India, Oct. 5 -- What does success look like at 30? For many, it means a stable career, financial independence, a home, marriage and a life that feels settled. For Apoorva Shrivastava, 30 looks very different. The Bhopal native is now living in Kasol, volunteering at a hostel, creating content and taking up brand collaborations after leaving a toxic Mumbai job and shutting down her own agency.

"I don't have a five-year plan. This time, I'm trusting myself," Apoorva told HT.com.

Apoorva spent nearly eight years in Mumbai working across PR, content, production, digital marketing and social media. Her work included content production, award shows, celebrity interviews and digital campaigns.

But her last workplace became increasingly diffi...