Why I Left the U.S. to Travel Abroad

This is a short story about why I decided to move to Mexico. But let me start a little further back. Five years ago, I began to feel a bit restless living in the United States. I knew I had a passion for cooking, but I was also deeply interested in content creation. I had always maintained a YouTube channel where I shared plant-based recipes, gardening tips, visits to produce markets, and other food-related content. Despite this, I still felt unfulfilled and unsatisfied, like something was missing.

To find some clarity, I began journaling about the things I truly wanted to do. I didn’t have a clear plan, but I knew I wanted to travel and cook. At the time, I had a full-time job that I enjoyed, along with the company of my colleagues. However, over time, I felt confined within the four walls of my office, restricted in my ability to fully express my skills and creativity. I longed to pursue something more fulfilling and true to my calling.

So, I shifted my focus to what I wanted instead of what I didn’t. Journaling helped me clear my thoughts, and I realized I wanted to live in Mexico. I had always loved Mexico—it felt like a second home outside the U.S. I also knew I wanted to cook, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. Did I want to be a personal chef? A traveling chef? VA digital nomad? All I knew was that I wanted to combine cooking and travel.

With a strong background in plant-based cooking, I saw an opportunity to serve expat communities in Mexico who were adhering to plant-based diets. I started considering which part of Mexico would be the best fit for me. Should I live in Baja? The Yucatan? Mexico City? I wasn’t sure, so I dove into research about different states, cities, and colonias (neighborhoods).

Whenever I had the chance, I traveled to Mexico to explore these areas, gradually piecing together my vision for this new chapter in my life.

Fast forward, I met a woman in one of my travel groups who suggested I apply for Mexican residency. I hadn’t really considered it before, but her idea sparked my curiosity. With the help of another member of the group, I began the process on the U.S. side, gathering all the necessary paperwork and information for approval. Around that time, there was a shift at my job, and I found myself unexpectedly let go from the job I once loved. But as it turned out, this created the perfect space for me to not only apply for residency but also to take a step back and consider the new life I wanted to build in Mexico.

Once I was approved in the U.S., I had 180 days to finalize my residency in Mexico. I diligently completed all the steps, did thorough research, and finally set a date to begin this journey. Arriving in Mexico was a whirlwind of emotions—wonderful, scary, exhilarating, and joyful all at once. But in that moment, I knew I had made the right choice.
Initially, I hadn’t considered San Miguel de Allende, but the person assisting me with my residency paperwork, a Spanish national, required me to be in that city to complete the process. After researching San Miguel de Allende about three months prior to my move, I thought it might be a good place to settle temporarily and see if it felt like home. I completed my paperwork, booked an Airbnb for a week, and then was lucky enough to find a beautiful house in an upscale neighborhood for a two-month stay.

Now, I’m living my best life in San Miguel de Allende, enjoying luxury in this stunning city. As I sit on the rooftop terrace of my home, overlooking the city, watching the sunrise and sunset, I can’t help but reflect on how this vision I had five years ago has come to life. It truly feels like home.

There were many moving parts in my journey here, but every challenge was worth it. I’ve met incredible people who have made my transition smoother—from the locals to fellow expats, some who look like me and some who don’t. Whether it’s the local flower shop owner, shoe cobbler, or friendly supermercado associate, each interaction has helped create a soft landing for me in this new chapter.
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If you’ve ever thought about moving abroad, expanding your horizons, or simply exploring life in a new country, I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for advice, guidance, or resources, I’d be happy to help—just reach out through the link below or contact me via WhatsApp. This move has been the best decision of my life, and I’m excited for you to find your own path, wherever it may lead. Happy wanderlusting! ​

WATCH VIDEO: Why I Ditched The U.S. To Travel Abroad