Moving across the world is no small feat. When I first decided to take the leap, bringing my small business with me, I have a vision of new opportunities, growth, and expansion. Running a small business is an all-encompassing endeavor. There are no off-days, no simple routines. Every decision, whether it’s about marketing, customer service, or inventory, falls on your shoulders. And when you’re trying to build a business in a new country, those challenges multiply. Relocating means learning a whole new set of rules—everything from the legalities of operating a business in a foreign country to navigating a completely different market and culture. There were moments when I feel overwhelmed and out of my depth, but there were also moments of triumph. Each small win—the first sale in a new country, the positive feedback from a customer I’’ve never met in person, the moment I realized I was reaching people beyond what I’d ever imagined—felt like a reward for all the hard work.
The rewards of building my business abroad have been plentiful, but they came at a cost. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything. There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from watching something you’ve poured your heart and soul into grow and evolve. But here’s the thing: all the hard work that comes with owning a small business can easily become all-consuming. When you’re working so tirelessly to keep the wheels turning—learning new languages, adapting to new systems, managing stress, and meeting deadlines—there’s little time left for anything else. And that’s when the cracks start to show. I’ll admit it: I’m tired. I’ve sacrificed so much in the name of this dream. But when I think about my own health, my wellness, and my happiness, I start to wonder—what’s the point of working so hard if I don’t get to actually enjoy the fruits of my labor?
The truth is, living in a constant state of hustle, even when it’s for something you love, starts to take a toll. The stress piles up, the burnout sets in, and at some point, you realize that you’ve been running on empty for far too long. There are days when I long for a slower pace, for more moments of peace, and for time to enjoy the world I’ve moved to. I want to experience new places and cultures without the weight of business stress hanging over me. I want to take care of my physical and mental health without the constant pressure to “do more.” I go there with a sense of ambition, a clear goal of achieving business success. But I realize that success doesn’t just mean financial gain or business growth. Success is about living a life that’s sustainable, joyful, and fulfilling in every aspect. I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, but as I reflect on this chapter of my life, I’ve come to a realization: it’s time for a change. Not just in the way I run my business, but in the way I live. I’ve realized that I love my job and it’s a big part of who I am, but I do not want it to define me as a person. There are so many other things that I want to explore and are fully capable of achieving.
For me, the next chapter is about balance. I want to continue pursuing my business dreams, but I also want to take care of myself. I want to be present in my own life, not just as a business owner but as a person who deserves rest, joy, and connection. I want to carve out time for health and wellness—whether that means waking up to meditate, taking a walk through a new city, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee without thinking about the next email or deadline. The future is about redefining success. It’s about creating a life that’s not just about working hard, but about living fully. I’m committed to finding that balance—a balance that allows me to enjoy my success without sacrificing my health and happiness in the process. As I continue my journey with my small business, I’m learning that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s about creating a life that aligns with your values and goals, not just professionally, but personally. For me, that means making space for the things that truly matter—health, happiness, and the ability to enjoy the world I’ve worked so hard to be a part of. So, here’s to finding balance. To working hard, yes, but also to living well. To enjoying the fruits of your labor, and making sure that the journey you’re on is as fulfilling as the destination itself.
