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Freelance Story: I moved to Madrid on a digital nomad visa without knowing a single person -- just two suitcases, my laptop, and the hope of building a better future. After losing both my parents in 2021, I made the bold choice to follow my long-held European dream.
The first weeks were lonely and overwhelming: new language, new streets, new everything. But slowly, things shifted. A waitress learned my name. A neighbor started small talk. I found my favorite local café to work from, my favorite route through the city, and my first small circle of friends.
Madrid didn’t just challenge me: it changed me. I learned that starting over is scary, but it’s also powerful. And sometimes, choosing yourself is the beginning of everything.
@Samantha Tan I’m truly sorry for the loss of your parents and all the challenges you’ve faced. Moving to a new country and starting over, especially in a place where you didn’t know the language, takes incredible courage. I wish you a life full of safety, stability, and happiness, and I...
That's so sweet! Thank you so much, and I hope Contra brings you the same. :)
Lovely story! Going through something similar since I moved to Estonia eheh
If I can ask, would you pick Madrid/Spain again? Considering various options for later on that are a bit more warm / calmer, so would love to hear how you like it :D
I will pick Madrid over and over! :) I love it here. I love the culture, the food options, and the people.
Love this post. Starting over takes so much courage, and it's never easy, but those small moments like new coffee shops and routines are an exciting part of building a new chapter 🫶
Love that you shared this. What was the process in getting a digital nomad visa? I'd be interested in learning more about this
I’m really sorry for your loss. This gave me chills. You turned something incredibly hard into a whole new life. Do you feel like Madrid changed your work too, or mostly your life outside of it? 💛
Madrid changed everything for me. The way I now want to work, my life outside, my health, my mental well-being.. and even my goals in life has somehow shifted from a very materialistic mindset to something more holistic and intentional.
The network for creativity
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Creatives on Contra have earned over $150M and we are just getting started
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