From Burnout to Bliss: A Teacher's Journey to a New Life in Portugal
Business Insider11 months ago
1030

From Burnout to Bliss: A Teacher's Journey to a New Life in Portugal

Lifestyle
portugal
expat
lifestyle
healthcare
travel
Share this content:

Summary:

  • 20 years of teaching led to burnout in the US.

  • Moved to Lagos, Portugal for a fresh start.

  • Enjoys a slow pace of living and affordable lifestyle.

  • Monthly expenses are about one-third of what she paid in Arizona.

  • Universal healthcare has significantly reduced medical costs.

A Life-Changing Move

Jeana Whitaker, after over 20 years in the US teaching high school English and Theatre, decided enough was enough. The cultural shifts in education left her feeling miserable and burned out. She sold everything and moved to Lagos, Portugal, where she started anew, embracing a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Embracing a Serene Life

Living in Portugal has proven to be a dream come true. The slow pace of life, the warmth of the locals, and affordability have contributed to a balanced existence. Whitaker cherishes her daily routines, like walking her dog and enjoying the vibrant local markets.

A New Career and Reduced Expenses

Whitaker now enjoys freedom in her work-life balance, working 30 hours a week as a freelance writer and entrepreneur. With her monthly expenses slashed to one-third of what they were in Arizona, she relishes in a cozy apartment with a sea view, paying just $850 a month, which includes utilities.

Health Care and Safety

Portugal’s universal healthcare system has alleviated her worries about medical costs. After years of misdiagnosis in the US, she finally received proper treatment for a serious condition in Portugal for under $600.

Overcoming Challenges

While adapting to a new culture comes with challenges, such as waiting for documents and learning the language, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Whitaker appreciates her newfound safety and the opportunity to live her best life in a welcoming environment that encourages enjoying the little things.

"In Portugal, I feel safe and welcomed, free from financial concerns, allowing me to truly live my best life."

Comments

0

Join Our Community

Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!

Newsletter

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

Join our newsletter and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

OR
PortugalToday.news logo

PortugalToday.news

Get PortugalToday.news on your phone!

Other Latest News

Teen Hides Murder Weapon in Grandparents' Grave After Killing Mother in Vagos

Teen Hides Murder Weapon in Grandparents' Grave After Killing Mother in Vagos

47 minutes ago
830
Spooky Halloween Boat Adventure in Algarve: Join the Scary Boat Ride for a Thrilling Experience!

Spooky Halloween Boat Adventure in Algarve: Join the Scary Boat Ride for a Thrilling Experience!

4 hours ago
950
Algarve's New Municipal Leaders Take Office: Full Schedule of Swearing-In Ceremonies Revealed

Algarve's New Municipal Leaders Take Office: Full Schedule of Swearing-In Ceremonies Revealed

8 hours ago
930
Discover Lisbon Through Music: 3 Iconic Songs That Capture the Soul of Portugal's Capital

Discover Lisbon Through Music: 3 Iconic Songs That Capture the Soul of Portugal's Capital

9 hours ago
830
Doctors' Strike Escalates: FNAM Accuses Government of Deliberately Destroying Portugal's National Health Service

Doctors' Strike Escalates: FNAM Accuses Government of Deliberately Destroying Portugal's National Health Service

6 hours ago
870
Portugal Gripped by Massive Public Sector Strike: Schools Shut, Healthcare Disrupted

Portugal Gripped by Massive Public Sector Strike: Schools Shut, Healthcare Disrupted

7 hours ago
920
18th International Organ Festival Returns to Algarve with Free Concerts Across Historic Churches

18th International Organ Festival Returns to Algarve with Free Concerts Across Historic Churches

11 hours ago
890
Christian Louboutin's Secret Pink Paradise in Portugal: A Designer's Dream Retreat

Christian Louboutin's Secret Pink Paradise in Portugal: A Designer's Dream Retreat

13 hours ago
930
Lisboa Residents Spend Over 100% of Their Income on Housing - EU's Most Unaffordable City

Lisboa Residents Spend Over 100% of Their Income on Housing - EU's Most Unaffordable City

15 hours ago
930
Chega Threatens to Vote Against Nationality Law Unless PSD Meets Demands - Political Showdown Intensifies

Chega Threatens to Vote Against Nationality Law Unless PSD Meets Demands - Political Showdown Intensifies

14 hours ago
1090
Portuguese Nationality Law Debate Postponed for Third Time Amid Political Negotiations

Portuguese Nationality Law Debate Postponed for Third Time Amid Political Negotiations

23 hours ago
1070
Discover the Secret Algarve That Top Chefs Love - A Culinary Paradise Revealed

Discover the Secret Algarve That Top Chefs Love - A Culinary Paradise Revealed

22 hours ago
920
AirOtic Soirée Returns to Lisbon: A Seductive Winter Spectacle of Aerial Acrobatics and Cocktails

AirOtic Soirée Returns to Lisbon: A Seductive Winter Spectacle of Aerial Acrobatics and Cocktails

1 day ago
930
Algarve Tourism Crisis: Unprecedented August Discounts Signal Deeper Problems in Portuguese Tourism Strategy

Algarve Tourism Crisis: Unprecedented August Discounts Signal Deeper Problems in Portuguese Tourism Strategy

1 day ago
890
Volunteer Firefighters Protest in Lisbon Demanding Better Working Conditions and Equipment

Volunteer Firefighters Protest in Lisbon Demanding Better Working Conditions and Equipment

1 day ago
970
Irene Rolo Foundation Launches 'Live Your Difference' Tour in Algarve to Champion Inclusion and Diversity

Irene Rolo Foundation Launches 'Live Your Difference' Tour in Algarve to Champion Inclusion and Diversity

1 day ago
910
One of UK's Most Wanted Criminals Captured in Algarve After Two-Year Manhunt

One of UK's Most Wanted Criminals Captured in Algarve After Two-Year Manhunt

1 day ago
930
PM Montenegro Honors Pinto Balsemão's Democratic Legacy: Visionary Leader Who Shaped Modern Portugal

PM Montenegro Honors Pinto Balsemão's Democratic Legacy: Visionary Leader Who Shaped Modern Portugal

2 days ago
970
Shocking Accident on Lisbon Metro Green Line: 24-Year-Old Loses Both Legs After Falling onto Tracks

Shocking Accident on Lisbon Metro Green Line: 24-Year-Old Loses Both Legs After Falling onto Tracks

2 days ago
990