The Unexpected Challenges of Living Abroad

Living abroad can be beautiful — but it’s not always easy.

During my Designed Pause, I’ve been spending part of my time living in Saint Lucia, and while there are many upsides, I want to share some of the unexpected challenges that don’t always show up on social media.

My name is Deidra Green, and welcome to Designed Pause — a space for women who want to think through lifestyle shifts and career pauses intentionally, not romantically.

In this episode, I share:

• What it’s really like arriving and departing from a small island airport

• Why patience and flexibility matter when living abroad

• The realities of driving, traffic, and infrastructure in Saint Lucia

• How daily life works without dryers, traditional addresses, or online bill pay

• What housing, landlords, and transportation actually look like

• Why island life requires a different pace — and mindset

This conversation is for women who are considering living abroad or incorporating travel into a career pause and want a realistic picture, not just the highlight reel.

Living abroad isn’t about expecting things to work the same way they do in the U.S.
It’s about adapting to a new way of being.

Get the Designed Pause Decision Kit here: www.designedpause.com

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💬 Comment below: What would be a deal-breaker for you when living abroad?
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