Think of all the people you really look up to. Maybe it’s a great actor or dancer, politician, or maybe it’s your uncle. Take a minute, look at their lives, what they did to be successful, become who they are today. They all have one thing in common: they left their hometowns (unless this person was born in NYC, L.A. or somewhere with lots of opportunities).
Point is do you know anyone that has done something great or fulfilled their dreams, by staying in the same place? My guess is, probably not.
Sure, the city or town you’re from might be pretty cool and it would be sad to leave, but you have to take risks in order to make stuff happen for yourself. The thought of leaving behind family members scares you. But imagine only seeing them a few times a year, how much more meaningful it would be. Nobody is meant to stay in the same place.
I currently live right outside of my hometown. I have lived in a few other places, but I’m back here again for a little bit. After college, I went on a six month road trip with my boyfriend’s band across the country then we came home broke. It’s been about a year since we’ve been back, now we’re preparing to move to a bigger city in the summer, with the intention of never moving back.
Here are the reasons why YOU should move from your hometown/city:
To Gain Anonymity.
Anonymity means being anonymous – to go places and be unknown. When you’re living in your hometown, going to the grocery store, the gym, Starbucks, or even walking through the park, there’s always a 50/50 chance of running into someone you know. I’d say I see at least one person I know on average per day. Usually it is never fun. The other person and I either try to avoid each other, or we make horrible small talk about our current jobs. Who wants to spend their lives running into people they went to high school with?
Escape the Same Old, Same Old.
The same scenery you have seen since you can remember. The streets, the bars, the stores, highways, the nature: same, same, same. The Earth is almost 25,000 miles around, and your town or city is probably less than 100 square miles. There is so much more to see. Sure, there may be some new restaurants or shops that pop-up that are cool, but for the most part, it’s the same. For instance, my town has become more ‘hipster’ recently and a lot of people here love it but they are all from somewhere else. As for me, I’m so over it.
New Jobs, New Opportunities.
Everybody has their own interest or thing they want to do in life. Chances are where you’re from probably isn’t the mecca for what you’re trying to do. You’re not going to become a Scientist, Politician, Professional Artist or Musician, in your hometown. If you are a recent college graduate, and you aren’t exactly sure what you want to do, that’s okay. When you go to another city, you never know what you will find. Search around, you might find a profession or job you never thought you would do, and end up loving it. A bigger city means more jobs and more opportunities, and who doesn’t want that?
Find Yourself.
Along with the whole anonymity theme, starting a new hobby is easier when you don’t have to worry about running into someone you know. For instance, I like working out and dancing, but I dislike going to the gym because I don’t want to see anyone I know. Once I move, I won’t mind going out because I’ll be anonymous to everyone. I’ll be pumped to go out and see the new culture, taste the food, try the activities, and explore, explore, explore. It’s a re-invention or improvement of the self. You can be anything you want to be and everything is exciting – it’s great for mental and physical health.
It doesn’t matter where you go, maybe it’s a city 100 miles away, or possibly another continent—it’s new. We were meant to explore and take on new terrains and experiences. Just apply to some jobs in a bunch of cities, see which one gives you an offer, and take the leap! You won’t regret it.
