Gigi Gonzalez: Redefining Work-Life Balance in Spain
Gigi Gonzalez has embraced a new lifestyle that many dream of: she doesn’t work on Fridays. “Fridays are my errand day,” she explains, detailing how she uses this time for personal appointments like dental visits, dog grooming, and self-care activities such as getting her nails done. This shift in her schedule is a stark contrast to her previous routine, where she logged a traditional 40-hour workweek as the owner of The First Gen Mentor, a platform dedicated to financial education for first-generation students and young professionals of color.
A Transformative Move to Spain
Gonzalez’s journey to this new lifestyle began in 2019 during a high-school career day. While advising students to study abroad, she realized she regretted not doing so herself. This epiphany sparked a two-year plan where she saved approximately $20,000 to take a sabbatical. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her plans, leading her to launch her business in April 2021.
Fast forward to May 2025, Gonzalez and her husband relocated from Chicago to Valencia, Spain. This move not only reduced her living expenses significantly but also allowed her to work fewer hours while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. With the cost of living in Spain being considerably lower, she found that a 16-hour workweek was not only feasible but liberating.
Financial Freedom Through Smart Planning
Gonzalez’s financial journey is a testament to her dedication and strategic planning. After moving to Spain, she discovered that her personal expenses had decreased dramatically. For instance, her rent in Chicago was $3,700 for a two-bedroom apartment, while in Valencia, she pays around €1,900 (approximately $2,200) for a similar space. Health insurance costs also dropped from over $400 per month in the U.S. to about $200 in Spain, with no copays or deductibles.
This financial relief has allowed her to focus on her work-life balance. She typically works from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., which gives her ample time in the mornings for self-care, exercise, and leisurely breakfasts. The flexibility of her schedule has transformed her outlook on work and life, allowing her to enjoy a slower pace without the constant pressure of a full-time job.
The Semi-Retirement Lifestyle
With her retirement savings exceeding $220,000, Gonzalez feels a sense of security that many strive for. She invested aggressively during the pandemic, allocating up to 35% of her income into retirement accounts. This foresight means she can now work solely to cover her everyday expenses, giving her the freedom to choose how she wants to spend her time. “If one day I want to stop running my business and just go be a barista or a waitress, I can do that,” she says, emphasizing her newfound flexibility.
Gonzalez’s approach to work is now more about passion than necessity. She describes her current state as “semi-retired,” enjoying the benefits of her investments while still engaging in work that fulfills her. The lower cost of living in Spain further enhances her ability to maintain this lifestyle, especially regarding healthcare, which she finds to be shockingly affordable compared to the U.S.
Navigating the Challenges of International Business
While many of Gonzalez’s expenses have decreased, running a business across two countries comes with its own set of challenges. She employs both U.S. and Spanish tax teams to ensure compliance with regulations in both nations, which has doubled her monthly tax expenses to nearly $700. Despite the complexities, she views this as part of the learning curve and has adjusted accordingly.
Advice for Aspiring Expats
Gonzalez encourages those considering a move abroad to take their time and plan thoroughly. Many people see others living their best lives in Europe and feel overwhelmed by the logistics. She advises potential expats to explore their motivations for moving and to create systems that align with their financial goals.
Her journey has been fueled by inspiration from various sources, including career days and travel experiences. “This is definitely one of the things for me, if I would have been on my deathbed, I would regret never experiencing life abroad,” she reflects. Her message is clear: life is short, and it’s essential to pursue dreams and experiences that resonate deeply.
Gonzalez’s story is a powerful reminder that with careful planning and a willingness to adapt, it’s possible to redefine one’s work-life balance and embrace a fulfilling life abroad.
