Your Best Life Abroad

#44 Solveiga Jaskunas on Building a Career Across Borders

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Solveiga Jaskunas, who shares her powerful journey from Lithuania to building a thriving career in American HR & public speaking. Solveiga opens up about the real challenges of immigrating—from navigating job searches in a new country to adjusting to cultural differences that aren't always visible on the surface. This episode goes beyond the typical immigrant success story. Solveiga reveals the mindset shifts that transformed her career, the critical role of community support, and why she chose to step into public speaking to amplify immigrant voices in professional spaces. Whether you're an immigrant professional, a career changer, or simply someone seeking fresh perspective on growth, this episode has something for you. Tune in to learn: * Mindset Shifts: Changing your internal narrative to unlock new opportunities in your international career * The Power of Community: Why you can't do it alone and how to find your people * Public Speaking as Purpose: Using your story (flaws &ball) has the power to create impactful change * Visibility in Career Growth: Why being seen matters and how to increase your visibility strategically * Self-Compassion: The importance of being kind to yourself while living abroad Connect with Solveiga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solveigajaskunas/ Website: https://www.immigrantvoiceinhr.com/ Connect with Mary Martha: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymarthakipcak/ Instagram: @coachwithmm Book a free 30-minute consult call: https://calendly.com/coachwithmm/30min

#43 Resting for the Rest of 2025 - Back in January 2026!

Hey YBLA listeners! I'll be taking the next two weeks off to rest & reflect on 2025 (it's been a wild one!), savor the Christmas markets here in Madrid, and enjoy the holiday season with my husband and new friends. YBLA Season 2 will be back on January 7th, 2026!

#42 Why Action Should Come Last in Your Move Abroad & What to do First Instead

There's a mistake I see people making all the time in their move abroad plans—and most don't even realize it's a mistake. They start with action as the first step, when action should actually be the last step. In this episode, I'm breaking down the two crucial phases that need to happen before you take action, so you don't end up overwhelmed, anxious, and confused in your move abroad journey.Tune in to learn: The Action Phase Trap – What jumping straight into action looks like (researching countries, applying for jobs abroad, hiring immigration lawyers, starting visa paperwork) and why starting here actually makes you less likely to follow through. Phase 1: Clarity – Getting clear on your move abroad vision, your unique why (beyond just "I want to leave"), and your core values. This is your foundation—without it, you're decorating a house that doesn't exist yet. Clarity helps you make decisions aligned with YOU and shut out outside noise and opinions. Phase 2: Preparation – Addressing the practical parts (budgeting, understanding how to choose a country, identifying skill gaps, creating realistic timelines) AND the emotional/mindset parts (nervous system regulation, managing "what if" spirals, building confidence). Think of this as building a bridge to your life abroad instead of jumping and hoping you land on your feet. Why Action Works When It Comes Last – When you've done the clarity and preparation work first, action feels natural and fluid. You're not forcing yourself—you're ready. You make better decisions about which country to choose, which jobs to apply for, who to network with, and how to use your immigration consultant's advice effectively. Ready to get clarity on your move abroad? Book a free 30-minute consult call with me: https://calendly.com/coachwithmm/30min Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymarthakipcak/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachwithmm/

#41 3 Signs You'll Regret NOT Moving Abroad

A lot of people are worried about if they'll regret moving abroad. But what about if you'll regret not moving abroad? Yeah, I said it. After nearly a decade abroad, and countless conversations with other expats & people who want to move abroad I dive into the three signs that you'll regret moving abroad. Tune in to learn: * Why you should start taking your "inexplicable desire" to move abroad seriously even if you can't explain it in a way that convinces the naysayers * Why you should take the feelings of feeling more "you" abroad seriously. For real, not everyone feels this way after travelling. * Why your "good on paper" life is impressive but deep down isn't what you want, and why the "good on paper" life is so hard to leave behind for the path less travelled. Previous Episodes You'll Want to Listen to: From the Philippines to New Zealand: A Leap of Faith - With Andera Halal https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sLoJ3p8hR2466y41JhEo5?si=xcKQRTG4QYWVPRlz5aizuA Ready to get clarity on your move abroad? Book a free 30-minute consult call with me: https://calendly.com/coachwithmm/30min Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymarthakipcak/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachwithmm/

#40 How to Get Over the Fear & Uncertainty of Moving Abroad

How to get over the fear & uncertainty of moving abroad ?! I get this question all the time. I see it aalll the time on Social Media. You name it - the question is there, waiting paciently for an answer. Tune in to today's episode as I dive into my top tips to navigate the fear & uncertainty that come with moving abroad! Ready to get clarity on your move abroad? Book a free 30-minute consult call with me: https://calendly.com/coachwithmm/30min Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymarthakipcak/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachwithmm/