Austin Croteau: Raising Four Kids Abroad and She’s Not Bankrupt Yet
The idea of moving a family of six to a different country sounds like the plot of a movie or a curated Instagram feed, but the reality is far more grounded, messy, and intentional. For Austin Croteau, the decision to raise her four children to Greece wasn't about escaping reality—it was about choosing a different one. It was a move designed to trade the frantic "more, more, more" pace of American professional life for a rhythm that allowed for more presence, more community, and a deeper sense of self.
In this episode, we talk with Austin about the logistical and emotional hurdles of moving abroad with a large family. We dive into the "hard stuff"—the vulnerability of being a beginner in a new culture, the necessity of asking for help, and the identity shifts that happen when you step away from traditional career structures. Austin shares her hard-won wisdom on how she manages to run a business and raise four kids without losing her mind, proving that a big life doesn't have to mean a chaotic one.
Check out the actionable takeaways below, including:
The "culture of enough": How moving abroad shifts your perspective on consumption and success.
The reality of "outsourced" help and why we need to lose the guilt around needing support.
Navigating the loss of identity when your surroundings and professional "labels" change.
Why "pace of life" is the most important metric for personal fulfillment.
Listen to the full episode to hear Austin’s story and learn how to audit your own life for the things that actually provide space to grow.
Actionable Tips & Takeaways
Audit your support system
We often carry the "do-it-all" badge as a point of pride, but it’s actually a recipe for burnout. Austin discusses how accessibility to help in Greece changed her life. In your own context, look at where you can "buy back" your time—whether that’s childcare, meal prep, or delegating at work—to focus on what only you can do.
Let go of the "martyr" mindset. Asking for help isn't a sign of failure; it's a strategic move to ensure you can show up fully for your family and your business.
Build your "portable" identity
When you move or change careers, the external titles people use to define you often disappear. Practice defining yourself by your values and your "operating style" rather than your job title.
Find a community of peers who see you as a whole person, not just a "mom" or a "founder." Having spaces where you can vent and share the "hard stuff" is essential for staying grounded.
Lean into the "Beginner" phase
Moving to a new country or starting a new venture requires you to be okay with being "bad" at things for a while. Embrace the discomfort of the learning curve.
Lower the bar for perfection. When you’re navigating a major transition, "done" is often better than "perfect." Give yourself the grace to figure it out as you go.
Adopt a "Slow Productivity" mindset
Observe the cultural norms around you. Austin noted the shift from the US "hustle" to a more relational pace in Europe. Try to incorporate "buffer time" into your schedule—periods where nothing is planned and you are available for the spontaneous moments that make life rich.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The "Arrival" Fallacy: Thinking that a move or a career change will automatically solve all your problems. The "hard stuff" follows you; the goal is to choose a context where you have the tools to handle it better.
Comparing Your Behind-the-Scenes to Someone’s Highlight Reel: Living abroad looks beautiful in photos, but it involves the same mundane tasks—laundry, tantrums, and admin—just in a different language.
Over-Scheduling the Transition: When everything is new, your brain needs more rest. Don't try to maintain your "old" productivity levels while navigating a "new" environment.
Tips For Managers
Recognize the "Whole Human": Understand that your employees are managing complex lives outside of their 9-to-5. When a team member has a big family or significant personal commitments, focus on their output and impact rather than their literal "hours at the desk."
Support Location Flexibility: If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that great work can happen from anywhere. If an employee has a vision for a life that involves being "elsewhere," have an honest conversation about how to make that work for the business.
Model a Healthy Pace: If you want a team that doesn't burn out, you have to show them what it looks like to have boundaries. Share your own "non-negotiables" and encourage them to find theirs.
At the end of the day, building a life in abundance isn't about the location on the map—it's about having the clarity to know what you need and the courage to go get it.
Links & Resources
Austin’s Instagram
Austin’s Resources for Traveling Families
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