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From the moment I set foot in the Netherlands at 17, I knew I wanted to move abroad. But mine I dream of living overseas always felt just out of reach.
I made several attempts: studying Spanish in Spain at 21, teaching English here at 26, and even returning to do a master’s degree at 29. Each time, however, my story came to the same seemingly inevitable conclusion: return at home. the state of Texas to “get a real job.”
There were practical obstacles, but the pressure to conform was just as limiting. Society, family and my internal expectations all led me towards a more traditional path: climb the corporate ladder and measure your worth by title and pay. I gave it my all, but I never found the realization that I’m trying to fit into that box.
At 35, without a clear plan, I left another job and packed my bags. It felt like my last shot at a lifelong dream. Doubts arose: was I too old? What if it didn’t work?
How I installed in my new life in Spainsomething has changed. Outside the confines of a 9-to-5 grind, I found creativity and clarity. I discovered new interests, and in a year and a half, I started She Hit Refreshwhich allows women over 30 to transform their lives by moving abroad.
Almost a decade later, I have a prosperous businessa fulfilling career, and a sense of identity that I struggled to find in the United States. The fresh perspective I found in Spain was no coincidence – living overseas allowed me to rewrite my story.
I can shed old identities and start anew
At home, I internalized labels like “marketer” and “job hopper,” shaped by the belief that success meant following a conventional path. When I moved, I left behind the social expectations, family pressures and cultural norms that reinforce these roles.
In my new environment, I no longer feel bound by labels that are not working for me. It was transformative.
In Madrid, Spain.
Courtesy of Cepee Tabibian
Anonymity created space to figure out who you wanted to become. I explored interests that I never considered, like starting a blog, doing some public speaking and organizing events in Madrid to help me find my people. These activities allowed me to acquire skills that will help me build my community business.
In Spain, I could imagine a life that was bigger, bolder and more aligned with my true self. I have gained freedom redefines me.
The lower cost of living made it easier to take risks
In Spain, my cost of living has decreased significantly. When I first arrived, for example, my rent was only 540 Euros ($604 at the time) and included electricity, Wi-Fi and water, compared to $1,440 for my mortgage alone in the United States.
In Spain, I could imagine a life that was bigger, bolder and more aligned with my true self.
This financial freedom it allowed me to take risks that would have been impossible before – like becoming a freelancerpursuing creative projects, and pivoting my career. With lower rent, affordable healthcare and more disposable income, I had the flexibility to invest in myself and the courage to dream bigger and take risks.
While prices have risen significantly and my own lifestyle has evolved since I moved here in 2015, life is still incredibly affordable for Americans with foreign income.
There is more free time for personal growth
Life in Spain had a gentler pace that I quickly embraced. Dinners turned into long, lingering conversations, and spontaneous get-togethers replaced the overscheduled social calendars he was used to. Weekends weren’t for business – they were for leisure, including late nights followed by lazy mornings.
With the slower pace of life and the lower cost of living, I found myself with shorter working hours, fewer obligations and 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.
Courtesy of Cepee Tabibian
This downtime became a catalyst for self-discovery. I began to ask the questions I had long avoided: What do I really want? What excites me? What kind of life do I want to create?
I had never considered myself a creative person, but in Spain, I was full of inspiration. I channel this energy into exciting projects.
I carried out a (brief) experiment of vegetarian preparation outside my kitchen. I created an online and in-person community for digital creatives that led to a year-long paid partnership with Facebook. And me eventually launched my own business.
It changed my whole perspective on life
Looking back, I can’t help but marvel at how far I’ve come since that pivotal moment when I took the leap to move to Spain over a decade ago.
The woman who left the United States doubted her ability to build the life she dreamed of. But starting over, I found not only a new place to live, but a new one way to live
I rebuilt my career, discovered new passions, and cultivated a sense of self that was impossible to access in America.
Cepee Tabibian is the founder of She Hit Refresha community and resource platform that helps women over 30 move abroad, and the author of “I’m outta here! The Ultimate American Visa Guide for Living in EuropeAs the daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Houston, Texas, before becoming an immigrant herself in Spain.
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