Inspiration Travel inspiration

From dream to reality: my life in Lisbon

Last update: 30 May, 2025  ◦  30 May, 2025 by Photo from Jenny Jenny  ◦  3 minutes reading time
girl next to a camera and a slogan in lisbon

Have you ever thought of packing your suitcase and moving abroad? That's exactly what I did one year ago! From waking up to a sea view to exploring new places every weekend and watching sunsets with friends, here is how I started living my dream life in Portugal! 🇵🇹

How my adventure really started 

Hey, I'm Sophie! When I finished my study, I wasn’t ready to leave home, but I also didn't really know what to do next. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I saw a job opportunity in Lisbon, and thought: why not? It had always been my dream to live close to the sea and in a place with lots of sun.🌞 Within a few weeks I was on the plane, not quite sure what to expect, but ready for something new. I work as a content moderator, which means that I help keep the platform safe by reviewing posts, images, and videos to ensure they follow community guidelines. It can be challenging at times, but it’s also super rewarding to know I’m making the internet a better place  for everyone. My job gave me the freedom I craved, and the international team made me feel part of something exciting from day one!

What makes Lisbon feel like home

What I love most about Lisbon isn’t just the city itself, but how easy it is to turn every weekend into an adventure with friends. We’ll make spontaneous plans after work: sometimes it’s a day trip to Cascais, other times we explore new neighbourhoods or just grab a coffee. Discovering new places together makes everything more fun. Some of my favourite moments are watching sunsets from a rooftop or picking up snacks from a local bakery before heading to the beach. Those unplanned moments quickly became my most cherished memories.

If you go, I definitely recommend catching a sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, trying pastéis de nata from Manteigaria, and taking the tram to Belém on a lazy Sunday. Lisbon has something special waiting around every corner!

"I was nervous at first, but Lisbon welcomed me with open arms. I can't really imagine living anywhere else now."

Overcoming anxiety  

Let’s be honest: moving abroad is scary at first. I was nervous about finding a place, navigating paperwork, and making friends. But thanks to Yobbers, I didn’t have to figure it all out on my own. They helped with accommodation, documents, and connecting me with others! 

One of my biggest fears was that I wouldn’t make any friends or might feel lonely sometimes. I ended up living in a shared flat in the city center, which turned out to be the best way to meet new people and dive into local culture. Even the little challenges like learning a few Portuguese phrases or adapting to a slower pace became part of the adventure. 🧡

The friendships that made it unforgettable

Looking back at the beginning, it wasn’t just the city that made Lisbon feel like home: it was the people. We explored the city together, made weekend plans, and were there for each other! We bonded over little things like figuring out the metro, going to festivals, or celebrating our birthdays together. Whenever I felt homesick, it was those new friends who made everything a little easier. They became my support system, and even now, spread across different countries, we still keep in touch. 

Thinking about it? Just take the leap

Are you thinking about working abroad? Then let this be your sign. It’s an experience that will change you in ways you never expected. Moving to Lisbon gave me more than a job — it gave me confidence, community, and a life that feels just right. So take the leap: your adventure is waiting. 🛩️

Feeling inspired to start your own adventure in Portugal? Working abroad is more than just a job: it’s a chance to grow, explore, and experience life from a whole new perspective. Whether you're dreaming of city life, coastal views, or meeting people from all around the world, your next chapter could start here. Check out our vacancies in Portugal and take the first step towards your journey abroad!