UPDATE: In a bold move driven by personal transformation, Steph Kumar has relocated her family from the Bay Area to Barcelona following her layoff from Twitter (now X) in late 2022. The shift has not only revived her happiness but also allowed her to redefine success on her own terms.
Kumar, who spent over a decade at major tech firms like Google, Pinterest, and Yahoo, quickly realized that her identity in the Bay Area was tied to her professional status. After losing her job, she felt isolated in an environment where social interactions revolved around job titles. “Once I didn’t have that identity marker of working at Twitter or Google, the tone shifted,” Kumar shared.
Determined to reshape her life, Kumar founded her own research agency, Two Cents, and decided to move her family to Barcelona in early 2024. The decision came after a summer trip in 2023, where they explored various European cities. “When we arrived in Barcelona, we immediately fell in love,” she recalled, highlighting the city’s vibrant culture, beautiful weather, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Kumar’s family recognized the opportunity to live and work anywhere globally, so they explored Barcelona’s burgeoning tech startup scene. Before making the leap, they connected with local professionals via LinkedIn to understand the landscape. “We put our house on the market and planned a trip to tour living spaces in October,” she noted.
Assisted by a relocation service, the family navigated the complexities of moving abroad, including securing an investor visa. “Our visa is valid for around five years, and the service helped us with everything from finding a home to setting up a bank account,” Kumar explained.
Transitioning to life in Barcelona required a significant mindset shift. “I was taught that success meant climbing the corporate ladder and making as much money as I could,” she reflected. Now, she finds fulfillment in daily life, marked by the sound of church bells and spontaneous smiles from neighbors.
Kumar’s financial reality has changed dramatically. Previously earning over $300,000 at Twitter, she is now prioritizing happiness over salary. “I’m willing to forgo that level of financial wealth for happiness. I feel like I’m not sacrificing anything,” she stated.
Today, Kumar wakes up each day without the anxiety of a packed inbox or calendar. “This is the definition of success for me today,” she concluded. Her story resonates with many who are reevaluating their priorities in the wake of career disruptions.
As the world watches, Kumar’s journey exemplifies a growing trend of individuals seeking more meaningful lives beyond traditional corporate success.
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