Whether you’re craving new adventures, feeling stuck, or wondering if the place you call home is still the right place, moving abroad may be the change you need. But moving to another country is more complicated than packing your bags and booking a flight.
My own journey began with a trip to the Netherlands when I was 17, which sparked my love for international travel. At 21, I had my “Goldilocks moment” in Madrid – I knew Spain was just for me. I studied Spanish, taught English, and pursued a master’s degree there, but life kept pulling me back to the United States
In my early thirties, I suddenly lost my parents, settled back in my home state of Texas, and struggled to overcome my grief. After a few years, trapped in a cycle of repeating the same days, the appeal of moving abroad is stronger than ever.
I wondered if 35 was too late to start over, but I took the plunge anyway. In 2015, I returned to Spain and never looked back.
In Madrid, Spain.
Provided by Cepee Tabibian
In 2022, I made another major decision: quit my 9-to-5 job and devote myself to She clicked refresh. I help women aged 30+ pursue their dreams of living abroad through a thriving Facebook community of over 15,000 women, live masterclasses, resources and ongoing support.
There’s never been a better time to make that leap, especially with the rise of remote work and digital nomad visas. If you’re curious about moving abroad, I teach these four basic steps in my book master class – Can provide assistance.
Imagine your dream life abroad
It’s time to clarify your vision for the future. This is your chance to create a life that is completely your own.
Start by imagining your ideal day. Are you enjoying a leisurely morning in a Parisian café, sipping an espresso while watching the city wake up?
Maybe you can see yourself wandering the cobbled streets of a charming seaside village in Portugal, chatting with locals while buying fresh bread and flowers. Or maybe you’re devouring tacos in a sun-drenched plaza in Mexico. Or explore Thailand’s markets, where the scent of fresh jasmine and street food fills the air.
This is your blank canvas. Dream freely and let this vision be the foundation for your next step. When we know what our goal is, it’s much easier to reverse engineer a plan to achieve it.
Consider career and income
You don’t have to teach English or wait for a company move. There are more opportunities than ever to live and work anywhere you want.
If you’re already employed, first check to see if your employer has a “work from anywhere” policy. Many companies offer greater flexibility, so it’s worth asking about your options. If you need to find a new job, consider companies that work from anywhere. Similar sites remote rebellion and We work remotely All are good starting points.
In Granada, Spain.
Provided by Cepee Tabibian
If you’re considering a career change, explore popular roles at remote-first companies such as technology, customer support, marketing, and project management. If your current expertise isn’t a match, consider reskilling in one of these areas.
Finally, don’t underestimate the skills you already have. To escape the constraints of location, you can become a virtual assistant or offer freelancing services. Resources such as Digital Nomad Kit can help you learn how to transfer your skills to working remotely and finding clients.
Ask the right questions to find the right person
For some, the choice of where to live is clear from the start, but for others, it’s a bit more uncertain. The key is to focus on what works for you—not just in terms of lifestyle, but in terms of practical details.
Take advantage of your Perfect Day and Career research and consider:
- What is your budget? Check the cost of living in your target destination. use Nubeo Crunch the numbers, and remember to factor in any country-of-origin expenses (mortgage, credit card debt, cell phone plan, etc.) and savings.
- Which countries offer suitable visa options? From “digital nomad” to “non-profit” to “highly qualified” and more, there are more visa options than you think. catch mine European Visa Guide Detailed information on over 50 visa options.
- Where can you realistically pursue the career you want and earn the income you need to live? This is where the second step of research comes into play.
- What environment is right for you? Do you thrive in the energy of the city, or does the tranquility of the countryside call to you? Join an expat forum to get a feel for it, or better yet, go on a study trip and try out your new life.
- Where do you feel you truly belong? It’s not about moving to the latest hot spot – it’s about finding a place that feels right for you. Don’t forget about safety, culture and community, especially vulnerable groups like women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
No one place will tick all the boxes, but there is always a place that feels like home.
Overcome inevitable doubts and fears
That little voice of doubt is bound to show up, asking if you can achieve your dream life. Let me be clear: This is completely normal. Moving abroad isn’t without its obstacles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
It can be a challenge to achieve financial security, adjust to a new culture, or feel isolated. But these fears can be acknowledged and controlled.
When we know what our goal is, it’s much easier to reverse engineer a plan to achieve it.
Whether it’s building a financial cushion, tapping into the expat community for support, or learning how to navigate a new system, there are ways to ensure you not only survive, but thrive.
The key is to take it one step at a time, focus on finding solutions, stay open to the unknown, and trust your ability to adapt.
With the right mindset and preparation, dreams that once felt impossible will become more attainable than you ever imagined.
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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