This story is based on an interview with Sierra Balgar, 27, the founder of City Girl Golf. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I really didn’t think my life would look the way it does now when I started my business in May 2023. I was just focused on creating something women would enjoy.
Then all of a sudden, it felt like a lot of opportunities started happening at once, and I was trying hard to keep up. One opportunity would lead to another, and before I knew it, I was constantly traveling, planning events, building relationships, and trying to make sure everything was running smoothly.
The success was exciting. It was also exhausting. I was grateful because this is what I wanted, but I don’t think I ever stopped to ask myself if I was OK. I didn’t realize I was running myself into the ground. Even when I took vacations, I wasn’t actually resting; I would return home feeling the exact same.
Earlier this year, after navigating leadership changes and stressful founder-related issues, I reached a point where I knew I needed something different. Around that time, I started seeing videos about Vietnam on social media.
At first, I was curious about the culture and scenery. Then I started learning about affordability. That part caught my attention. I saw that people were renting modern apartments for as little as $300 to $400 a month. Delicious steakhouse meals were $12 max. The more research I did, the more realistic the trip became for me.
By March, I had booked my flight: a one-way ticket alone to Hoi An, Vietnam.
I didn’t realize I’d stay in Vietnam for 2 months
I had originally planned to stay for one month, but I ended up staying two.
While I learned on TikTok that you could rent a modern apartment in Vietnam for around $300 USD a month if you planned to stay long-term, I decided to splurge a little since this trip was about taking care of myself.
Sierra Balfar
I booked a room at the resort, Melia Vinpearl Danang Riverfront, for about $56 USD a night, so I spent roughly over $3,000 on accommodations over the two months. It was incredibly easy to book on the resort website, and ended up being exactly what I needed: indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, fitness center, on-site dining, family-friendly amenities, and views overlooking the Han River.
When I arrived, one thing that stood out to me immediately was how differently people approached life. In the US, I felt pressure as an entrepreneur to constantly be productive so much that it became a part of my identity.
My life in Vietnam prioritized rest and routine
I eventually settled into a routine that honestly became one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Most mornings started before sunrise. I’d wake up around 5 a.m., eat breakfast at the resort, head to the gym that was right on the property, then grab a protein shake before deciding what I wanted to do that day.
Some days I’d explore Hoi An, which is along Vietnam’s central coast, and other days I’d take the complimentary resort shuttle about 15 minutes to the beach.
Sierra Balgar
After spending so much of the last two years constantly moving, having nowhere I needed to be, and no one expecting anything from me, felt like a luxury. Even the 25-hour flight from home ended up being worth it because once I got there, I finally felt like I had permission to slow down.
My 2-month break was exactly what I needed
It sounds simple, but simplicity was exactly what I needed.
The experience also forced me to think differently about my business. Instead of constantly focusing on what’s next, I started asking different questions. How could I create bigger revenue streams? How could I create systems that didn’t entirely rely on me? How could I create a company that allowed me to take breaks without feeling guilty?
Stepping away from the business helped me become a better leader, too. I returned home with new ideas, fresh energy, and a much clearer understanding of what I want the next chapter of my business to look like.
Most importantly, I returned home with a different definition of success. Now, success isn’t just growth, it’s creating a life you actually enjoy. For a long time, I was focused on building something meaningful that I forgot to make space for myself.
Vietnam reminded me that both things can exist at the same time.
