UPDATE: In a dramatic shift sparked by a tech layoff, **Steph Kumar**, a former director at **Twitter**, has relocated her family from the **Bay Area** to **Barcelona**. After over a decade in high-profile tech roles, Kumar is now thriving as the founder of her own research agency, **Two Cents**, and reports an overwhelming sense of happiness since leaving her former life behind.
Kumar was laid off from Twitter in late **2022**, a pivotal moment that forced her to reassess her identity and values. “I quickly realized that my career was my social currency in the Bay Area, and I had lost it,” Kumar said. The transactional nature of relationships in Silicon Valley left her feeling disconnected. The turning point came when she decided to create her own path, founding Two Cents and envisioning a life that aligned with her family’s aspirations.
In **2023**, the Kumars embarked on a month-long journey across Europe, exploring potential new homes. Their hearts were captured by **Barcelona**, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and strong tech startup scene. They quickly fell in love with the city and its community feel, which contrasted sharply with their previous life in California.
After extensive preparations, including connecting with local professionals through **LinkedIn**, the family finalized their move to Barcelona in **2024**. They opted for an investor visa, valid for approximately five years, which allowed them to establish roots in their new home. A relocation service helped ease the transition, taking care of essential tasks like visa processing and setting up utilities.
Kumar reflects on the challenges of leaving behind her former life, admitting it required a complete mindset shift. “I was taught that success meant climbing the ladder and accumulating wealth,” she explained. “Now, happiness is my definition of success.” She is willing to forego her previous tech salary, which exceeded **$300,000**, for a fulfilling life in Barcelona where she feels truly connected to her community.
The Kumars are now experiencing a profound sense of joy, free from the pressure of their former corporate identities. “I wake up every day excited about what’s coming,” Kumar shared. The vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona, complete with the sound of church bells and friendly encounters, has redefined her sense of success.
As they settle into their new life, the family is embracing this fresh chapter with open arms, demonstrating that true fulfillment often lies beyond traditional metrics of success. This powerful story of resilience and reinvention serves as an inspiration for others considering similar life-altering moves.
For those with their own relocation stories, the conversation continues. Contact **Agnes Applegate** at [email protected] to share your journey.
