Additional Coverage:
- I quit my job as a lawyer and moved to Spain for a slower life. Now I run a business helping other Black women move abroad. (businessinsider.com)
Atlanta Native Finds Fulfillment and New Career Path in Spain
Christine Job, a 38-year-old Atlanta native, never imagined she’d trade the vibrant energy of her hometown for the laid-back charm of Valencia, Spain. But after graduating from law school in 2013 and experiencing burnout from the demanding legal field, she felt a pull towards a different lifestyle. In 2017, she took a leap of faith and moved to Spain, a decision that would ultimately reshape her life and career.
Job’s initial move to Logroño, a city nestled in Spain’s renowned La Rioja wine region, was a period of adjustment and self-discovery. She taught English to primary school children, a far cry from the fast-paced world she had left behind.
The reduced work hours initially triggered feelings of guilt, a residue of her overwork-centric past. However, this slower pace allowed her to re-evaluate her definition of success and sparked a desire to live more intentionally.
Barcelona, her next stop in 2018, provided a supportive community of young Black professionals. A whirlwind trip around the world with her mother in 2019 further broadened her horizons.
Upon returning to Spain, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, while challenging, proved to be a period of unexpected growth. Job relaunched her consultancy business and, crucially, started a podcast focused on the experiences of Black women living abroad.
Now five years old and boasting over 150 episodes, her podcast has become a platform for amplifying diverse narratives within the Black female diaspora. It challenges stereotypical portrayals of migration, highlighting the multifaceted motivations and experiences of Black women choosing to live abroad, often driven by a desire for greater fulfillment and a departure from traditional expectations.
Job’s current home, Valencia, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, providing a tranquil backdrop for her thriving career. While acknowledging the inherent disruptions and sacrifices that come with migration, she emphasizes the transformative impact it has had on her life.
The global network of friends, the success of her podcast, speaking engagements, and even a forthcoming book are all testaments to the opportunities that have unfolded since her move. Although she maintains ties to the US, Job has no plans to return permanently, content with the rich and fulfilling life she has cultivated in Spain.