I spent years building a 'perfect' life and career in Chicago. Then, I left it all behind to move to Portugal.

Within six months of moving to a new country, I realized I had built exactly what I had been afraid of losing. Marissa Liesenfelt I had the job, house, and car of my dreams in Chicago, but I wasn't happy. So, I moved abroad. Within six months, I'd found community in Portugal and felt like I was home. Looking back, I wish I hadn't waited so long to move. I built the life everyone told me I should want. I was the chief operating officer of a growing company. I owned a home in Chicago. I dro...