Why I Quit My Job and Moved to Albania

Hey, I'm João!

I'm a 26-year-old from Portugal. I studied engineering (a bachelor's in Electrical and Computer Science and a master's in Data Science), and I've also worked as an IoT/Automation engineer for two years in Belgium, mostly doing data science and cybersecurity in OT environments. But enough of that. I've just started a new chapter in my life: I've moved to Albania and quit my job (scary, I know).

I can say that it was the best job I've ever had, but something was missing. Since I was little, I've always dreaded the 9-to-5 grind, five long days a week. Not only my parents, but even the wealthiest of my friends' parents couldn't escape such a fate. It always felt like there was more to life. After all, why would my parents sacrifice their lives working just so I could do the same for my future kids - perpetuating an endless cycle of mediocre goals and, worst of all, a lack of fulfillment?

Where are those dreamy plans of becoming an astronaut or a rockstar that many kids have? It seems that these ideas are entertained while we are pre-teens, and suddenly the switch flips - they're no longer considered sensible or even possible. Real life is out there, and you've got to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and go to university so that you can find the coziest job possible. Above all, it must be in demand, because we're no longer prioritizing fulfillment or excitement; security is king.

So here I am. I grew up watching Levels io rise to the success he has today, alongside the team at Yes Theory, Kelly Wakasa, Thomas Frank, and Ali Abdaal. And I realize I could also do that... or at least I could carve my own path.

If I reflect on my passions, they've always been technology and, more recently, sailing. So, at the risk of ruining my hobbies, I plan to turn them into my main source of income. Considering leverage, it seems like a no-brainer to focus on the former (although some combinations of both are in my vision book).

I've dabbled in building web apps in the past, but they never took off. It turns out marketing and reaching users is one of the hardest parts, right alongside building something people actually want (with the landing page first approach being one of the best ways to go at it).

I intend to learn along the way, improving my skills and adjusting my course as I go. Prioritizing SMG (Speed Made Good) over SOG (Speed Over Ground). Always keeping in mind that it's possible, that many have done it, and that success comes from trying over and over until a breakthrough arrives. To increase my chances, I'm publicly sharing this journey. (I've always been a big fan of open-source, even though sometimes, unfortunately, you can't be entirely genuine around those closest to you.). While also applying the small bets approach preached by Daniel Vassallo.

Wish me luck and stay tuned ;)