Hey guys!

Ok so I’ve been bad, my last post was 2 months ago. 😦 Time surely has its way of getting by us. I really am going to give my blog more of my attention so that this won’t be another one of my “unfinished projects”. Sadly to say, I have plenty. LOL.

Any who, so I have been living in a new state for a little over 9 months now. I get asked the question of “What’s it like leaving home behind and living in a different state?” many times. Being approached with the question so many times has really made me sit down and think about how I REALLY felt about making such a big move. In my thought process, I figured ok I should definitely blog about this because you guys may be thinking about making a big move as well! After all, most of you are around my age, still in college/recent graduates, and are waiting for the next BIG thing to happen in your life. One of those things may in fact be moving to a new city or state, right?

 So what is really my answer to the question?

Most of you all know that I am from Mississippi and I am currently living in Texas. My first month living here, I went home EVERY weekend! LOL I had a few things back home that needed to be wrapped up, I was homesick, and of course I missed my family. Driving 6 hours back and forth got old very quick let me tell you that! Leaving home behind for me was very exciting. I was anxious, nervous, scared, but most importantly determined. I was determined to make this move successful and not end up back home before I was ready to return. To answer the question, it’s hard but very do-able.

I thought of some things along the way that will you assist you guys if you are thinking of packing your bags and hitting the road! Quick and simple! Here we go:

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Research job market in your area of interest: Ok this may sound like a no brainer but PLEASE before you decide you are going to move to a particular area, know how the job market is! I think a good way to start this is by searching jobs that are available in the specific city and surrounding areas of your interest. There is plenty of information online! Doing this, you can see what type of jobs are available, how many, and also if there are jobs available in your field of interest! Also, it gives you more room for options. Options are good! I would NOT recommend you move to an area that has low employment rates or if it seems like you are going to have a hard time finding a job there. That’s self-explanatory.

 

 

 

Get out and meet other people: Ok this is the area that I am falling short in. I’m consider myself very reserved, keep to myself, shy but FUN once I warm up to you, kind of person. I am nowhere near the type of person who will approach anyone and start a conversation with them. However, if you are new to an area and don’t know anyone, MINGLING is the only way you are going to meet people. Some of you may get lucky and find a job where you are around people with similar interests or your age group so you won’t have to start from square one. Others may not be. I have heard that a good way to get out to meet young professionals is by visiting local happy hours and networking that way. NETWORKING is a big key! Meeting new people also gives you the opportunity to grow. After all, that is why you’re wanting to move right? To better yourself. Meeting people with similar goals, interests, and great character will definitely lead you on a road to success.

 

 

 

 

Explore your new home: Familiarize yourself with your new area. See what your new home has to offer. On weekends, just get in the car and drive! The more familiar and more comfortable you become in a place than the more likely you are going to want to stay in that area. That’s the thing about moving to a big city, there is so much to do and so many things to see! Don’t be afraid to get out and explore on your own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t be afraid to fail: Please know that it is ok if making your first move doesn’t quite work out the way you planned. That’s what home is for. If you do fail the first time, do more planning to ensure that when you are ready to make that move again it will be successful. It is not easy, especially when you have no one to help! Nevertheless: Stay ENCOURAGED! Stay MOTIVATED! Stay DETERMINED! God has blessed us all with a such a beautiful world with so many things to see, don’t be afraid to EXPLORE it.

 

 

 

 

Move to an area near family members: Most of us have at least one family member who is already living away from home. If that is the case for you, look into the area where that particular family member resides and see if it is of some interest to you. It can be a cousin, uncle, sibling, whoever! I say this because having a family member close to you will help you become more in your comfort zone in your new area. For me, I had my godmother and now I have my sisters.

 

 

 

Reach out to old friends who may be in the area: This may or may not be a good idea but it wouldn’t hurt to try. This is the best time in our lives to make moves so you never know if any people you know may have relocated to the same area as you. If so, try reaching out to them and explore the new area together. It may be a little awkward at first but at least you have another person in the area you know.

 

 

 

 

Be P.I.N.K. about it!: If you haven’t read my blog titled “PINK About It”, I encourage you all to do so! Please check out the post because being P- Positive, I- Innovating, N- Neighborly, and K- Knowledgeable are also actions you can take to ensure that you’re next move is your BEST move!

 

Once again, my goal here is to help people and I hope this article has helped you in even the smallest way.

Thanks for reading!!! Be sure to check out some of my other posts……

 

 

-JJ