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I Quit the U.S. Rat Race for Lisbon—Now I Work Just 20 Hours a Week and Live Better Than Ever
How moving to Portugal slashed my work hours, boosted my happiness, and completely transformed my life.
Ark
August 22, 2025
Living in Lisbon: A Digital Nomad’s Journey to Happiness
Caitlyn Wishman, a 31-year-old digital marketing freelancer, has found her slice of paradise in Lisbon, Portugal. After years of feeling trapped in the grind of a 9-to-5 job in Los Angeles, she made the bold decision to relocate, seeking a life that prioritizes happiness, balance, and connection. Three and a half years into her journey, Caitlyn’s story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing a new culture and lifestyle.
From Los Angeles to Lisbon: A Shift in Priorities
Growing up in Manhattan, Kansas, a small town two hours from Kansas City, Caitlyn’s early life was rooted in simplicity. However, her move to Los Angeles introduced her to a fast-paced, work-centric existence. “Pretty much my life revolved around work,” she recalls. The monotony of parking in the same spot and sitting at the same desk every day left her yearning for more. “There has to be more to life than this,” she thought.
The tipping point wasn’t just Los Angeles—it was the relentless demands of a traditional 9-to-5. Seeking freedom, Caitlyn transitioned to remote work, traveling every one to three months while researching places to settle long-term. Having visited Madeira years earlier, she was drawn to Portugal’s charm. After exploring various cities, Lisbon checked all her boxes: vibrant culture, proximity to beaches, and a welcoming international community.
Relocating to Portugal required careful planning. Caitlyn secured a D7 visa, which granted her four months to enter the country before applying for residency. The process involved getting fingerprinted, opening a Portuguese bank account, obtaining a tax number, and signing a lease. Once in Lisbon, she applied for residency, initially receiving a two-year permit, which she later renewed for three more years.
Her housing journey had its challenges. Caitlyn started in a co-living space, but a double-booking forced her to move. She bounced between short-term subleases and stayed with a friend before signing a three-year lease for her current 50-square-meter apartment in a desirable area of Lisbon. Her rent, €982 per month, is comparable to what she paid in Kansas City, but the walkable lifestyle and vibrant neighborhood make it worthwhile.
Learning Portuguese was another hurdle. Arriving with no knowledge of the language, Caitlyn enrolled in university classes with Erasmus students, followed by private school lessons and one-on-one tutoring. “That’s what’s really helped me improve and made me a lot more confident in my speaking skills,” she says.
A Freelancer’s Life: Flexibility and Financial Freedom
As a digital marketing freelancer, Caitlyn specializes in Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn ads, working with five to ten clients, primarily from Portugal and the United States. She earns between $2,400 and $12,000 per month, averaging around $7,000. To maintain balance, she caps her work at 20 hours per week, leaving ample time for personal growth and exploration.
Her typical day starts with coffee and working from home in the mornings. In the afternoons, she often heads to a co-working space, reserving spots through an app that connects her to Lisbon’s vibrant freelance community. The rest of her time is filled with “passion projects” like Portuguese lessons or playing paddle, a popular local sport. “I don’t just sit around in the hours that I’m not working,” she explains. “I feel like I do 40 hours of work towards myself.”
Financially, Caitlyn is prudent. She uses a robo-advisor, Betterment, and pays herself a steady $3,000 monthly salary to manage her fluctuating freelance income. She’s structured her business as an LLC and contributes to a Roth IRA for retirement. Her monthly expenses, including utilities and a €30 unlimited public transportation pass, are lower than in the U.S., though she splurges on travel to visit her boyfriend.
Why Lisbon? Culture, Community, and Contentment
Lisbon’s appeal lies in its blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a community that inspires an active, fulfilling lifestyle. “The weather here is great, I love the proximity to the beaches, and the international communities are amazing,” Caitlyn says. She’s found a circle of healthy, outdoorsy friends who share her zest for life. The city’s walkable streets and stunning architecture add to its charm, making every day feel like an adventure.
Compared to Los Angeles, Caitlyn feels happier and safer in Lisbon. “I love the Portuguese culture, my Portuguese neighbors, and all of my friends here,” she says. The slower pace and emphasis on connection have brought her a sense of peace she never found in the U.S.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Portugal
Caitlyn’s original plan was to live in Lisbon for at least five years before deciding her next move. Now, three and a half years in, she can’t imagine leaving. “I just really like it here,” she says. While she doesn’t have grandiose financial goals, she dreams of buying a house in Portugal someday. For now, her focus is simple: pay her bills, enjoy life, and continue building a future in a city that feels like home.
Caitlyn’s journey from a work-centric life in Los Angeles to a balanced, fulfilling existence in Lisbon is a reminder that happiness often lies in prioritizing life over work. For her, Lisbon isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
