With the start of every new year most of us are looking at making some life changes. Some of us are eager to lose a few kilos while others are dreaming big…
Making the decision to move to a new city – or to a new country for that matter – is a ballsy one! It’s the chance to reinvent yourself and break away from who you’ve been. A new adventure; a new start. And, in many ways, a new you!
Maybe you’re tired of feeling in limbo: with part of you hanging around unable to move forward while another part is contemplating unexplored possibilities. This feeling could be related to your work, financial situation, social life, love life, or to the situation in South Africa. (Did you know that the number of South Africans selling up and emigrating is at an eight-year high?) Still, is this the right choice for you?
Deciding to relocate is a very personal decision and it’s different for everyone. But, let’s be real, it is tricky. A little voice inside you will make you feel hesitant to leave behind the life you’ve built for yourself, the relationships that you’ve forged, and the job it took you forever to get. All of a sudden, the job and home you’ve complained about seems so, well, homey, so right. Maybe being the new kid on the block will be way too hard.
Also, in a society where we pour years of study and thousands of Rands into our chosen fields, it almost feels like a sin to abandon your path, right? Never mind that you most likely chose your career at eighteen years of age. Here’s a quick question: Do you still like any of the foods, bands, or clothes that you were into back then? Just asking…
Whatever your reasons to make a move, you’ll experience a rollercoaster of emotions. And although no one can tell you when it’s time to move onto greener pastures, you’d hate to miss out on opportunities because you dragged your feet, right? Here’s a thought: If there’s a better place to do what you love, it might be time to find your mecca. A great rule of thumb is if you have to scratch your head for more than two seconds when someone asks you why you live where you live, it’s a good sign to move on.
True, there are people who live their entire lives in one city, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But it can’t hurt to try something new. Think about it, the worst thing that can happen is that you don’t like it and move back. At least you’ll be able to replace “What if?” with “I’ve tried and now I know what’s best for my future.” You took the risk.
However, if you do decide to take the plunge, do the research. Know exactly why you’re moving and what you hope to achieve. Be sure of what the move can and cannot provide in terms of happiness.
Remember, the ups and downs of moving are normal. The “OMG I am making a mistake” and the “I can’t do this” feelings are bound to come up in the midst of all these life-altering decisions. But, think about it, you might just be thriving and wondering which city you’ll fall in love with next!
Source: www.unpackt.com, www.holmeshomes.com, www.complex.com, www.mwivisas.com, www.mybekins.com, mentalfloss.com, thefinancialdiet.com, www.elitedaily.com, www.psychologytoday.com
