I want to thank Jenn for letting me be a part of her series of guest blog posts. Doesn’t she rock? Anyways, I’m Brandon Zeman, I have a blog that is probably boring, I started Chicago Tweetups and I’m on Twitter. If you’re still interested, say hi sometime! I look forward to your comments 
Our lovely Free and Flawed decided she hated me just enough to have me blog after her mom. Not an easy act to follow, that I can assure you. Anyways, I struggled for hours with what I should blog about here. I thought maybe I could write an interesting piece on the inner workings of a guy’s mind- but I’m not one to pigeonhole all men into distinct behaviors. Derek suggested I write about why guys like geek girls- but I didn’t think my girlfriend would appreciate that one (she’s not a geek either 
). I even considered writing about some of my experiences in college and in my fraternity, but I want Jenn to still have readers after I’m done.
So finally, I’m watching House Hunters on HGTV last night (don’t judge). A couple from Chicaago was moving to Portland, and then it hit me. I knew what I would write about! It was so obvious at that moment. Jenn is leaving today for some time in LA, so I figured that would make a great topic for my post. Whether it’s the bright lights and hookers of Vegas or your big dreams that send you to New York, moving to a new city has got to be one hell of an experience.
It’s something I want to do at some point, I think. I LOVE Chicago, as I know many of you do also. But there’s something so exciting about starting new somewhere, isn’t there? It’s almost like going away to college- you’re likely in a new town surrounded by new people, completely on your own. You’ll have to adjust to a new job, find your way literally and figuratively, and somehow find and make new friends. Yikes.
So who knows, maybe this time next year I’ll be on the other side of the country. Being recently laid off, the timing might be just right.
But enough about me-have you ever wanted to up and move? Have you actually done it? What were your thoughts leading up to it and how did you adjust to your new locale? I may need some tips
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, I didn’t just UP and move. It took some planning and thought consideration. But after college, I wanted to move from Oregon to New York City. And I did. Well, kinda. I couldn’t really afford NYC, so I moved to NJ. I was able to find a job, and now that I’ve been here awhile I can finally afford to move to NYC and I’m very excited. My thought on the subject is that if you want to start something new and can afford it (that’s a bit thing) DO IT. However, don’t go into it with the mentality that you’re just “trying it” because I feel like if you’re “trying it” than you lack the commitment to really make it work, and you’re more likely to find flaws and want to leave or go back where you were because it’s not perfect. Moving does not solve your problems. It doesn’t make you a more attractive or outgoing person. It gives you new opportunities, but at the end of the day, you are who you are.
Allison Blass´s last blog ..Hitting the Wall.
Reply
Absolutely. I’m quite possibly going to do it, too.
DShan´s last blog ..Digitally Savvy Stand Outs
Reply
I’ve up an moved before (I was on an internship and then decided to just stay in the city I was in), but I moved back home before I thought it would be best. However, after living at home for a little over a year, I’ve realized that my heart is still back in Florida, SO next summer I’m moving back (I actually just decided this YESTERDAY!) and finishing up my last year of college out there. It feels right.
Britt´s last blog ..Looks Like the Beginning of a Beautiful Year… Birthday Recap!
Reply
Well last month I kind of up and moved. I mean, I moved back home so maybe that doesn’t count.. but I moved without having a job secured or anything. Yeah that kinda sucks.
Oh I’ve always wanted to up and move from Texas. Just haven’t figured out where to move TO.
Ari´s last blog ..[tagged]
Reply
I havent gotten a chance but yes, hell yes, I would so definitely move, if possible outside the country.
Reply
I’ve done this twice. Both without very much planning. I don’t regret either move, but I think I’m much more hesitant about doing it again. Before I felt like I was running away more than anything. There were things I couldn’t deal with and I thought that leaving would make it easier to cope. It was a great life experience and I’ve grown a lot because of it. But now I would leave for me and not because I’m afraid, etc.
Reply
Love the comments. I wanted to hear other people’s experiences on this subject, perhaps to better understand what I want for myself.
Guest Blogger´s last blog ..I Got Laid Off
Reply
I agree: Moving, just do it!
Then again, I am timid to do so myself. Since I lost my job about a month ago I have been considering moving back home to Florida (from New York), but have decided to stick out the job search up here through the summer.
I made the big move up to New York two years ago after graduating college so that’s enough MOVING for me for now, ya know!? Ha ha the magic and intensity of it is all still there and that’s what’s so great about moving. If you were to do it, it would be great. In this economy, anything and everything goes these days. It’s time to be adventurous and surprise yourself.
Katie K´s last blog ..Getting used to summer
Reply
A little over three years ago, I moved from Washington, DC to Portland, OR, and I don’t regret it at all. I visited twice before moving to make sure I was making the right decision. When I moved, I was unemployed, but signed up for a temp agency, which kept me afloat until I found a full-time job a few months later.
If you’re close to your family, it will likely be difficult to be a few thousand miles away. It’s also good if you’re single and/or child-free so you are only uprooting yourself.
If this feeling is an itch that doesn’t go away, at least spend a week in the potential new spot to get a sense of if it works for you before making the big decision to pack it all up and move away. Do things locals do (i.e. avoid the touristy things), sit in a bar (if that’s your thing), check out local shops, read up on the local news, investigate job and housing options, etc.
Good luck!
A. L. Venable´s last blog ..On your way to somewhere
Reply
Kind of. I ran off to Milwaukee for school for a year and I thought this was a grand, Miss Independent move, but really – I was running away. I’d still love to do this (and mark my words, I will up and move to a new city altogether or I will be a nomad for a few years!), and can’t wait for that to happen.
Guest Blogger´s last blog ..Playing Dress-Up
Reply