Have you ever wished you could start over, by moving to a new location?

Canada
September 7, 2007 10:04am CST
I have, several times in my life, but have never actually done this. By this, I mean moving somewhere where I don't really know anyone, or very few people. When I was younger, I always wanted to relocate to Ottawa, which is our nation's capital. It's a lovely city, and for some reason, held much appeal for me. A couple of times, I've felt like moving to one of our Atlantic Provinces, and have considered Nova Scotia. Although I've never been 'down east,' I've heard that the cost of living is much more reasonable, and the people extremely friendly. If you were to make such a move, where would you go, and why? Have you ever 'pulled up stakes,' and started over in a brand new location, and for what reason? I'm looking forward to hearing about your relocation adventures.
3 people like this
5 responses
@cmsk2005 (1770)
• United States
7 Sep 07
Not for start over but I like to move to some other places quite a lot of time. I like to see the new places but not just as a tourist but want to stay there for quite a long time to know the lifestyle, the daily life and the people around, the culture what is otherwise not possible just staying for 3 or 5 days and come back.
3 people like this
• Canada
10 Sep 07
It's very interesting to be able to do this type of thing, even if we're not permanently re-locating to the place we're visting. I've visited England and Scotland, as well as Jamaica years ago, and found the cultures to be quite different and fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
10 Sep 07
I've done this a few times in my life for various reasons. Starting over is a good one, going to a new place where you don't know anyone or very few people is an adventure and it is a clean start. It opens your eye's to new oppertunities, and sometimes makes you realize that the grass isn't always greener. I moved to where I am now to be closer to my Mother. I had never been here before that, and frankly that is the only reason I am here. When she passes away I will move, but probably not until then. I'm thinking that my next location will be Las Vegas. There is a good job market and economy there, lots of entertainment and something to do no matter what time or day it is.
2 people like this
• Canada
10 Sep 07
Hi filmbuff, It's good to hear from you. You've really captured what I was getting at in this discussion. I agree about the grass not always being greener too. It's wonderful that you're able to do this, and to spend time helping out your mother. I visited Las Vegas one time, many years ago, and find that I agree with all you say about it. Thanks so much for sharing here, and have a great day.:)
2 people like this
19 Oct 07
I have done such a move. I used to live in Alaska. I moved to Scotland in 2001 to be with my hubby. I didn't know anyone here other than my hubby. Almost 6 years later, and I still have no friends here in Scotland. It can be hard when you have no support system in your new country. Who do you turn to when you need to discuss certain things? I still miss certain foods. I miss the convenient lifestyle of the States. Will I ever go back even for a visit? I doubt it as it is way too expensive. If you have an outgoing personality, you will do just fine. An introvert like me finds it very hard at times.
1 person likes this
• Canada
19 Oct 07
Wow, that must've been quite an adjustment. I'm sorry to hear that you're still without friends there. When I 'thought' of re-locating, it was always within my own country. I've visited Scotland years ago, and did find it very different from life in Canada, although it is beautiful there. I agree that personality would have a lot to do with making such a move. Thanks for sharing.
• Canada
7 Sep 07
I'm a pretty simple girl who grew up on a farm...I guess my upbringing has predisposed me to being content and I never wanted to relocate when I was in the country but I had to inorder to persue my career... Seven years ago I moved an hour and a half away from my parents to a big city and was happy for a while but always glad to go home whenever I could. Now I am married and we live in a terrible apartment and are currently looking for a better palce...We cannot leave the city we live in, however, as everything is set up for our special needs son here now. If I could relocate and start over I would go right back to the area where I grew up but that will never happen and I know that sounds boring but that is me! :)
2 people like this
• Canada
10 Sep 07
Hi heavenschild, I never wanted to relocate either, back when I was young, and my mom was still alive, as I loved where we were living too. The things that made me want to make this change, were the fact that I was single for many years, and had thought of making a bold move, to change my career (in Ottawa), and remove myself from certain circles, and make new friends. Since I've been widowed, and I have my daughter, I haven't thought this way, as our home is here. I did think of moving down east (but not seriously), after my husband's passing, and my being alone with my daughter. I felt that we'd do better financially, and there'd be more opportunities in this way for me. The thing that stopped me was our family, and the many friends that I'd miss too much, if we did this. I wish you all the best in finding a new home, and am glad that you still enjoy getting back to your roots too. I'm sure I would as well, again, if my mom (and dad) were still alive. Thanks for sharing.
1 person likes this
@st091127 (114)
• China
20 Oct 07
I have done this twice.When I was in junior high school, I told myself I can change my characters and my surroundings when I was in senior high school.But after I moved to another place for my senior education, I found I couldn't change so much as I expected.When I was in senior high school, I told I can start again in my college, but now I failed again.But in some way, I really have changed, just not so satisfied.
1 person likes this
• Canada
20 Oct 07
I think sometimes 'the grass does seem greener' elsewhere, but then we end up disappointed, after we make such a move. I hope that you're able to make the changes that you wish to make. Thanks for your response, and welcome to myLot.