I was 28 years old when I landed my dream video journalist job at CNBC. But four years in, I was burned out, chronically anxious, and had completely lost my ability to live in the present. After all, I’d spent most of my adult life focused on working toward future goals.

So I quit my dream job at 32, bought a one-way plane ticket to Peru, and spent a year and a half — and $34,000 — exploring 18 countries across South America and Asia. Every day of my world travel sabbatical was a “choose your own adventure,” involving choices good and bad. I learned lessons the hard way about balancing preparation, productivity and play.

Here are the regrets that taught me when to prioritize happiness in the moment, and when to sacrifice it for a better future.

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