From Luxury Hotels to $10 Hostels: Rethinking Success and Happiness
- pbilzerian
- Feb 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 8
On November 26, 2024, I shut my laptop and walked away from my job at Bank of America. After years in finance, tech, and investment, I left behind a stable paycheck, prestigious title, and corporate insanity—not because I was burned out, but because I wanted more.
Not more money.
Not more poor leadership.
But more impact.
A few weeks later, I booked a one-way ticket to Tokyo. No real plan—just one night at the Conrad Tokyo (had to use my free Hilton night—absolute killer deal).
I loved the Conrad Tokyo—modern rooms, welcome amenities, turndown service, an executive lounge. But what hit me was the silence. The night I checked in, I went to the pool at 8PM. It was empty.
It reminded me of Lost in Translation—Bill Murray, alone, staring at the Tokyo skyline. Except I’m not Bill Murray, I’m not famous, and I wasn’t lost in translation (they speak great English). But that movie nails something—the loneliness that comes with chasing luxury and status.
I sat there and thought, what the hell am I doing?
Bangkok: The Flip Side of Luxury
A few days later, I landed in Bangkok. The second I got to my Airbnb, my friend George Park (yes, that George Park) was already there waiting with Thai Baht so I wouldn’t get ripped off on the exchange rate.
Minutes later, I was on the back of his motorbike, weaving through Bangkok’s chaos under neon lights. He took me straight to his favorite restaurant, one I’d never have found on my own. After stuffing ourselves with incredible food, George popped the question:
"Pete, you ready for dessert?"
Next thing I know, we’re at a buzzing local shop, buying what he swore was the best mango sticky rice in Bangkok. Before I could even dig in, we were off again—this time to a packed shopping mall buzzing with energy, where I finally sat down and savored the mango.
It was loud, chaotic, alive. A world away from the quiet luxury of the Conrad.
And I felt more at home.
From First-Class to my First Hostel
A few days later, I booked a last-minute flight to Koh Samui. I was at the gate when I realized I had no place to stay. So I did something I’d never done before: I booked a hostel.
I’ve been to 55 countries, stayed in five-star hotels, Airbnbs, and even some sketchy budget hotels—but I had never stayed in a hostel. I wasn’t avoiding it, but rather just never had a good opportunity.
The moment I landed, I met two British guys at baggage claim who were on the same adventure. By the time we got to the hostel, we were already good friends, and we ended up traveling together for weeks.
The hostel was raw, social, upbeat - the exact opposite of corporate life. It was college dorms mixed with the energy of backpackers, people from all over the world on their own paths, finding a likeminded community in the process.
My first night I didn’t love the snoring roommates, but at the end of the day, all I needed was a pillow under my head, my bags in a locker, and a group of strangers to became friends with overnight.
The Illusion of Success
In corporate life, we’re sold the idea that success means isolation—the corner office, the first-class seat, the apartment overlooking the city.
But here’s what nobody tells you:
The higher you climb, the more isolated you become.
Success convinces people they need exclusivity—but exclusivity breeds loneliness. Even many of my classmates from years ago decided to get hitched right after college and focus on a career in a 9-5 job - and they too will most likely end up like previous generations of a nuclear family with unfulfilled dreams.
Real happiness? It’s not found in a five-star hotel—it’s on a beach, surrounded by friends you just made, swapping stories, teaching them American slang, and playing soccer at sunset.
The Best Investments Aren’t Financial
I’ve spent my career investing in businesses, products, and people. I've been traveling before my corporate career kicked off, but this time my mindset shifted.
What if the best investments aren’t financial at all?
What if growth isn’t just about money, but expanding your mindset?
So, if you’re stuck chasing the next milestone, the next promotion, the next luxury that’s supposed to make you happy -- ask yourself:
Are you the main character in your story or are you part of someone else’s? Do the new materialistic purchases actually make you happy or are you lying to yourself?
If you stand in the mirror and see someone you don’t recognize, I believe it is a clear indicator that you’ve strayed away from your path… Will you pivot now or wait until it’s too late?
Are you building a life of comfort? Or a life of connection?
I know which one I’m choosing.
What awaits me next? Stay tuned.
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