153. How to Stop Feeling Stuck and Rethink the "American Dream"

In July 2024, I was featured in The New York Times in an article about how childcare costs are limiting women’s ability to work. The headline captured exactly how we felt at the time: stuck.

In this solo episode, I share the real story behind that moment and how my family made the strategic decision to move from Chicago to León, Guanajuato. I break down the real cost of living for a family of four in the U.S., the childcare math that so many moms are quietly navigating, and the mindset shift that helped us stop blaming ourselves and start thinking strategically.

If you’ve ever looked at your numbers and thought, “Why does this feel impossible?”, this episode is for you.

For detailed show notes, visit vivalamami.com/episode153

What You'll Hear:

• The reality many moms are experiencing with childcare and work
• The real cost of living for a family of four in Chicago (and why the math didn’t work for us)
• How childcare costs can create a hidden barrier for women trying to re-enter the workforce
• The mindset shift that helped us not feel stuck
• How moving to Mexico created breathing room for our family financially and emotionally

Resources Mentioned:

• New York Times feature (July 2024)
• Episode 151: 3 Things You Must Do Before Moving Abroad
• Free Moving to Mexico Discord Community
• 1-on-1 Moving to Mexico Consultation
• Wall Street Journal on Americans relocating abroad