Melissa, originally from Milan, graduated in Business and Economics from the prestigious Bocconi University. Right from the start, her career took off: major multinational companies, business trips across Europe, and a dream salary. Every two years, she would switch jobs, climbing higher and higher.

Yet, despite her achievements, Melissa felt increasingly trapped in a "golden cage." She realized that the price of social recognition and wealth accumulation was sacrificing her free time and inner peace. The frantic pace and relentless pressure weighed heavier every day until one question surfaced in her heart:

Is this really what life’s all about?

Starting the Journey Beyond Fear

Things reached a breaking point when her ex-partner suggested taking a year-long sabbatical. That moment of rupture marked the beginning of an extraordinary adventure that would change her life forever.

On July 10, 2010, Melissa set aside her fears and uncertainties and embarked on her solo trip.

Her first destination was South America, a place that taught her to live with less and find new ways of supporting herself. There, she discovered the value of sharing by working in exchange for food and lodging and selling handmade bracelets. This new lifestyle helped her develop a profound realization: living without fear is possible.

A New Life on Four Wheels

After her first trip, Melissa knew she could never return to her old life. With just €300, she bought a tent and a bicycle, venturing into the unknown.

After visiting numerous places and thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, she received incredible support from people who helped her fulfill a lifelong dream: buying a camper van. Over the last 12 years, she has explored 21 countries and traveled more than 108,000 km, including 18,000 km by bicycle.

Today, she lives in her “spaceship,” which has become her home, office, and sanctuary. Her incredible journey proves that sometimes, leaving behind traditional paths and trusting the unknown is the key to unlocking our dreams.

The Economy of Sharing

Melissa embraced a lifestyle rooted in the economy of gifting, bartering, collaboration, and love, moving away from traditional consumerist mindsets. Thanks to this choice, she has found countless opportunities to take on creative and diverse jobs, all while continuing to travel. Melissa now lives prioritizing human connections and mutual trust: she offers her skills in exchange for other services, voluntary donations, or simply for the joy of sharing.

This lifestyle not only allows her to live more sustainably and authentically but also fosters deep connections with the people she meets along the way. Her experiences have taught her that the true balance between giving and receiving comes from relinquishing control and trusting life. By doing so, Melissa discovered that abundance flows naturally when you open yourself to others and the world.

In a Nutshell

An ex-manager who left a promising career to pursue a more authentic life, Melissa’s story reminds us that even when everything seems difficult, it is always possible to change our lives. Her journey is a shining example of resilience and hope, a call to seek happiness and live each day to the fullest, never giving up on our most precious gift: freedom.