The American Dream Felt More Like a Nightmare

Three years ago, I was drowning in the "success" I'd worked so hard to achieve. Six-figure salary, corner office, 401k on track—and absolutely miserable. The Sunday scaries had become Sunday through Saturday scaries. Sound familiar?

Then I Did Something Crazy

I left. Not just my job—I left the entire system. First to Italy, where I learned that bureaucracy could be both infuriating and oddly charming when paired with incredible wine and tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes. Then to Mexico, where life moved at a pace that didn't require three cups of coffee just to feel human.

The Reality Check

Here's what nobody tells you about "escaping": it's not Instagram-perfect. The permesso process in Italy nearly broke me. Mexican banking made me question my sanity. There were tears, there was rage, there were moments I almost bought a one-way ticket back to my cubicle.

But here's the thing—even the worst day abroad beat my best day trapped in a system that was slowly killing my soul.

Why I'm Sharing This

Because the internet is full of "digital nomad" fantasy and "retire early" theory, but nobody's talking about the messy, beautiful, bureaucratic reality of actually leaving. The real costs (spoiler: it's not just money). The real timeline (spoiler: longer than you think). The real emotional journey (spoiler: it's a rollercoaster).

What You'll Find Here

Raw, honest stories about what it actually takes to build a life outside the American hamster wheel. No sugar-coating the visa headaches or the homesickness or the days when you question everything. But also the genuine joy of discovering that life doesn't have to be a sprint toward burnout.

Whether you're dreaming of Italian sunsets or Mexican cenotes, I'm here to give you the real map—not the tourist brochure version.

Ready to Stop Dreaming and Start Planning?

Your exit strategy starts with understanding what you're really getting into. Let's figure this out together.