I’m currently working as a communication officer at a research unit, where I’ve been for the past 3.5 years. Unfortunately, there’s no room for advancement in my position since it’s a public institution and promotions only happen when someone retires. I feel stuck in a dead-end job and it’s becoming increasingly frustrating. For a while now, I’ve been dreaming of moving to Barcelona from Portugal. This isn’t just a fleeting thought; I’ve been actively preparing for it. I’ve taken Catalan courses, improved my Spanish, and even completed an intensive marketing course to enhance my skills. I meticulously tailor my CV for each job application and write custom cover letters, but despite my efforts, I haven’t had much luck. I’ve had four interviews, which isn’t terrible, but each time I’ve been passed over for candidates with a stronger scientific background. It’s disheartening because my role involves communicating complex topics to non-experts, which I believe is a valuable skill. As I approach my 30th birthday next year, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m running out of time to make this dream a reality. I feel completely stuck—both in my current job and in my pursuit of moving abroad. I’m starting to lose hope and would really appreciate any advice or stories from others who have faced similar challenges. It would help to know I’m not alone in this struggle.