Moving Abroad After Divorce and Finding a New Community with Jennifer Sontag

If you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Jennifer Sontag about navigating radical life transitions, from divorce and empty nesting to international relocation and career transformation. Jennifer currently calls Sicily, Italy home. Listeners and viewers will learn about the reality of moving abroad, how personal crises can lead to unexpected opportunity, and why adaptability matters more than ever when adulting gets messy.Jennifer Sontag is the founder of ViaMonde, a relocation agency which helps Americans relocate to Spain and Italy. Jennifer has always paved her own path, at just 19-years-old, Jennifer opened her first maternity boutique, The Stork’s Nest, that at the age of 28 she would sell to Macy’s — she’s always known how to turn a leap of faith into a thriving enterprise.Main Topics Covered:Overcoming the triple challenge of divorce, empty nesting, and a career change—all at once.The psychological impact of upheaval and why compartmentalization works in crisis.Rebuilding life after loss: moving cities, downsizing possessions, and taking bold leaps abroad.The real story of landing in China: dealing with scams, illegal visas, and pivoting into a new professional identity.Why adult expectations and flexibility matter when navigating unfamiliar cultures.The role of expat communities and relationships in shaping Jennifer’s European adventure.Key lessons for Americans considering immigration or expat living, including visa realities.The importance of following your own timeline and embracing change as a pathway to growth.Quote from the Episode:"I have journals, and so I know it was hard because I've read the journals. I've got the receipts... so I know that I was feeling down at that point and that it was really hard, but I don't remember it." — Jennifer SontagTimestamps:01:14 Jennifer shares why she calls Sicily home and the joys of living there02:10 The triple upheaval: divorce, kids launching, career change03:08 How all major changes happened simultaneously05:03 Moving from Cleveland back to St. Louis, then onward to China06:44 Jennifer’s reflection: journaling, memory, and finding silver linings08:10 Deciding to move abroad for personal growth and adventure11:54 Downsizing, leaving with two suitcases, and planning a "bridge year"13:13 Arriving in China: discovering job scams and quickly pivoting15:27 Landing on her feet: transitioning to teaching business management16:57 Adapting expectations at midlife—why adulting abroad is different18:34 Finding expat community and a new teaching career in Shanghai22:01 Navigating COVID, health setbacks, and the evolving global landscape27:22 About ViaMond: helping Americans and others with expat journeys34:23 Common expat misconceptions—especially among Americans41:06 Jennifer describes her perfect day of relaxation by the sea45:30 Wrapping up: reflections, takeaways, and how listeners can connectABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://www.viamonde.eu/Join the conversation on social. Find the Art of Imperfect Adulting on Instagram @theartof_imperfect_adulting YouTube @imperfectadulting and TikTok @imperfectadultingNever Miss a Moment of Imperfect Adulting</h2