UPDATE: In a bold move following a layoff, Steph Kumar has relocated her family from the Bay Area to Barcelona, and she reports feeling a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment. This transition comes after her departure from Twitter (now known as X) at the end of December 2022, a decision that has dramatically reshaped her personal and professional life.
Kumar, who spent over a decade at major tech firms including Google, Pinterest, and Yahoo, describes the Bay Area as a place where social interactions were often defined by career status. Upon losing her job, she felt a significant loss of identity, prompting her to reconsider her family’s lifestyle and future. “I was mourning for an identity that was no longer relevant,” she stated in a recent interview.
After registering her own research company, known as Two Cents, in late 2022, Kumar and her family decided to explore new opportunities abroad. They spent the summer of 2023 traveling through Europe, ultimately falling in love with Barcelona’s vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and friendly atmosphere. “We saw schools we liked for our daughter here,” she explained, highlighting the city’s appeal for families.
Kumar emphasized the importance of her business journey, which she described as both a learning experience and a pursuit of happiness. With a significant salary of over $300,000 at Twitter, she acknowledges a willingness to sacrifice financial wealth for personal well-being. “I feel like I’m not sacrificing anything by not having the salary I used to have,” she remarked.
The family successfully navigated their move by hiring a relocation service that facilitated their transition, offering assistance with visa processing, housing decisions, and essential services like setting up a bank account. They secured an investor visa valid for five years, allowing them to settle into their new life in Barcelona.
Kumar’s story resonates with many who are reevaluating their priorities in life. “I’m waking up every day, not afraid of my inbox or calendar,” she shared. The family now enjoys a life filled with community engagement, appreciating the simple joys of their new environment, including the church bells ringing every fifteen minutes.
As more individuals face job uncertainty and seek fulfillment beyond traditional career paths, the Kumar family’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of change. Their decision to embrace a new life in Barcelona is not just about relocation; it’s about redefining success on their own terms.
Next steps: As Kumar continues to grow her research company, she encourages others to think outside conventional career boundaries. With a renewed focus on happiness and community, her story is one many may find inspiring in today’s shifting job landscape.
Do you have a relocation story to share? Contact this reporter, Agnes Applegate, at [email protected].
