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Moving Abroad After Divorce and Finding a New Community with Jennifer Sontag
Description
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In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Jennifer Sontag about navigating radical life transitions, from divorce and empty nesting to international relocation and career transformation. Jennifer currently calls Sicily, Italy home. Listeners and viewers will learn about the reality of moving abroad, how personal crises can lead to unexpected opportunity, and why adaptability matters more than ever when adulting gets messy.
Jennifer Sontag is the founder of ViaMonde, a relocation agency which helps Americans relocate to Spain and Italy. Jennifer has always paved her own path, at just 19-years-old, Jennifer opened her first maternity boutique, The Stork’s Nest, that at the age of 28 she would sell to Macy’s — she’s always known how to turn a leap of faith into a thriving enterprise.
Main Topics Covered:
- Overcoming the triple challenge of divorce, empty nesting, and a career change—all at once.
- The psychological impact of upheaval and why compartmentalization works in crisis.
- Rebuilding life after loss: moving cities, downsizing possessions, and taking bold leaps abroad.
- The real story of landing in China: dealing with scams, illegal visas, and pivoting into a new professional identity.
- Why adult expectations and flexibility matter when navigating unfamiliar cultures.
- The role of expat communities and relationships in shaping Jennifer’s European adventure.
- Key lessons for Americans considering immigration or expat living, including visa realities.
- The importance of following your own timeline and embracing change as a pathway to growth.
Quote from the Episode:
"I have journals, and so I know it was hard because I've read the journals. I've got the receipts... so I know that I was feeling down at that point and that it was really hard, but I don't remember it." — Jennifer Sontag
Timestamps:
01:14 Jennifer shares why she calls Sicily home and the joys of living there
02:10 The triple upheaval: divorce, kids launching, career change
03:08 How all major changes happened simultaneously
05:03 Moving from Cleveland back to St. Louis, then onward to China
06:44 Jennifer’s reflection: journaling, memory, and finding silver linings
08:10 Deciding to move abroad for personal growth and adventure
11:54 Downsizing, leaving with two suitcases, and planning a "bridge year"
13:13 Arriving in China: discovering job scams and quickly pivoting
15:27 Landing on her feet: transitioning to teaching business management
16:57 Adapting expectations at midlife—why adulting abroad is different
18:34 Finding expat community and a new teaching career in Shanghai
22:01 Navigating COVID, health setbacks, and the evolving global landscape
27:22 About ViaMond: helping Americans and others with expat journeys
34:23 Common expat misconceptions—especially among Americans
41:06 Jennifer describes her perfect day of relaxation by the sea
45:30 Wrapping up: reflections, takeaways, and how listeners can connect
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