For years, Kaitlin Wichmann appeared to have everything figured out. Fresh out of college, she landed a full-time marketing job in Los Angeles, worked out of an office near the ocean in Santa Monica, and followed the traditional career path many young professionals are told to chase.
But beneath the polished surface, something wasn’t right.
Every day felt like a repeat—same commute, same desk, same routine. And slowly, the question that would change her life began to surface: Is this really it?
At 31, Wichmann now lives in Lisbon, Portugal, works roughly 20 hours a week as a freelance digital marketer, and earns more than she did working a full-time agency job in the U.S. Her story reflects a growing shift among Americans rethinking work, lifestyle, and what success really means.
When “Having It All” Still Isn’t Enough
Originally from Kansas, Wichmann moved to Los Angeles for college and stayed to build her career. On paper, things were going well—but emotionally, she felt boxed in by the traditional 9-to-5 structure.
She realized that if she ever wanted flexibility, autonomy, or the ability to travel, she’d need to step off the conventional career track—especially in a high-cost city like Los Angeles.
So she started small.
While still working full-time at a marketing agency, Wichmann took on freelance clients on the side. Over time, her client list grew enough to support her independently. That’s when she made the leap—quitting her job and choosing location freedom over stability.
From Los Angeles to the Digital Nomad Life
Wichmann didn’t move directly to Portugal. Instead, she tested the waters of remote work by traveling through lower-cost countries popular with digital nomads.
She spent time in Bali, Chiang Mai, Vietnam, and Buenos Aires—learning how to manage clients across time zones while keeping her expenses low. The experience confirmed what she suspected: she didn’t need to live in the U.S. to earn U.S.-level income.
After returning to the States briefly during the pandemic, she began searching for a place she could call home long-term—somewhere with good weather, walkability, a strong international community, and access to the outdoors.
Lisbon checked every box.
Why Portugal Made Sense
Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s top destinations for remote workers and freelancers. With its mild climate, coastal lifestyle, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to major U.S. cities, it’s especially attractive to Americans.
Wichmann applied for Portugal’s D7 visa, which allows foreign residents with independent income to live in the country. The process required opening a local bank account, securing housing, and meeting minimum income requirements—but she completed everything remotely.
Once approved, she relocated to Lisbon in 2021 and later renewed her residency, allowing her to stay for several more years.
Life in Lisbon: Work Less, Live More
Today, Wichmann works as a freelance digital marketer, helping both American and European clients with online advertising. She typically works about 20 hours per week and earns an average of around $7,000 per month, though her income fluctuates.
Instead of structuring her life around work, she structures work around her life.
Her days often include:
Working from co-working spaces with friends
Taking Portuguese language lessons
Playing tennis and padel
Going to the beach
Traveling across Europe
She says the slower pace and emphasis on outdoor living have significantly improved her overall well-being.
What It Costs to Live in Portugal
In a typical month, Wichmann spends roughly $3,000 on essential living expenses. Her biggest cost is rent—about $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment in a walkable Lisbon neighborhood.
Other monthly expenses include:
Food and dining
Public transportation
Fitness memberships and sports lessons
Subscriptions and digital tools for work
Compared to major U.S. cities, the cost savings are substantial—especially when paired with flexible work hours and a higher quality of life.
Financial Stability Without Burnout
Despite working fewer hours, Wichmann is financially disciplined. She maintains an emergency fund, contributes to long-term investments, and manages her student loan payments carefully.
Rather than chasing aggressive income growth, her goal is sustainability—earning enough to live comfortably while preserving time and energy for personal fulfillment.
To her, success is no longer defined by job titles or long workdays, but by balance.
A Different Definition of Success
Wichmann doesn’t see her career as her identity—it’s simply a tool that supports the life she wants to live.
While she admits she misses some conveniences of life in the U.S., she has no immediate plans to return. Portugal feels like home, and she hopes to eventually buy property there.
Her story resonates with a growing number of professionals asking a simple but powerful question: What if work supported life, instead of the other way around?
And for many, the answer may lie far beyond the borders of where they started.
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