Have you ever felt trapped in a life that looks perfect on paper but leaves you empty inside? That’s where I found myself a decade ago, sitting in a sleek Los Angeles office with ocean views, yet dreading every Monday. The grind of a 9-to-5 marketing job was suffocating, and I knew there had to be more to life. That’s when I decided to rewrite my story—packing my bags, leaving the U.S., and landing in Lisbon, Portugal, where I now work just 20 hours a week as a freelance digital marketer. Let me take you through my journey of trading burnout for balance, and how it might inspire you to rethink your own path.
From Burnout to Bliss: A Life Reimagined
Back in my early 20s, I had what many would call the American Dream: a college degree, a full-time job in sunny LA, and a paycheck that covered my rent. But the monotony of parking in the same spot, staring at the same desk, and living for the weekend wasn’t cutting it. I craved freedom—not just from a cubicle, but from the idea that work had to define my life. That realization sparked a bold decision: to become my own boss and build a life that prioritized joy over routine.
My journey didn’t start in Portugal. It began with a leap into the digital nomad lifestyle, hopping from Bali to Thailand, Vietnam to Argentina. Each place taught me something new about flexibility, resilience, and what it means to live intentionally. By 2021, I was ready to settle somewhere that felt like home. Lisbon, with its sunny beaches, vibrant community, and walkable streets, checked every box. Today, I work less, earn more, and live a life that feels authentically mine.
Why Lisbon? The Perfect Place for a Fresh Start
Choosing Lisbon wasn’t random. I’d visited Portugal before, falling in love with its laid-back vibe and active lifestyle. The city’s cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and proximity to the ocean felt like a postcard come to life. But it wasn’t just the scenery that drew me in. Lisbon’s growing expat community, affordable cost of living, and emphasis on outdoor activities made it an ideal spot for someone like me, eager to balance work and play.
Lisbon offers a rare blend of affordability, beauty, and community that’s hard to find elsewhere.
– Expat lifestyle blogger
The numbers back this up. In 2021, over 714,000 foreigners made up 7% of Portugal’s population, a record high according to local immigration data. The city’s appeal to digital nomads like me lies in its ability to feel both vibrant and serene. You can spend your morning working at a trendy co-working space and your afternoon playing tennis or strolling along the beach. For me, it’s the perfect recipe for a balanced life.
Building a Freelance Career from Scratch
Transitioning from a full-time job to freelancing wasn’t an overnight success story. It took months of hustling, building a client base while still clocking in at my LA agency job. I started small, taking on side gigs in digital marketing—think online ads, social media strategies, and SEO campaigns. By the time I left the U.S. in 2019, I had enough clients to support myself modestly. Today, I earn between $2,400 and $12,000 a month, averaging about $7,000. That’s more than I made in LA, with half the hours.
- Start small: Take on freelance projects while still employed to build confidence.
- Network globally: Connect with clients in different countries for diverse opportunities.
- Set boundaries: Working fewer hours requires discipline to avoid burnout.
Perhaps the most liberating part? I set my own schedule. Most weeks, I work about 20 hours, often from co-working spaces where I can collaborate with friends or meet new people. This flexibility lets me prioritize my passions, like learning Portuguese or playing padel, a sport that’s a mix of tennis and squash. It’s not just about working less—it’s about working smarter.
Navigating the Move: Visas and Logistics
Moving to Portugal during the tail end of the pandemic wasn’t exactly a breeze. I applied for a D7 passive income visa, which required submitting fingerprints, opening a Portuguese bank account with about $11,600, and securing an apartment lease—all remotely. Once approved, I had four months to settle in before applying for a two-year residency, which I’ve since renewed for another three years. Portugal’s D8 visa for digital nomads, launched in 2022, has made the process even easier for newcomers.
The logistics were daunting, but the payoff was worth it. My first few months in Lisbon were spent in co-living spaces, then short-term sublets, before I signed a three-year lease on a one-bedroom apartment. The biggest challenge? Learning Portuguese. I dove into university classes, then private lessons, spending about $50-$71 for packs of sessions. It’s not just about speaking the language—it’s about feeling at home.
Learning the local language is the key to truly integrating into a new culture.
– Cultural integration expert
A Peek into My Monthly Budget
Living in Lisbon is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to LA. I pay myself a steady $3,000 a month to cover essentials, funneling extra income into savings, investments, and student loan payments. Here’s a breakdown of my expenses for June 2025:
| Category | Amount |
| Rent and Utilities | $1,296 |
| Discretionary (Travel, Shopping, Entertainment) | $1,133 |
| Food | $500 |
| Subscriptions and Memberships | $207 |
| Student Loans | $190 |
| Transportation | $116 |
| Phone | $15 |
My neighborhood is a dream—walkable, close to downtown, and packed with cafés and restaurants. I usually rely on public transit, grabbing a $35 monthly pass, though I went à la carte in June while traveling. That month, I splurged on a trip to England to visit my boyfriend, Henry, and treated myself to a pool cabana for my birthday. These moments of indulgence? They’re what make this lifestyle so rewarding.
Balancing Love and Life Abroad
Here’s where things get personal. I met Henry in college in LA, and we’ve kept our relationship alive despite the distance. He’s based in England, so we take turns visiting each other every month or so, exploring new corners of the world together. Maintaining a long-distance relationship isn’t easy, but it’s taught me a lot about communication and trust. We make it work by planning trips that double as adventures—think hiking in the Alps or beach days in the Algarve.
- Prioritize communication: Regular calls and check-ins keep us connected.
- Plan shared experiences: Traveling together strengthens our bond.
- Embrace independence: Time apart fosters personal growth.
In my experience, long-distance relationships thrive when both partners are committed to their own happiness. Lisbon’s active lifestyle—tennis, padel, and beach trips—keeps me energized and fulfilled, which makes me a better partner. Plus, the city’s vibrant social scene, from Meetup groups to sports clubs, has helped me build a tight-knit circle of friends.
Why This Lifestyle Works for Me
What’s the secret to my happiness in Lisbon? It’s not just the shorter workweek or the sunny weather—it’s the intentionality behind it all. I’ve designed a life where work supports my passions, not the other way around. Whether I’m hitting the tennis courts, learning Portuguese, or planning my next trip, every day feels purposeful. And honestly? I think that’s what most of us are chasing: a life that feels like ours.
Happiness comes from aligning your life with your values, not your paycheck.
Lisbon’s culture of health and activity inspires me daily. Most people here prioritize outdoor time, whether it’s surfing, hiking, or just grabbing coffee outside. It’s a stark contrast to the hustle of LA, where work often overshadowed everything else. Here, I’ve found a rhythm that lets me thrive both personally and professionally.
Planning for the Future
I don’t plan on leaving Portugal anytime soon. My goal is to stay for at least five years, maybe even buy a house here with Henry one day. Financially, I’m focused on the basics: paying my bills, chipping away at student loans, and growing my savings. I’ve got a six-month emergency fund and over $200,000 in retirement and investment accounts, which gives me peace of mind.
Career-wise, I’m not chasing promotions or corner offices. My job is a tool to live the life I want, not the centerpiece of it. I hope my story shows that you don’t need a traditional 9-to-5 to find success. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you to explore, and sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith.
So, what’s stopping you from designing a life you love? Maybe it’s fear of the unknown or the comfort of routine. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the biggest risks often lead to the greatest rewards. Lisbon taught me that happiness isn’t about having it all—it’s about having what matters most to you.
