adventure through China, we landed in Penang, Malaysia—without much of a plan, but with an open mind. We didn’t expect to fall in love with it, but Penang quickly charmed us with its mix of flavors, cultures, and family-friendly pace. If you’re traveling with young kids and looking for a destination that’s rich in culture but low on tourist chaos, this guide is for you. Why Penang? When most Americans think of Southeast Asia, places like Thailand, Bali, or Vietnam usually come to mind. But on the northwest coast of Malaysia lies a lesser-known gem: Penang . This vibrant island blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and colonial British influences into something uniquely its own. It’s full of personality and perfectly suited for family travelers. Penang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends old-world charm with family-friendly adventure. From chasing butterflies and admiring colorful street art to tasting durian and zipping through the island in a Grab ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Xishuangbanna Family Travel Guide: Wild Elephants, Jungle Hikes, and Warm Winter Fun in Yunnan

Image
Xishuangbanna Family Travel Guide: Wild Elephants, Jungle Hikes, and Warm Winter Fun in Yunnan Planning a warm-weather escape during the winter months? Welcome to Xishuangbanna, a tropical gem in southern Yunnan, China—known for its lush jungles, wild elephants, vibrant ethnic culture, and family-friendly adventures. With a climate similar to Hawaii, this region is perfect for winter travel, especially if you're exploring with kids. In this guide, we share our personal journey through elephant valleys, rainforest hikes, and unforgettable food—all designed with families in mind. 📚 Table of Contents Where We Stayed: Bustling Gaozhuang vs. Peaceful Lakeside Getting Around Xishuangbanna Must-See: Wild Elephant Valley Hidden Gem: Jinuo Mountain Hiking Adventure Other Family-Friendly Attractions Temples to Visit (If You’re Not Traveling with Toddlers) What to Eat in Xishuangbanna Final Thoughts 📍 Where We Stayed: Bustling Gaozhuang vs. Peaceful Lakeside We spe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Yunnan Part 1: From Kunming to the Terraced Skies of Yuanyang

Image
A trip to Yunnan with kids—or just a sense of adventure? We kicked off our journey in Kunming and made our way through charming towns, flavorful street food, and breathtaking mountain views. Whether you're into culture, nature, or simply chasing good snacks, this family-friendly route from Kunming to Yuanyang is packed with inspiration. Morning light spills across the layered rice terraces of Yuanyang. Nestled among the hills, traditional Hani-style houses with thatched mushroom roofs cluster together, surrounded by misty mountains and rows of hand-carved fields. This was the view that greeted us—our first glimpse of the harmony between people and landscape that defines Yunnan's magic. 📍 Trip Itinerary Overview 🗓️ Duration Kunming : 4 nights / 3 days Jianshui : 3 nights / 2 days Yuanyang : 2 nights / 1 day 🍜 Local Food Highlights Kunming : Bamboo worms, crispy beef pancakes, tanghulu Jianshui : Grilled tofu, beef with skin stew, yacai mixian, fresh blueberrie...
Post a Comment
Read more