I'm a trauma surgeon turned longevity CEO. I get up at 5 a.m., avoid snacks, and keep my phone out of my bedroom.

Tech Insider : Business
Dr. Shah
Dr. Darshan Shah said doing the small things consistently had the biggest impact on his personal health journey.

Madeline Tolle for BI

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Dr. Darshan Shah, the 53-year-old founder and CEO of longevity clinic Next Health, who's based in Malibu, California. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I quit my $390K tech job to start my own business. I still question my decision, but this is the first time in years I've woken up excited for life.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Shiyao Tang sitting on edge of couch
Shiyao Tang says she spent 5 months planning her exit from her $390K job.

Shiyao Tang

I had 90 days to find a job after getting laid off while on a work visa. A $50 book helped me land my dream role.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
Aman Goyal
Aman Goyal

Aman Goyal

I quit my job at Microsoft to be a more present mother. I'm not worried about finding a new job — I have a plan.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Kruthika Jayatheertha
Kruthika Jayatheertha

Kruthika Jayatheertha

I'm delivering for Uber Eats after decades in corporate marketing. It's helped me make money — and stay humble.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Travel
Jay Mandel wears a dark blue shirt while gazing through a window on the right side of the photo
Jay Mandel worked in marketing for decades before turning to gig work last October.

Jay Mandel

I trained a GPT to think like Steve Jobs and help me run my company. AI is scary, but it's also my biggest tool.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Technology
A woman in a red dress gestures while speaking at a conference, standing in front of a sponsor banner displaying the Google logo.
Yesim Saydan built a custom GPT inspired by Steve Jobs to act as a mentor.

Courtesy of Yesim Saydan

I escaped a cult and was homeless and desperate. Chris Martin gave me a piano, and I became a successful musician.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
A man sitting at a grand piano.
Jean-Philippe Riopy at his piano

Courtesy of Greg Williams

I'm a federal attorney. I've leveraged my White House experience into a side hustle that makes $70,000 annually.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Jennifer Clinchy headshot
Jennifer Clinchy worked at the White House for nine years.

Courtesy of Jennifer Clinchy

I took a career break to travel in my 40s, but even that exhausted me. I reparented myself — and finally learned to slow down.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Himal Mandalia wearing a helmet and driving a quad bike.
Mandalia left his job in 2022 and spent 18 months traveling.

Courtesy of Himal Mandalia

I pay the millionaire's tax in Massachusetts. I've thought about moving my family away, but I'm staying for my kids.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Sports
Sam Slater headshot
Sam Slater says he wants to raise his children in Massachusetts, despite paying the millionaire's tax.

Sam Slater

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