A Leap of Faith: One Couple’s Journey to Switzerland
From Chicago to Zurich: A Dream Takes Shape
Mary Braun’s life took an unexpected turn when she met her husband Sébastien, a native of France, on their second date. He revealed his plans to move back to Europe soon, but fate had other plans. They met, fell in love, and eventually decided to make the move together.
A New Chapter Unfolds
In 2020, the couple moved into a cozy two-bedroom apartment in Chicago, where they both worked remotely. However, as they started considering a move to Europe, Switzerland emerged as their top choice. Sébastien was enrolled in an executive MBA program at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, which made the decision even more appealing.
The Stars Align
After much deliberation, Sébastien was offered a transfer to a ZF office in Bern, Switzerland. Although Mary had reservations, she realized that Zurich was close enough for Sébastien to commute daily. With her company willing to let her work remotely from Switzerland, the couple decided to take the leap.
A New Home in Zurich
By September 2022, Mary and Sébastien had finally made the move to Zurich. They lived in temporary housing before finding a more permanent 2-bedroom apartment in the Enge neighborhood. However, when Mary became pregnant, they realized they needed more space and eventually moved to a 3-bedroom apartment in Uitikon, a town just outside Zurich.
Challenges and Opportunities
As Mary navigated her new life in Switzerland, she faced challenges such as finding childcare and balancing work and family responsibilities. When her company refused to accommodate her remote work requests, she made the difficult decision to become a stay-at-home mom. Despite the setbacks, Mary appreciated the sense of safety and security that came with living in Switzerland.
A New Perspective
Two years into their Swiss adventure, Mary and Sébastien have no regrets. They’ve learned to appreciate the country’s beauty, safety, and quality of life. Although they miss America’s vibrancy and convenience, they’re hesitant to return due to the current political climate. Instead, they’re focused on raising their daughter to be culturally aware and bilingual, with plans to eventually move closer to Sébastien’s family in France.
A Future Full of Possibilities
As Mary learns French to expand her career opportunities, she’s grateful for the experience and the lessons learned. Their journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, taking a leap of faith can lead to a life filled with unexpected joys and opportunities.
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