Over the years I have found that most people have a love, hate relationship with their hometown. I mean, rightfully so – sometimes I still get nauseous when I see cornfields (que freshman year bonfires with a bottle of cheap vodka).
Some people swear they are leaving the second they get the chance, while others seem content staying put forever. Here are 6 things I discovered once I took the leap (and you should too):
You WILL Be Homesick
Leaving the town that raised you is a big mental and emotional shock – it’s a wake up call (in a good way). Moving away from the place that molded you into the person you are today is scary, but I believe it is vital to learn what life is like OUTSIDE of that comfort bubble.
The homesickness subsides over time, and your friends and family will always be a phone call away. If you want growth, get out of that goddamn comfort zone. Just do it!
You Get To Recreate Yourself
This is the fun part. Moving to a place where no one knows you presents the opportunity to “reinvent” yourself. It’s your turn to build a life that lives up to your OWN standards.
You get to start from scratch without worrying about anybody else’s needs or wants. In some ways it’s comparable to freshman year of college, but also completely different. It’s a new level of independence and young adulthood at its finest. The beautiful part is you really have nothing to lose.
You WILL Have To Adapt
Discovering all the little things that you took you for granted back home will come over time. Who do I call when my car breaks down on the side of the road? Who do I put down as an emergency contact on paperwork? How long do I have to depend on GPS to get me to the dang grocery store? It can be daunting at first, but once you give yourself time to become established those types of issues will become a thing of the past.
Relationships WILL Be Tested
This can be a hard one to accept. You will become distant with some friends back home. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean you are going to lose them. It just means that your close-knit relationship with them is going to have to adapt to long distance.
I still have amazing relationships with all my girlfriends from home, we just don’t get to talk every day like we used to. You’ll quickly realize you can go weeks without speaking, yet always pick up right where you left off!
Work With What You Have
Starting out, it’s likely you won’t have a house full of furniture – and that’s okay. When I moved into my first place (away from home), I used a patio set as my living room furniture for months! You may not have immediate funds to furnish an empty apartment. Enjoy the journey and remember that it takes time to get established.
Check out local thrift stores or tap into local community pages on Facebook. Spend some time exploring Facebook Marketplace or even asking your co-workers if they know of anyone getting rid of furniture or places to go for affordable finds!
Trust The Locals
Finding your favorite local bars, restaurants, and shops is part of the adventure. Ask around and don’t be afraid to spark a conversation with the locals who know the best spots in town. It pays to ask others because you might be surprised how many hidden gems your new community has tucked away for you to find.
Good luck on the new chapter you are taking on (or considering). Remember you are capable of whatever you set your mind to, and that immense growth comes from gaining independence!
Xoxo, Victoria
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