My journey toward a life-work balance wasn’t just about a career shift; it was about a complete life transition that I planned and managed with the same principles I’d apply to a major project. Fortunately, my base in Mallorca was already partly set up—I had a small house I’d stayed in before, and my scooter was already there, waiting. But beyond these basics, I needed to plan everything else from scratch, ensuring that by the end of September, I’d have everything in place for this new life.
Starting with a Timeline
I had from June to the end of September to make the move happen. With this timeline, I broke down each month into clear tasks and priorities:
June: Preparation and OrganizationJune was all about preparation. I started with an Excel file to organize the essentials: insurance policies, memberships, my rental agreement, and everything I owned. I listed all subscriptions and insurances I’d need to cancel or transfer, and I began planning the sale and donation of my belongings. With a practical limit of just five boxes and my racing bike, I was determined to keep only what truly mattered.
July to September: Decluttering and Finalizing the MoveI began selling and giving away belongings in July, using platforms like eBay Kleinanzeigen to list larger items. These sales funded my move and covered my initial rent and deposit in Mallorca. While decluttering was tough—it felt like shedding pieces of my past—I was driven by a vision of simplicity. I believe that if you own too much, it weighs you down; I wanted the freedom to move lightly, with minimal responsibility tied to “stuff.”
By September, I had completed most of the downsizing, repainted my entire flat, and arranged a moving company (thanks to Facebook group recommendations). I officially moved out on September 30th, visited a friend, and then headed to Mallorca to start fresh.
The Project Management Tools I Used
To keep everything on track, I relied on project management tools and principles I’d often used professionally:
Setting Milestones and DeadlinesI broke the process down into smaller, manageable steps with clear deadlines for each task, from canceling contracts to selling furniture. This approach helped me tackle the move methodically, reducing the overwhelm of such a big life change.
Tracking Costs and BudgetingI documented every cost, from moving expenses to rental deposits, and kept a close eye on my budget throughout. Selling items also helped fund my initial months in Mallorca, allowing me to arrive with a solid financial base.
Trusting the Journey and Letting Go
As I worked through these steps, unexpected changes happened in my work life. I had originally planned to continue with a freelance project connected to my previous job. However, as I prepared to move, I realized that it no longer felt aligned with my vision. So, I decided to let it go, trusting that freelancing independently was the right next step for me as I entered 2024. It was both daunting and freeing—an essential step toward living the life I envisioned.
Staying Grounded in My Vision
Throughout the entire process, I reminded myself of the vision that inspired this change: a healthy, fulfilling life on Mallorca, with freedom and presence at its core. I took breaks to connect with this vision, especially during the more exhausting moments, like repainting and deep cleaning my flat. Sitting in silence and reconnecting with my purpose was essential to keeping my energy and motivation up.
Arriving in Mallorca
By the time I arrived on the island, I was worn out, both physically and mentally. But Mallorca has always been a place of restoration for me. Here, I could finally rest and recharge, knowing I had successfully brought my vision to life.
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Own Life-Work Balance
Moving to Mallorca taught me that major life changes are more than just decisions—they’re projects that require vision, planning, and a willingness to let go. If you’re thinking about a life shift of your own, I encourage you to approach it like a personal project, with structure and intention. The process isn’t always easy, but every step brings you closer to living a life that truly aligns with who you are.