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Choosing Where to Live When You Care About Ambition and Balance

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After 12 years in the Bay Area and four in Auckland, we’re at a crossroad. We slowed down a bit in coming to NZ, and we’re ready to build up again. This has us considering where to live for the best combination of ambition and balance.   In weighing places like Auckland and the Bay Area—two locations we consider excellent for various reasons—I’m finding it helpful to go beyond first-order effects. The truth of life is more complicated. Our family values striving, growth, and work. We also value presence, health, connection, and not feeling like life is slightly ahead of us. With two pre/teen kids, a pressing question isn’t “Where can we win?” but “Where does life feel enriching?” I’ve come to see that quality of life isn’t determined by the headline factors. It shows up in the defaults and background norms. Here are the less obvious factors that matter to us. Time is Currency At our current stage of life, time sovereignty matters more than almost anything else. This isn’t just ho...
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Our New Zealand Travel Recs

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Since my last post, we've seen more of New Zealand. And lucky for us, some of you have visited New Zealand! The effort to get here isn't simple. Navigating a new place isn't easy either. That said, I appreciate travel prep as much as anyone. So, below is a working list of travel recommendations for NZ. It's hardly consummate, but it's a start. Whether you're considering a trip to NZ or simply interested in some of our highlights and pictures, read on. Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown General Notes Bias for nature > cities . New Zealand is known for its beautiful scenery and nature conservation. It has nice urban amenities, but look for the natural offerings that interest you.  NZ comprises over 600 islands and a lot of scenic coastline . There's likely something outdoors to suit your interests, whether that's scuba or snorkeling, surf or calm beaches, waterfront hotels or wine country, remote or city adjacent hikes—it's all here. Airbnb lodging near Ma...
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