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In reply to the discussion: What makes you decide to make a big life change? [View all]NJCher
(35,643 posts)I will be very interested in reading what others say.
In my case, the first change I want to talk about is a geographic move. I was living in the midwest, where I was born, in the midst of "conservative" types. They were driving me nuts with their backwards policies. I used to hate seeing outdoor boards that were anti-choice, for example. I was a born radical and in those days, Berkeley was the place to be. I asked my dad to send me to school there, but being somewhat of a conservative, he declined.
While I worked in several radical (at the time, now mainstream) political groups in the midwest, I still couldn't stand the slow pace. I also believed in myself and didn't want to waste my career in some backwater small city.
I decided to seek a job where I could work in the "big time" of my field. That meant NYC. Oddly enough, I applied for three jobs with major Fortune 100 firms, received three offers, and enjoyed a terrific career in media. They even moved me, found me a place to live, and paid for everything.
As a result, I largely got away from republicans and took up residence in a very liberal town. I soon began seeing how important it is to live in an area where one shares at least broad political views with one's fellow residents. I continued to work for liberal causes, only now I felt I was really among my peers.
I've never regretted this move, not ever.
I did have a rough adjustment in terms of finding new friends, learning my way around, etc. I learned a good lesson, though, and that is that familiar things are very important--things like knowing your way around the grocery store. Where the public library is. I have valued them ever since my move.
I might come back and post about some other big life changes later. One or two are about psychological changes, and still another might be a lifestyle change.
Cher