From the moment I set foot in the Netherlands at the age of 17, I knew I wanted to move abroad. but mine Dream of living abroad It always feels out of reach.
I made several attempts: I went to Spain to learn Spanish at the age of 21, taught English there at the age of 26, and even returned to China to study for a master’s degree at the age of 29. : I would go back to my home state of Texas and “get a real job.”
While there are practical barriers, pressure to comply is equally limited. Society, family, and my own internal expectations all pushed me toward a more traditional path: climbing the corporate ladder, measuring your worth by title and salary. I gave it my all, but I never found fulfillment in trying to fit into that box.
At 35, with no clear plan, I quit another job and packed my bags. It felt like my last ditch effort to achieve a lifelong dream. Doubts arise: Am I too old? What if it doesn’t work?
when i adapt to new environment life in spainsomething has changed. I found creativity and clarity outside of the 9-to-5 grind. I discovered a new interest, and within a year and a half, I started She clicked refreshwhich enables women over 30 to change their lives by moving abroad.
Nearly ten years later, I have a Business is boominga fulfilling career, and a sense of identity that I struggled to find in America.
I can shed my old identity and start over
At home, I internalized labels like “marketer” and “job hopper,” labels developed because I believed success meant following a traditional path. When I moved, I left behind the social expectations, family pressures, and cultural norms that reinforced these roles.
In my new surroundings, I no longer feel constrained by labels that don’t fit me. This is transformative.
In Madrid, Spain.
Provided by Cepee Tabibian
Anonymity created space for me to figure out who I wanted to be. I explored interests I had never considered, such as starting a blog, doing some public speaking, and organizing events in Madrid to help me find my people. These activities gave me skills that helped me build a business in the community.
In Spain, I could imagine a life that was bigger, bolder, and more in tune with my true self. i got free redefine myself.
Lower cost of living makes it easier for people to take risks
In Spain, my cost of living has dropped significantly. For example, when I first arrived my rent was only €540 ($604 at the time) including electricity, Wi-Fi and water, whereas in the US the mortgage alone would have cost $1,440
In Spain, I could imagine a life that was bigger, bolder, and more in tune with my true self.
this financial freedom Allowing me to take risks that were previously impossible – e.g. Become a freelance workerpursue creative projects, and Change my career. With lower rent, affordable healthcare, and more disposable income, I have the flexibility to invest in myself and the courage to dream bigger adventure.
While prices have increased significantly and my own lifestyle has changed since moving here in 2015, life is still incredible for an American with a foreign income.
Have more free time for personal growth
The pace of life in Spain is gentler and I quickly accepted it. Dinners turned into long, lingering conversations, and spontaneous gatherings replaced the overly packed social calendar I was accustomed to. Weekends are not for running errands, but for leisure, including late nights and lazy mornings.
along with slower pace of life The cost of living has gone down, and I find myself working shorter hours, having fewer obligations, and having more energy left at the end of the day. For the first time in years I had space to breathe and reflect.
In Madrid, Spain.
Provided by Cepee Tabibian
This downtime becomes a catalyst for self-discovery. I started asking myself the questions I’d been avoiding for so long: What do I really want? What excites me? What kind of life do I want to create?
I never considered myself a creative person, but in Spain I was full of inspiration. I channel that energy into exciting projects.
I conducted a (brief) vegetarian prep experiment in the kitchen. I entered into a one-year paid partnership with Facebook by creating an online and in-person community for several creatives. And I finally Founded his own business.
It changed my whole outlook on life
Looking back, I can’t help but marvel at how far I’ve come since that pivotal moment ten years ago when I decided to move to Spain permanently.
The woman who left the United States doubted her ability to live the life of her dreams. But by starting over, I not only found a new place to live; Way Life.
I rebuilt my career, discovered new passions, and developed a sense of self that would have been impossible to achieve in the United States.
Sepi Tabibian Yes founder She clicked refresha community and resource platform that helps women over 30 years old to immigrate overseas, “I’m getting out of here! The ultimate visa guide for Americans living in EuropeThe daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Seppi grew up in Houston, Texas, and later became a Spanish immigrant herself.
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