From Job Loss to Sweet Success: A Story of Reinvention in Spain

For many individuals, unexpected job loss can be a difficult time, especially as they get older. Robert Webber experienced this firsthand when he was let go from his position as a facilities manager in the US in 2018. However, instead of seeing it as a crisis, he saw it as an opportunity to pursue his dream of starting a new life in Europe.

At the age of 60, Webber found himself unemployed and faced with a decision. Rather than looking for another job in the US, he and his husband, Dennis Johnson, chose to accelerate their retirement plans and make the move to Spain.

They didn't stop working after that. Instead of relaxing in the Mediterranean, they started new careers successfully. However, they still struggle with some parts of Spanish life.

"We had always talked about moving to Europe after retiring, but since we were both out of work, we thought why wait," Webber explains about their decision to move in 2018.

The US election didn't turn out as we expected, and we noticed a decline in the political atmosphere. This prompted us to consider trying something new.

The couple had traveled extensively in Europe before making the move. They ultimately chose Sitges, a charming town on Spain's northeastern coast with a vibrant gay community, stunning views of the Balearic Sea, easy access to the Mediterranean, and close proximity to Barcelona.

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Webber, a former Boston resident who had grown to appreciate California's warmth, desired to experience the pleasant climate all year long and reside in an area "below the snow line."

"After being raised in Boston and spending a considerable amount of time in Chicago, once we arrived in LA, we made a firm decision to never endure snow and freezing temperatures again," Webber explains.

Sitges initially met all their expectations, offering beautiful beaches, vibrant bars, and delicious food. However, after a year of indulging in sunbathing and relaxation, Webber began to fear that the routine might become mundane.

It was during this time that the thought of starting a chocolate shop crossed their minds.

Webber had a passion for cooking and making chocolates, while Johnson dreamed of opening a bakery. Combining their interests, the couple decided to open a chocolate boutique named Sweet Sitges. In addition to chocolates, they also offer custom cakes, pies, and cookies.

When customers walk into Sweet Sitges, their eyes light up at the sight of the delicious treats on display.

Webber began making candy from a recipe handwritten by his husband's mother.

Webber began making candy from a recipe handwritten by his husband's mother.

Robert Webber

The idea for Robert Webber's confectionary business began in Chicago many years ago when he and his partner discovered an old recipe for Christmas caramels and toffee that had been handwritten by Johnson's mother. Initially, Webber started making these treats for his friends. They loved them so much that they suggested he either open a shop or sell them online. However, at that time, Webber saw this as his creative hobby and did not want it to turn into a job.

Years later in Sitges, turning his passion into a business no longer seemed like a crazy idea.

Webber expresses, "Watching someone's face light up after tasting a chocolate that takes them on a journey, or seeing the joy in children's eyes when they enter the shop, it brings happiness. And I love seeing people happy."

The chocolate Webber uses is sourced from fair trade-certified farmers in Belgium. Most of the chocolates, including bonbons, truffles, and chocolate bars, are made in his boutique.

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Webber says he strives to minimize environmental impact.

The shop prioritizes using green electricity and has been phasing out plastics from their packaging. These initiatives may come at a slightly higher cost, but they hold significance for both the owners and the environment.

The couple initially relocated to Spain through a "golden visa," which offers residency to individuals who make substantial investments in the country, such as purchasing property or making financial commitments. Following the establishment of their shop, they have obtained self-employed visas.

"We are residents in Spain, not citizens," according to Webber. Spain does not acknowledge dual citizenship with the US.

The visa process may appear overwhelming as it requires thorough attention to detail. If you struggle with details, it is recommended to hire an attorney who is well-versed in the process and operates locally.

Traveling light

Webber says his shop has no direct competition in Sitges.

Webber says his shop has no direct competition in Sitges.

Robert Webber

Making the move to Sitges was quite intense but relatively easy for Webber. After viewing 10 properties per day for a week, the couple purchased a home in the town’s old center. They settled on a condo with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an office.

The kitchen in their new home is spacious by European standards, with plenty of cabinets and storage spaces. The living room has wraparound sliding glass doors that open onto a panoramic balcony.

They decided to purchase furniture from the vendors at the property to avoid moving into a completely empty house. They also arranged for an international shipper to bring items from the US, such as a bedroom set, a dining table with chairs, and even Christmas decorations.

"We only brought two suitcases each filled with clothes and personal belongings, along with our two dogs. Everything else we needed, we bought after we arrived," Webber explains.

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Webber emphasizes the importance of being centrally located in town. They opted to be within walking distance of beaches, restaurants, bars, and cafes, all conveniently situated just around the corner. They also made sure to be slightly removed from the noise of the town's festivals.

The couple was drawn to Sitges by its vibrant cultural scene. The town hosts numerous religious festivals, boasts a strong LGBTQ presence, and offers a variety of gay-friendly establishments such as bars, clubs, hotels, and Pride events.

Webber expresses his joy in seeing everyone socializing and connecting.

He appreciates the lively atmosphere of the town during various events and festivals. Additionally, he admires the inclusive gay culture and the participation of families with young children in LGBT+ activities.

Late nights

Sitges is situated on the Mediterranean coast, southwest of Barcelona,

Sitges is situated on the Mediterranean coast, southwest of Barcelona,

Emmanuele Contini/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Adapting to the relaxed Spanish lifestyle was not as easy as it seemed, especially with the midday siesta breaks.

When we first arrived, it was a challenge to adjust to the fact that everything closed between 2 and 5 p.m. I would often go out to run errands, only to find that all the shops were closed.

Here in Spain, one thing that stands out is the abundance of holidays, with many shops closing unlike in the US.

Despite the differences, the couple has embraced the siesta tradition as a delightful Mediterranean custom. Webber now takes a long lunch break and nap, closing his shop until 5 p.m., but occasionally keeping it open until 9 p.m. as is common in Spain.

Spanish eating habits can still be difficult to adjust to. Despite the fact that our shop has led us to eat later in the evening, it is still considered early by Spanish standards. Most restaurants do not open until 8 p.m., and even then, if you try to get a table earlier, you might be met with a puzzled look.

Ben DiRienzo and Chuck Stevens.

Ben DiRienzo and Chuck Stevens.

Courtesy Chuck Stevens and Ben DiRienzo

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Another obstacle they faced when relocating and opening the chocolate shop was the language barrier and dealing with government red tape.

Webber considers himself fortunate to have encountered minimal competition in Sitges. He recalls, "When we first opened, there were no other chocolate shops in the area. However, there were a few stores that offered sweets such as turron (nougat) and various candies."

Living and working in Sitges has become a dream for Webber. However, peak season brings in a downside as tourists flood the seaside resort, causing traffic to increase. Luckily, as a local now, Webber knows which streets to avoid, even with the rise in petty crimes. Despite these challenges, Webber still prefers this lifestyle over the downsides of living in the US.

During peak crime times, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. However, the level of crime here is nothing compared to what we experienced in the US. Living in cities like Boston, Chicago, and LA, we encountered major crimes, shootings, gangs, and even a gang killing right below our bedroom window in Chicago. We are grateful that guns are banned here.

Editor's P/S:

The story of Robert Webber is an inspiring tale of resilience and adventure. After losing his job at 60, he and his husband made the bold decision to move to Europe and start a new life. They chose Sitges, Spain, for its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and proximity to the Mediterranean. Despite some initial challenges, they successfully established a chocolate boutique, Sweet Sitges, which has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Webber's story shows that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and that a change of scenery can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities.

The article also highlights the importance of embracing the local culture when moving to a new country. Webber and his husband initially struggled to adjust to the Spanish lifestyle, particularly the siesta tradition and late dining hours. However, they eventually came to appreciate these customs and now consider them an essential part of their daily routine. Their story serves as a reminder that it is important to be open to new experiences and to make an effort to integrate into the local community.