By The Dream of Living Abroad
From the moment I stepped foot in the Netherlands at 17, I knew I had a desire to live abroad. Yet, my dream of moving overseas always felt just out of reach. After multiple attempts—studying Spanish in Spain at 21, teaching English at 26, and even pursuing a master’s degree at 29—I always ended up back in Texas, feeling pressured to follow a traditional career path.
Breaking Free from Societal Pressure
Despite the practical obstacles and societal pressure to conform to a more traditional career path, I was never truly fulfilled. At 35, I decided to take one last chance. I quit my job, packed my bags, and moved to Spain, despite doubts about my age and the uncertainty of the future.
A Fresh Start in Spain
As I settled into my new life in Spain, something profound shifted. Living abroad offered me the opportunity to shed old identities, leaving behind the societal expectations and pressures that had confined me in the U.S. In this fresh environment, I had the space to explore new interests, such as blogging, public speaking, and organizing events—activities that eventually helped me build my community-based business, She Hit Refresh.
Gaining Freedom through Financial Independence
In Spain, my cost of living dropped significantly, allowing me to take risks that would have been impossible in the U.S. For example, my rent in Spain was only 540 Euros, compared to my $1,440 mortgage back in the U.S. This financial freedom gave me the flexibility to become a freelancer, pursue creative projects, and pivot my career, all while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle with affordable healthcare and more disposable income.
More Time for Personal Growth
The slower pace of life in Spain gave me more than just financial freedom—it provided me with the time and energy for personal growth. Dinners were no longer rushed, and weekends were dedicated to leisure instead of running errands. With this new-found downtime, I had the opportunity to ask myself essential questions like: What do I truly want? What excites me? What kind of life do I want to create?
Embracing Creativity and Innovation
In Spain, I found myself brimming with creativity, and I channeled this newfound inspiration into exciting projects. I experimented with vegetarian meal prep, created a community for digital creatives, and even launched my own business. These projects not only helped me grow personally but also paved the way for professional success.
A New Outlook on Life
Looking back, I am amazed at how much my life has changed since I made the decision to move to Spain. The woman who left the U.S. full of doubts and uncertainty now leads a fulfilling life with a successful career and a strong sense of self. Starting fresh abroad allowed me to not only discover new passions but also build the life I had always dreamed of.
Cepee Tabibian is the founder of She Hit Refresh, a platform that helps women aged 30+ transform their lives by moving abroad. She is also the author of “I’m Outta Here! An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe.” As the daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Houston, Texas, before becoming an immigrant herself in Spain.
