What does it really take to build a life abroad when your career, visa options, and personal circumstances don’t neatly fit the mold? In this episode, Ali Dubrow shares how she went from a U.S.-based reality TV career to designing a freedom-based life in France, with visa roadblocks, a big dog, and strong family ties.
Key Takeaways
- The “move first vs. build first” decision isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your energy, finances, and lifestyle constraints matter more than generic advice.
- Moving abroad before hitting $3-5K/month can sometimes be the faster, easier path, especially if your current environment is draining your time, money, or motivation.
- There are flexible “stepping stone” visa options and countries that let you live affordably while building your business.
- Building first makes sense if you have stability, time, and a strategic reason to wait; but it should come with a clear timeline, not an open-ended delay.
At the end of the day, the right path is the one that gets you moving - not the one that keeps you stuck “preparing” forever. Whether you decide to move first or build first, the goal is the same: create momentum and design a life that actually works for you.
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Links & Resources:
→ Ali’s Instagram
→ Ali’s Substack
→ Follow me on Instagram to see my travels in Andalucia with my family
→ Follow Move Abroad Coach on Facebook
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- Create your personalized move abroad plan
- Gain clarity without the overwhelm
- Take action immediately
Plus, when you complete 6 lessons, you get a free 40-minute Master Plan Success Session with my team — your roadmap to actually making it happen.
This is your chance to turn your move abroad dreams into a plan you can actually follow. Register Now!
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