I gave up my investment banking career to operate short-term rentals. Now I can be the father I want to be.
A former investment banker shares his transition from a high-pressure Wall Street career to managing a short-term rental business. He explains that the move was driven by a desire to be a more present father for his children.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing trend of professionals prioritizing work-life balance and family time over traditional high-status corporate career paths.
Michael and Elizabeth Chang and their two children. Michael Chang Michael Chang traded his dream investment banking job to run vacation rentals and be a present parent. It was hard for his immigrant parents to take at first, but it's paid off for his family. Chang walked us through his career journey, his current business, and how his life has changed. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Michael Chang, who runs a short-term rental business with his wife, Elizabeth and advises other professionals on investing in vacation rentals. Claims about the size of the Chang's portfolio and their clients have been verified by Business Insider. The interview has been edited for clarity and length. "Oh, my son works on Wall Street," my mom would proudly tell people. My parents sacrificed so much to move from Taiwan to San Francisco when I was four.
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