• Alaina Appleman moved to Singapore for work and has held roles at three American companies over the past decade. • After being laid off from Meta in 2023, she decided she was done with Big Tech and global media. • She became an independent travel designer and finds her new job more flexible and fulfilling.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Alaina Appleman, an independent luxury travel designer based in Singapore. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.

Two years ago, I was laid off from Meta. It was disappointing, but it gave me a chance to think about what I wanted next.

I never imagined I'd end up designing bespoke travel experiences. On paper, my résumé was all Big Tech and global media, not exactly a direct path into the world of luxury safaris a

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