Leaving the U.S. and moving to Spain
Justin McCarty was living in Denver, working 60 to 70 hours a week at a job he’d had for 12 years. He made a lot of money, but he was constantly connected to his phone and had very little free time. Had changed all that by moving to Spain where he found happiness and love.
I’m definitely experiencing a level of happiness now that I had never dreamed was possible. - Justin McCartyClick To TweetMoving to Spain with no regrets
At the end of our lives, we tend to regret the things we didn’t do, the opportunities missed, the risks we didn’t take. Yet in the day-to-day, the familiar holds us back. We stop ourselves from pursuing ‘crazy ideas’ and chase the cultural norm of “success.” But what if success is less about wealth or fame—and more about living the life you want? What if taking a leap could help you discover the real you? Don’t you owe it to yourself to give it a shot? On a trip to Barcelona, he felt an overwhelming sense of liberation and got curious about making his vacation a little more permanent. Today, he is living and working in Spain, teaching English and experiencing a level of joy he never dreamed possible. On this episode of Queer Money™, Justin joins us to explain how he made the decision about moving to Spain, sharing what his life was like in Denver and how his priorities shifted after experiencing Spanish culture. He shares the logistics of moving to a foreign country and his experience as an ex-pat living in Europe. Listen in for Justin’s insight on acclimating to a new culture and learn how he is achieving new levels of happiness and confidence in beautiful Barcelona!
Hear all about Justin moving to Spain:
Topics covered on moving to Spain
Justin’s life before Barcelona
- Work 60-70 hours/week, connected to phone
- Make a lot of money but little free time
Justin’s decision of moving to Spain
- Shift in priorities with trip to Barcelona
- Realized content but not happy in Denver
Where Justin’s newfound happiness comes from
- More balance, focus inward
- Free time to do things enjoy
Justin’s take on the gay American mentality
- Heightened version of American Dream (consumerism)
- Drive to be better in order to be considered equal
The inspiration for Justin moving to Spain
- Moment of peace on trip to Barcelona
- Applied for school day after 2016 election
The experience of living as an expat in Spain
- Difficult process, must be 100% sure
- ‘Best decision I’ve ever made’
The response Justin received from friends and family
- Mixed bag (some supportive, others opposed)
- Grandmother MOST encouraging
The logistics of moving to a foreign country
- Fulfill student visa requirements
- TEFL, developing teachers course
- Lucky to be offered teaching job
What Justin did with his belongings
- ‘American Justin’ estate sale
- Brought summer clothes only
Justin’s advice for aspiring expats
- Make decision and do research
- Save money in preparation
- Be open to new culture
Justin’s insight on acclimating to a new culture
- Be polite in restaurants, shops
- Make an effort to speak language
What’s next for Justin
- No intention to return to States
- Continue getting to know ‘real Justin’
How Justin is developing a new level of confidence
- Tap into mental and emotional strength
- No safety net or chance to be insecure