This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Natasya Pawanteh, 45, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
In 2017, I was a raging workaholic.
As an ambitious, mid-career geologist at Shell in Sarawak, Malaysia, I was focused on deepening my expertise. Working, including weekends and late nights, took priority over health and sleep. Over time, it started to take a toll on me.
Around this time, my sisters were looking after my parents, who had both had a stroke years prior. I wasn’t sure how long I’d have left with them.
In May 2018, at age 36, I left my job due to the stress I put…
