After moving from New York City to Lisbon in 2022, the author faced unexpected challenges when their job ended due to pay cuts. This led to quitting work and taking time to recover from burnout. They discovered that living in Portugal, with its relaxed pace and affordable healthcare, enabled them to focus on personal growth and curiosity. Embracing a lifestyle without the constant pressure of work allowed them to experience life more fully, reinforcing the importance of taking time to recharge and enjoy new experiences.
When I moved solo from New York City to Lisbon in 2022, quitting my remote job wasn't part of the plan. However, a few months after settling into my new life, steeped in a culture known for its relaxed pace, I could no longer ignore just how burned out I had been for years.
It helped immensely that I was now living in a city more affordable than New York, and in a country where a trip to the ER isn't a financial risk. Ironically, I experienced my first-ever emergency surgery not long after - reinforcing that I'd left the US just in time.
I was amazed by how full my life felt without work, and that 'full' didn't have to automatically mean stressful. I filled my days with curiosity instead of urgency.
The more profound shift arose from tuning into the rhythm of a city that's not ruled by urgency. I took each day more slowly - in true Portuguese style.
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