Adalia Aborisade, a 48-year-old former teacher from the United States, found a new lease on life by moving to Mexico City. Her story highlights significant lifestyle changes, emphasizing how she transitioned from a high-stress environment to a more relaxed and fulfilling life abroad.
A New Perspective on Work and Leisure
In the United States, Adalia worked as a teacher for 20 years, earning just shy of $60,000 annually. Despite the seemingly stable income, she was crumbling under the pressure of working around 60 hours a week. The expectations and demands placed on her were overwhelming, leading her to a point where she physically could not continue. This realization sparked her decision to move abroad, where she hoped to live a life she could not achieve in the United States.
Since relocating to Mexico City, Adalia’s perspective on work and leisure has transformed dramatically. In Mexico, she experiences a much more laid-back lifestyle, allowing her to take things slow and savor her days. Her routine now includes exploring the city, visiting museums, trying out new cafes and restaurants, and attending various local events. One of the most significant changes is that she now takes naps, something she never did before.
Financial Adjustments and Cost of Living
Moving to Mexico City meant a substantial pay cut for Adalia. She took a job that paid her 60% less than her teaching salary in the US. Despite the reduced income, she finds herself worrying less about money. The financial system in Mexico offers her more options, and she feels more secure even with a fluctuating income as an entrepreneur. Adalia prioritizes her financial commitments and spends the remaining money without strict budgeting. This approach allows her to enjoy life more freely, despite earning less.
Adalia’s entrepreneurial ventures include financial education and coaching, relocation coaching, and hosting retreats worldwide. These endeavors keep her income varied but manageable. The lower cost of living in Mexico City enables her to afford luxuries that were out of reach in the US, such as regular medical and dental care, and even hiring someone to clean her house once a week. These services, which were luxuries in the US, contribute to a higher quality of life in Mexico.
Culinary Adventures and Daily Life
Food plays a significant role in Adalia’s new life. Dining out is affordable, with a typical meal including an entrée and a cocktail costing around $20 USD, and a meal of tacos costing about $4. She enjoys tacos frequently, sometimes multiple times a week. The vibrant culinary scene in Mexico City is one of her favorite aspects of living there, along with the city’s lively and unpredictable atmosphere.
Adalia’s days are filled with activities she loves, such as attending jazz nights, exploring the city, and participating in various cultural events. She appreciates the unexpected moments that Mexico City offers, like seeing someone ride down the street on a unicycle in a Genie costume.
Sacrifices and Family Ties
Living in Mexico City comes with its sacrifices, particularly regarding her family. Adalia misses out on significant family events, such as birthday parties and the birth of her middle granddaughter. Despite these challenges, she is committed to building a life in Mexico and sees herself as an immigrant with the intention of settling there permanently.
A Dream Life Redefined
Adalia’s dream life in Mexico City is starkly different from the traditional American dream. She values control over her time more than accumulating wealth or possessions. Her minimalist approach focuses on experiences and personal fulfillment rather than material success. For Adalia, living in Mexico City has provided a path to the life she always wanted but couldn’t achieve in the United States.
