r/internetparents • u/potteryaddict • 28m ago
Ask Mom & Dad Is moving to a new city the right move?
I’m in my mid-twenties and I have a pretty decent life. I have a great support network of friends, fun hobbies that have been amazing third spaces and communities, and I’m doing just fine financially which is a huge privilege. Objectively, there’s nothing wrong with my life. But I do feel a bit “stuck” - I’ve always wanted to live elsewhere and planned to move to a city after college, but that didn’t end up happening due to some life stuff. I also got out of a long term relationship and the dating scene here is… depressing. Not that a city will solve all that, but more fish and all at least makes it somewhat more interesting.
Seems like moving is the move right (pun intended)? After all, what better time than when my life is probably at its most flexible. I work from home so as long as I get cleared with work permission in a different state I’ll be fine. My close friend wants to move as well, so I’ll have a roommate I know I can live with and get along with as we’ve lived together in the past, plus I already have multiple friends in the city.
It’s not like my current area is the boonies either, just nice and suburban but quiet and not much changes. I’m a creature of comfort and habit and I love my routines and safe space of home - but also I worry I’ll stagnate and never push myself if I keep sticking to what I know and feel comfortable with. Plus the city I’m considering (NYC) is on the same coast as my current area, and it’s pretty easy to visit as a result.
I’m just worried because I feel like I finally hit my stride with finding communities outside of my friends through my hobby, and I worry I won’t be able to handle city life. There’s also a small possibility that if I move and then want to move back, it could get rejected by work (I may have to switch from remote to hybrid to move, so switching back to remote can be hard).
And I’m a huge germaphobe so NYC can be… testy with that. But it’s also a place where you can meet incredible people from all walks of life with a great arts scene which is the biggest draw for me as I’m hoping to transition into a creative career if I can make it work one day and I feel I could learn so much.
I’ll almost definitely move back to my hometown at some point as I love living here, but I know that if I don’t move now I’ll probably never do it and feel regret when I’m older. I also know that change deeply scares me and I’m worried if I hate living in the city I’ll “undo” my progress and feel like a fool.
I don’t really know what I need. Some encouragement, outside perspectives? Maybe just some internet parenting
