Moving for that new job

I moved 2,000 miles and stayed in the biz. Moved from a city with 200,000 to one with 10,000. Good move, but still adjusting to small-town life.

 

Wherever you end up, find the biggest guy there on the first day, then beat the shit out of him. Instant respect.

 

I'd agree with those saying use this as an opportunity to explore. Moved about 600 miles, out of state, two job searches ago, and took it as a challenge. Do some of those things you might not have done where you lived before, like go to the parades and various civic festivals, to get a feel for the town. You may find some unique events. If your family is online, or has reasonably priced long distance (cell or conventional), keeping in touch is not a problem. You may also want to start following one of the area's teams ... it will at least give you some cred around the coffee pot or water cooler. Need to catch the hometown team? There's always the dish or the local sports bar.

 

I've lived in five different provinces and have never had a problem packing up and leaving anywhere for something new. Each time it was to a city where I knew no one.

It helps if you play a sport or join a club. That's the obvious and easy way to get to know people.

 

Taking a somewhat contrary stand...

I moved to Kentucky when I was 15. Spent the next 12 years begging to get out. Couldn't stand it, too backward, etc.

Since then, I've moved twice for two different jobs. I've never been as happy as I was in Kentucky. I had my friends and family, I was comfortable, and I was happy. Truly happy in the things that mattered.

On a personal level, I've been absolutely bitter and miserable since moving away.

So while I'm glad I took the jobs I did, I would give anything to be closer to my family right now.

 

Some 20-plus years ago, moved from my home turf across the country to Delaware, where I spent the worst 2.5 years of my life on every conceivable level. And going in I was sure I'd love it.

But looking back, and only because this question was asked, I made the best of it at the time and eventually found an escape route back home. So being home was best for me, but I work with and have known plenty of people who would say the exact opposite.

Personally, I suppose I grew, or gained some perspective -- or whatever Wonder Years spin one might put on it -- from the experience.

 

It isn't where you are, it is who you are with.

Being single and lonely in a new place can be awfully scary, I've done it. The one surprising thing, to me, is how many people you will find in your new place who have a connection back to your old place.

 

True dat -- and that "who" includes family for many people, as IJAG's post shows.

Life is life, no matter where you are. In most jobs, the everyday routine feels the same in any location. A preps reporter is going to be living the same kind of day-to-day life in Kalamazoo or Wichita or Macon.

Lonely and miserable is the same everywhere. But if you can surround yourself with good people -- whether they're co-workers or off-the-job friends -- chances are you'll enjoy yourself more. And that's when a place starts to feel like home. Even if, like for me, it's 2,500 miles from where you grew up and where your immediate family still lives.

 

Eh ... some of us are happier (and better off) a few thousand clicks away from family.

 

I moved for a job far away from all of my family and friends. I actually regretted the decision and am in the process of rectifying the situation to move back closer.

It's not for everyone.

My folks did it 30 years ago and they both loved it. You'll never know if it's for you unless you try. For me, it wasn't the worst decision I've made, but it certainly wasn't one I'd make again, I'd guess.