Breaking Free from the American Dream
For many, the idea of living the American Dream has lost its luster. The high cost of living, political tensions, and exhausting hustle culture have led numerous Americans to seek a different lifestyle abroad. They’re drawn to the promise of a more relaxed pace, a lower cost of living, and a chance to experience new cultures.
A Safer Haven
Cara West, a luxury travel concierge and content creator, made the move to Portugal with her family in 2023. The decision was sparked by concerns over her daughter’s safety following a mass shooting in Texas. West found that the slower pace of life in Europe had an immediate impact on her well-being. “Rest is really valued here in Greece,” she says, where they eventually settled. The ease of traveling around Greece and the opportunity to give her daughter a global education through homeschooling have made their life more fulfilling.
A Better Work-Life Balance
Steven Guo, a successful entrepreneur, chose to leave Southern California for Bali, Indonesia, where the cost of living is a fraction of what he was paying before. Despite earning a salary of over $250,000, Guo values the lifestyle Bali offers. He spends his mornings working and afternoons surfing or exploring the outdoors. “I get to spend tons of time with my friends and do the activities I like,” he says. Guo lives frugally, knowing that success can be fleeting, but he’s able to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Following the Heart
Jewells Chambers, a native New Yorker, felt an inexplicable pull to move to Iceland. After living there for over eight years, she now earns a living sharing her experiences with thousands of podcast and YouTube subscribers. Chambers was inspired to move abroad during high school and eventually married an Icelandic man. She started her own podcast, All Things Iceland, and has grown her business, allowing her to live well in Iceland and take advantage of the country’s natural beauty and financial advantages.
Pursuing Passion
Valerie Valcourt had a lucrative tech job in Seattle, but it came at the cost of her mental health. She decided to fulfill a childhood dream of attending pastry school in France, where she now lives. Valcourt initially planned to stay for just seven months, but her internship was extended, and she landed a full-time job. She’s now planning to stay in France for the foreseeable future, enjoying the relaxed lifestyle, accessibility to nature, and, of course, the pastries. Although she’s earning a fraction of her previous salary, Valcourt appreciates the French culture, which values rest and relaxation.
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