She is Mexican and at 36, she moved from Chicago to work 16 hours a week: "You only live once"
A Mexican woman relocated from Chicago to Valencia, Spain, embracing a lifestyle change that allows her to work only 16 hours a week.
Gigi González, a 36-year-old financial educator and content creator, made the bold decision to leave Chicago and move to Valencia, Spain, in May 2025. This life change is part of a long-planned sabbatical, which she began saving for in 2019. The primary motivation for this move was to allow her to reduce her working hours significantly, aligning with her philosophy of living a more fulfilling and less work-centric life.
In her new routine, Gigi has organized her work schedule to only require her to work 16 hours a week, Monday through Thursday, dedicated to her professional commitments between 2 PM and 6 PM. Fridays are reserved for personal activities, giving her the flexibility to pursue her interests and self-care. This structured yet limited work approach reflects her overarching goal of enhancing her quality of life, prioritizing experiences over extensive work engagements.
Through her story, Gigi González serves as an example of redefining one's career and lifestyle choices. Her transition reinforces the idea that with thoughtful financial planning and progressive decision-making, it's possible to balance work and enjoyment of life. This narrative is particularly relevant in today's climate, where many professionals are reconsidering work-life balance and the traditional pathways of career fulfillment.