Working in Lisbon: A day in River’s life

Why I chose to work abroad in Lisbon

At some point, I felt like I needed a change. Not just a new job, but a different environment. I wanted more energy in my day-to-day life. Better weather, more culture, and just more moments where you actually enjoy where you are. 

“I was looking for a warm climate, rich culture and just more excitement in my life.”

That’s what pushed me towards working abroad in Portugal. And Lisbon stood out immediately. It has that mix of city life, sunshine and international people that makes it easy to settle in. 🌅

Doubts before moving abroad (and what actually happened)

Before I left, I won’t lie, I had doubts. When you think about moving abroad for work in Lisbon, your mind starts going everywhere. Will I feel alone? What if the job isn’t what I expect? Will I manage financially? I even had moments where I thought it might be smarter to just stay in the Netherlands. But once I arrived, those thoughts slowly faded. Not because everything was perfect, but because you start figuring things out step by step. You realise you’re more adaptable than you think. 

A day of working abroad in Lisbon

So what does a normal weekday actually look like when you’re living and working in Lisbon as an international?

A day of work in Lisbon 

My day usually starts quite calmly. I walk to work in the morning sun, which already puts you in a good mood before the day even begins. I get settled and start focusing on my tasks. What I noticed right away is the difference in atmosphere. Work feels more relaxed compared to what I was used to. There’s structure, but less pressure.

During my first break, I grab a coffee and step outside for a bit. The weather makes it easy to just take a moment, soak up some sun, and chat with colleagues. Sometimes it’s about work, sometimes it’s just small talk. These short conversations make a big difference. They turn your workday into something social, which is one of the things I really appreciate about working abroad in Lisbon.

A typical lunch break in Lisbon while working abroad

Lunch is probably my favourite part of the day. Instead of staying inside, I leave the building and step straight into the centre. The weather, the streets, the movement, it all becomes part of your routine.

“I leave the building, feel the sun, grab lunch and just walk around. That’s when it really hits me… I live here.”

I usually grab something simple from a supermarket or a local café. Sometimes I sit somewhere, sometimes I just walk around with my headphones in. Other times, I just listen to the Portuguese conversations around me. It’s a small thing, but it reminds me that I’m really living here, not just visiting. This is what living in Lisbon feels like. Your everyday life includes moments that feel like a holiday.

Afternoons: work, connection and planning life after work

In the afternoon, I go back to work and focus on what needs to be done. But there’s always space to connect. During my last break, I usually talk with colleagues again. We catch up on how the day is going, but also talk about plans for the evening. That’s one of the things I didn’t expect. When you’re working abroad, your social life builds naturally through your work environment. You’re not just colleagues, you’re often in the same situation, far from home, building something new.

What evenings in Lisbon are like when working abroad

After work, I take a bit of time to relax. Then I decide what I feel like doing. Some evenings are quiet. I cook, watch a series, or go for a walk through my neighbourhood. Walking here in the evening just feels different, the atmosphere, the temperature, the vibe. Other evenings are more active. I go to the gym, meet colleagues, or head into the city for drinks or dinner. What I really like is how spontaneous everything is. People don’t plan everything days in advance. You can just text someone after work and meet up that same evening.

That flexibility is what makes living abroad in Lisbon so enjoyable. You can slow down when you need to, but there’s always something happening if you feel like going out.

Making friends in a new country while working abroad

Before moving, I thought making friends would be one of the hardest parts. But in reality, it was much easier. I met people through work, but also through Meetup. I joined basketball sessions and running clubs, which made it easy to meet people outside of my job.

“Everyone is in the same situation as you. You connect quickly because you understand each other.”

That’s what makes working abroad different. People are more open, and connections happen faster because you share the same experience.

Getting used to life in Portugal

One of the biggest adjustments for me while living in Portugal as an international was the pace of life. Things move slower here. Administrative tasks take more time, and many things are still done face-to-face. At first, I found that frustrating. You’re used to things being quick and efficient. But over time, I started to see it differently.

“Once you get used to the slower pace, you don’t want anything else.”

You begin to slow down yourself. You stress less, you take more time, and you start to enjoy the moment more.

How working abroad changed me

Living abroad changed me more than I expected. I learned Portuguese, built a completely new social circle, and became more independent. You handle things on your own in a new environment, which builds confidence without you even realising it. But the biggest change was my mindset.

“I’ve learned to enjoy the small moments more, those are what really make life here special.” 

You start thinking differently about your time, your energy, and what you actually want from life. That’s what working abroad really gives you, it changes your perspective. ✨

What surprised me the most about living in Lisbon

Some of the things I worried about turned out to be much easier than expected. My accommodation was arranged by my employer and was only two metro stops from work. When I arrived, everything was already set up, which took away a lot of stress right from the start. My flight was organised as well, and I was picked up from the airport when I arrived in Lisbon. That made the whole move feel smooth and well-prepared, instead of overwhelming. Everything I needed, shops, public transport, and daily essentials, was close by. Because of that, I could focus on settling in, exploring the city, and getting used to my new life instead of worrying about practical things.

Another thing that surprised me is how quickly everything starts to feel normal. Within a few weeks, you build routines, recognise places, and feel more at home. That’s the reality of living and working in Lisbon.

Is working in Lisbon worth it?

If you’re wondering whether working abroad in Lisbon is worth it, here’s my honest answer.

• You probably won’t save a lot of money.
• You will step outside your comfort zone.
• You will face new and unfamiliar situations.
   

But what you get in return is something different:

• A lifestyle that feels more alive
• International friendships
• Personal growth you can’t get at home
   

For me, living in Lisbon is about the experience, not just the salary.

My advice if you want to work abroad

If you’re unsure about moving abroad for work, keep it simple. Make a pros and cons list and be honest with yourself about why you want to go, and why you might not.

“If the reasons to go are stronger, you already know your answer.”

Do your research, be realistic, and trust yourself. You don’t need everything figured out before you go.

Ready to start your own life in Lisbon? 

Imagine your lunch breaks in the sun, evenings with international friends, and weekends exploring beaches, viewpoints and nature. That’s everyday life when you’re living and working in Lisbon.
 

Take a look at opportunities in Portugal and start your own adventure abroad! 🧡