The Teacher Who Traded Chalk for Travel: 10 Years Later
Ten years ago, a resignation letter from a teacher in Henan Province Experimental Middle School went viral online, simply stating, "The world is so big, I want to see it." The letter, dubbed the "most emotional resignation letter," sparked heated discussions and debates, catapulting the teacher, Gu Shaoqiang, to fame. Gu Shaoqiang's story has fascinated many, with some hailing her as a symbol of the pursuit of freedom. The question on everyone's mind is: what has she been up to since then? Has she traveled the world as she had hoped? And, most importantly, does she regret her decision to leave her stable teaching job?

13 April 2025
Gu Shaoqiang had been a teacher for 11 years before she decided to resign, feeling trapped in a routine that left her unfulfilled. She longed for freedom and adventure, and the opportunity to explore the world beyond her mundane life. The idea of resignation struck her when she was teaching a class, and she realized that she was not living the life she truly wanted. With a sense of excitement and trepidation, she wrote her resignation letter, which would soon become a sensation online. Gu Shaoqiang's decision to resign was not taken lightly, but she felt it was necessary to break free from the monotony of her life. She believed that life was too short to be spent doing something that didn't bring her joy, and she was willing to take a chance to pursue her dreams.
After resigning, Gu Shaoqiang embarked on a journey of self-discovery, traveling to various places in China, including Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou. She stayed in youth hostels, tried new foods, and learned to appreciate the simple things in life. In 2015, she married her husband, and they opened a guesthouse together in a small town in Sichuan Province. The experience was not without its challenges, but it taught her valuable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and the importance of following her heart. Gu Shaoqiang's decision to open a guesthouse was a deliberate choice to slow down her life and appreciate the beauty of simplicity. She found joy in the everyday tasks of running a guesthouse, from cooking and cleaning to interacting with guests from all walks of life.
When asked if she regretted her decision to resign, Gu Shaoqiang replied that she had no regrets, only some minor disappointments. She believed that her experiences, both good and bad, had contributed to her growth and maturity. Gu Shaoqiang acknowledged that her decision to leave her stable teaching job had raised eyebrows, but she felt that it was a necessary step towards living a more authentic life. She emphasized the importance of listening to one's inner voice and pursuing one's passions, even if it meant taking a risk. Gu Shaoqiang's story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to make a change and pursue one's dreams.
In recent years, Gu Shaoqiang has been living a life that defies conventional standards. She has opened a bed and breakfast, studied psychology, and learned to accept imperfections. When asked if she regrets her decision, she responds by pointing out the societal obsession with traditional paths to success. According to Gu, true freedom is not something found in distant lands, but rather in the courage to break free from societal expectations and rebuild oneself in the mundane routines of daily life. Gu's life has become a testament to the idea that personal growth is a continuous process, rather than a series of checked boxes at tourist destinations. Her ten-year journey has been a journey of self-discovery and exploration, one that has been scrutinized and speculated about by the public.
Despite the rumors and misconceptions surrounding her personal life, Gu remains unfazed, stating that she is "living a good life" and that her bed and breakfast is still open for business. In a recent response to online rumors, Gu addressed speculation about her marriage and financial situation, denying rumors of divorce and debt. She emphasized that her personal life is not a matter of public concern and that she will not engage in justifying or explaining herself to others. Gu's story serves as a reminder that true freedom and happiness can be found in embracing the unknown and forging one's own path, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Gu Shaoqiang's decision to quit her job and travel the world is a testament to her loyalty to her inner self and her courageous attempt to explore different possibilities in life. This spirit deserves our respect and admiration. The true essence of life is not something that can be pieced together by others, but rather it is the experiences that one encounters firsthand. Gu's ability to find balance between her responsibilities and passions, and to continue on her journey of self-discovery and exploration, is something that we can all learn from. Her story serves as a reminder that life is full of possibilities and that it is never too late to make a change. The fact that she was able to find a new sense of purpose and meaning in her life, and to share that with others, is a powerful message that resonates with many people.
Ultimately, Gu Shaoqiang's decision to quit her job and travel the world has inspired many people to rethink their own priorities and to consider alternative paths in life. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt, to grow, and to evolve, and it serves as a reminder that it is never too late to make a change and to pursue our dreams. As we look to the future, we would do well to remember Gu's courage and determination, and to strive to create our own paths in life, rather than simply following the status quo.
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