At age 40, Nguyen Thi Thanh Hang left a senior finance job to become a preschool teacher in New Zealand. Her story shows how burnout and personal values can lead to a big career change.

Hang spent nearly 20 years in finance, rising to Regional Business Development Director for Southern Vietnam. She said the work routine consumed her, she lost motivation and joy, and she wondered if she wanted to stay on the same path for another 20 years.

After researching New Zealand, Australia and Canada, Hang chose New Zealand because it has a shortage of preschool teachers and she enjoys training and caring for children. She invested all her savings, earned an IELTS 7.0, and completed a master’s in early childhood education at Auckland University of Technology. She also finished a 12‑month internship that included 16 weeks of practical training.

One month after graduation, Hang got a full‑time preschool teacher job. She said the salary is lower than her former earnings but is enough if she manages money well. Hang says changing careers is about answering who she wants to become and having the courage to start that journey.