I started dating an older man at 23 – it means I was able to retire in my 30s, now I live the high life in Italy

CHRISTINA Schwendeman lives a life that millions of people dream of. 

Aged just 39, she turned her back on her high-flying career as a chief marketing officer to travel the world with her older beau.

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The move was a no-brainer for Christina after she met former car dealership manager Eric, who is 13 years her senior, at a bar in 2006.

Christina was just 23 when she met Eric, then 36, and they began discussing early retirement in beautiful Italy.

Now aged 41 and 54 respectively, what was once just a “fantasy” is now the couple’s reality. 

Christina and Eric describe their life as a “constant holiday”.

They have travelled to 14 countries across Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as North and South America.

“When Eric first brought up the idea, it sounded like a fantasy,” Christina says.

“I wasn’t sure how much of it would happen, especially since I was only 23 at the time.

“But I loved the idea of it, if it could actually work out.

“I was nervous when he said we were ready to make the move.”

It was particularly hard for the nomad, given she had just received huge accolades in her career. 

“I had just been named one of the ‘40 under 40’ in my industry and the idea of walking away from everything suddenly became real,” Christina recalls. 

“It was both very scary and exhilarating.

“I loved my job, but I loved living life more.

“I knew that if I died tomorrow, I would never look back wishing I worked one more day when I didn’t have to.

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“Having that freedom was a massive blessing, especially at my age, and I knew I had to make the most of it.”

Christina, originally from Florida, US, and Eric, originally from Ohio, hit the road in September 2022.

Now, they’re enjoying the freedom of young retirement and also the benefits that come from living abroad.

Christina adds: “Our quality of life is infinitely better than before.

“That’s in huge part due to retirement but also credit to the pace of life in Italy.

“Start planning and saving as early as possible.

“Living this dream requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it’s truly something anyone can do with the right amount of drive and determination.”