Christina Schwendeman left her career behind at 39 and now spends life on a “permanent holiday” with her husband Eric.
While most people dream of retiring early, Christina Schwendeman made it a reality — stepping away from her career before hitting 40 and moving to Italy to live life on her own terms.
The former chief marketing officer was just 23 when she met her husband Eric, who is 13 years older.
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He told her about his plan to retire young and relocate overseas, an idea that initially sounded like a fantasy. Nearly two decades later, in September 2022, the couple made the leap.
Christina, now 41, and Eric, 54, sold their US home, secured an Italian Elective Residency visa through their investments, and settled into the rural Italian countryside.
Since then, they’ve travelled through 14 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, with ambitions to visit 75 more.
“I loved my job, but I loved living life more,” Christina told Hype Daily.
“If I died tomorrow, I wouldn’t wish I’d worked one more day when I didn’t have to. Having that freedom was a massive blessing, especially at my age.”
For Eric, a former automotive dealership general manager, the move was about embracing Italy’s lifestyle.
“We have always felt like Italy prioritises quality of life more than the US,” he explained.
“Our house per square foot here cost a fifth of what it did in America, utilities are significantly lower, and while groceries are about the same, the food quality is much better.”
The couple, who share their journey with over 3,000 followers on Instagram (@fromusatoitalia), say retirement has transformed their lives.
Christina describes it as being on a “constant holiday,” and credits Italy’s slower pace for elevating their wellbeing.
Her advice to others is clear: “Start planning and saving as early as possible. Living this dream required a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it’s truly something anyone can do with the right amount of drive and determination.”
From Florida and Ohio to the rolling hills of Italy, the couple now live the life they once only imagined — proof that early retirement doesn’t have to be a dream, but a plan.
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